2016 Mistubishi Outlander at the 2015 NYIAS
While the only Mistsubishi sold currently in India is the Pajero Sport, the Japanese manufacturer has showcased the latest gen 2016 Outlander SUV at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. The new model is, in essence, a facelift, though Mitsubishi has stressed that the refreshed Outlander gets ‘100 engineering and design improvements’, the most obvious being using the HEV Concept-S’s design.
Production-spec cars usually have a toned down version of their concepts’ design but the 2016 Outlander is quite outlandish in the styling department. The prominent grille flanked by slimmed-down all-LED headlights, the 18-inch diamond cut alloys, the new rear bumper, the LED taillamp cluster and stylish black cladding with silver trim, all lend the SUV a look that is slightly out there, with most developing rather polarising love-hate relationships with the way the SUV looks.
The interiors get an update as well along the same lines as the concept it has been lifted from, with a new electric steering wheel, new auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink, and a new infotainment system. Safety features on the 2016 Outlander include Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). NVH levels have also been reduced by the using a reinforced chassis along with a tweaked suspension set up.
The engine options are expected to the same 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol motors which were available with the last generation model, though this fact hasn’t been confirmed by Mitsubishi as yet. A hybrid Outlander may also be on the cards for American and European markets. There isn’t any word on when and if this new SUV will come to India to take on the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe seeing as Hindusthan Motors stopped building the car only a few months ago, but speculation suggests that a possible launch in early 2016.
