2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Gets Brash On Top and Better Underneath

As teased earlier last month, Mitsubishi has unveiled the facelifted Outlander SUV at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, wearing a striking new front end that looks inspired by the striking 2013 XR-PHEV concept and previewed by last year’s Outlander PHEV Concept-S.

Besides the distinctive front fascia, which represents Mitsubishi’s new ‘global brand identity’, the Outlander’s front fenders and lower door sections has been redesigned, while the Outlander is rounded off with a better profiled rear tailgate and LED taillights. According to Mitsubishi, the facelift work is more than just a nip-and-tuck. It is said that the Outlander facelift features over 100 engineering and design improvements done to the platform to deliver better structural rigidity, ride quality, and reduced NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels.

Improved Handling and Refinement

Though there is no mention on changes to the Outlander’s drivetrain, Mitsubishi has given all CVT-equipped variants a new generation CVT that is said to deliver improved acceleration, performance, shift feel and torque delivery. In the meantime the Outlander’s handling has been improved with the body and suspension structural rigidity increased, suspension redesigned, the addition of dynamic dampers on front and rear suspension and rear differential, and an electric power steering system that has been tweaked. NVH levels is also said to have been reduced thanks to inclusion of thicker rear door glass and more sound insulation throughout the vehicle.

Better Levels of Comfort and Safety

On the inside however the Outlander features minor improvements to its trim, giving it a classier feel with the addition of soft touch features, accent trim for the doors and dashboard, improved seating surfaces, and a subtly redesigned steering wheel. The folding operation of the rear seats has also been improved and made easier. As for in-car entertainment, the Outlander has been overhauled as well with the fitment of a new Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System navigation and display audio system.

For the US-market at least the Outlander is available with a whole host of active safety systems such as Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Fitted with the optional Forward Collision Mitigation system, the pre-facelift Outlander was able to gain a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Outlander comes fully equipped with seven airbags with roll-over sensors, Active Stability Control with Traction Control Logic, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Can we expect to see it in Malaysia?

There have been plenty of rumours circulating over the introduction of the Outlander in Malaysia. While it is no secret that Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has been putting the Outlander PHEV through its paces here, there has yet to be any confirmation on when it would be making its debut in Malaysia. However should it make its entry anytime in the near future, you can expect it to appear big and bold just as it did in New York.