A new or updated Mitsubishi Outlander arrives next month with Australian-tuned suspension.
The Australian research and development team, led by Tony Dorrington, worked closely with international colleagues to refine the updated Outlander’s ride and handling balance.
Working with head office engineers on roads throughout Australia and Japan, the group developed new suspension components and a steering map for the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to ensure Outlander drives like never before.
Updates include recalibrated front and rear shock absorbers with changes to both ‘bump’ and ‘rebound’ tuning, and a smaller-diameter front anti-roll bar to suit.
The EPS mapping has been adjusted to provide improved on-centre feel and a more linear response when turning.
Finally, the whole package was calibrated to work in conjunction with a newly-specified Bridgestone summer tyre.
This successful collaboration has resulted in the Australian-developed chassis tune being adopted for global markets.
Prices for the new Outlander start from $39,990 for the five-seat, front-drive ES with increases of up to $2950 across grades.
Petrol-powered models will arrive first with the hybrids to follow later.
There’s no change to 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine which delivers 135kW and 244Nm, through a CVT-style continuously-variable automatic.
The facelift brings new front and rear bumpers and new look wheels.
The updated Outlander also benefits from several chassis and body updates designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
The interior has been redesigned not just in form but in function.
Higher quality materials are used throughout, the ornate interior stitching being a particular highlight.
All interior lighting is now touch-capacitive LED.
An updated centre console repositions the cup holders for improved ergonomics while central armrest storage has improved by 45 per cent.
In the second row, new padding improves support and the seat back itself has been lengthened for additional comfort.
For the first time cooling is available for the front seats.
Infotainment and on-board technologies have also been upgraded, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and improved wireless charging pad design ensuring more phone sizes can be accommodated.
Android Auto now works wirelessly and improved sound isolation enhances Yamaha’s signature 8- and 12-speaker sound systems.
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