THE Mitsubishi Outlander has been working out.
Once lagging - power-wise - behind its main rivals in the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment, Outlander must have been getting a little tired of having sand kicked in its face.
Charles Atlas would be proud of the latest result, however, with the all-wheel-drive wagon coming out of the Mitsubishi gymnasium with 20% more power.
The hearty increase comes courtesy of a bigger 2.4 litre SOHC four-cylinder MPI engine with MIVEC, or Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control.
What this means to motoring fans is 120kW of power instead of the previous 100kW. This was a little tame compared with adversaries Nissan X-Trail (132kW), Honda CR-V (118kW) and Subaru Forester (112kW).
Outlander pretty much feels like a completely new vehicle and its makeover continues some bold changes for Mitsubishi`s range, which includes a sassy Colt revival, red-blooded Lancer Evolution VIII and family-friendly Grandis people mover.
The MIVEC system regulates engine operation in three modes - low speed, high speed and MD (Modulated Displacement) - to match different driving situations.
MIVEC engines also produce significant increases in torque across the full engine rev range, as well as delivering excellent fuel economy.
This engine was first seen in Australia earlier this year when the company launched it in the recently released Grandis.
In the ZF Outlander guise, the heart develops its 120kW of power at 5750 revs and 220Nm of torque at 4000 rpm - up from 205Nm at 2500 rpm. A whopping 95% of this torque is available at 2500 rpm.
The transmission is a smooth four-speed automatic with Sports Mode sequential shifting capability and Mitsubishi`s acclaimed INVECS II Smart Logic.
Power is put to the ground through Outlander`s Lancer Evo derived full-time 4WD system with Viscous Coupling Unit in the drive train.
The Outlander is a breeze to pilot. All the controls fall readily to hand and the cabin is as practical as it is comfortable and stylish.
The driver gets an excellent view of proceedings and the AWD has a solid and safe feel that inspires confidence.
It is not only an increase in power and torque that is significant for the ZF Outlander.
There are also significant design changes inside and out in the new model line-up to freshen the overall look of the vehicle.
All models have new European inspired frontal treatments with diagonal bars in the front grille, projector style headlights, front and rear bumper garnishes, bee-sting style radio antenna, and large colour keyed rear spoiler.
The tailgate has also been redesigned to incorporate a larger rear window and bigger handle, while model badging has also been redesigned and relocated. The new look Outlander name has been moved to the lower left-hand side of the tailgate.
The entry LS model is well-equipped and gets ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), rear disc brakes, roof rails (as per XLS), and revised taillight assembly as part of the exterior changes. On the inside, the power window switch panels are now metal-look, the remote central locking device is incorporated into the key fob (all models), the driver`s side seat back now has a map storage pocket (all models) and the instrument meter cluster sports a white face.
The XLS gets front and rear fender flares, privacy glass on the rear doors, rear quarter and tailgate glass, a side sill garnish with colour coded inserts and revised red (previously clear) tail light assembly.
Inside there is new decoration on the dash insert, chrome scuff plates on the front doors, chrome tailgate garnish and new seat fabric.
Outlander`s impressive list of standard features includes dual airbags, side airbags (optional on LS), power steering, power windows, power external mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, full instrumentation, AM/FM radio with CD and six-speaker (LS four-speaker) audio unit, 6-CD changer (optional on LS), illuminated glove box, two-speed front wipers with speed sensitive variable intermittent setting, rear wiper with intermittent setting, and rear window demister.
Other improvements include an increased alternator capacity (from 90A to 110A), larger capacity radiator, and an improved fan motor (from 80W to 120W).
The colors for ZF Outlander include White Pearl, Black Mica, Cool Silver Metallic, Wine Red Metallic, Effect Grey (new), and Code Red (new - VR-X only).