All the right stuff |
| 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Limited AWD (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Want a reliable compact SUV? Sure you do. You want the ruggedness and capability that a four wheel drive offers, but don't want a V8 swilling back gasoline like it's the mid sixties again. You'll have little trouble finding one of those mini utes at any local dealership- some carmakers have more than one to choose from. According to sales figures, they're becoming more and more popular, as consumers become more sensitive to fuel costs, and technology makes them more comfortable, user friendly and efficient. But what if you want one which is cheap to drive and doesn't bore you, or your friends or your family? Aaaah, now THAT makes things a little more complicated.
You'll have no trouble finding an all wheel drive system, a four-cylinder engine and often a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. You'll find at higher price points such niceties as heated leather seats, upgraded stereos, sunroofs and side curtain airbags too. Trouble is that many entries into this segment just aren't very exciting.
That's where the Mitsubishi Outlander Limited comes in. Not only is it perhaps the best looking machine in its class, but it's loaded full of great features and comfort for a reasonable price, and backed by an industry- leading warranty. It will take your family and friends around in style and comfort, unphased by whatever nasty weather conditions mother nature might whip up. Do you study out of town and travel home from time to
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| 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Limited AWD (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
time, perhaps at Christmas? This Mitsubishi will get you there safely every time, in any season so your mom doesn't have to worry, you big wimp.
There is a sense of purpose in the look of the Outlanders face. It's smart and aggressive, with a beak like nose that slices through the elements, and angry looking headlights, complete with projectors. The four open grille segments showing off the hardware underneath suggest power and capability. The rear is more wagon than SUV like, with the license plate mounted low in the bumper and not on the liftgate. There are busy looking clear taillights, and a high-mounted LED brake light integrated in the rear "spoiler". It's a handsome looking truck and despite its respectable price, it still manages to turn heads of passers by.
My Limited tester was equipped with heated leather seats, carbon fiber look trim, air conditioning, cruise control, a sunroof, a magnificent Infinity stereo system with MP3 compatibility and an in dash 6 disc changer. The Infinity belts out crisp and authoritative sounding music. I was surprised that it had a better sound than the Lancer Ralliart, even with the built in subwoofer in the latter. There is a timepiece mounted in the top of the dash, a la Cadillac or Infiniti. The visibility all around is good as far as a small SUV goes. The window pillars aren't bulky, so you can navigate parking lots and highway lane changes with ease. Getting in and out is a breeze, no step up or down required, just slide on in. The execution of the interior feels very natural and inviting -- it's like putting on a nice leather jacket.
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| 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander Limited AWD (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
It certainly becomes apparent once you start driving and looking around that this isn't a really big machine. It doesn't command the road like a huge truck. It doesn't require a step up to get inside of. Parking lot maneuvers are as easily pulled off as any car. It doesn't threaten to run over Smart Cars in the Costco parking lot hidden from view. Once you are settled, you'll notice storage compartments all around you, a large sunroof overhead that opens at the touch of a button, and a natural, comfortable seating position.
