ONCE described by its critics as down right boring, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed 4WD has a brand new look, a new and more modern exterior style, and is more confident on the road than ever before.
It’s quieter, and the vibrations of the past are almost gone too, presenting a more complete vehicle for lovers of the Outlander, and offering newcomers to the brand a real choice against its more expensive competitors.
The Exceed gets a tonne of extra technology and exclusive features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation (giving your Outlander a mind of its own to avoid front facing impacts), LED headlamps with auto leveling, headlamp washers (still one of the coolest things on any car), chrome outer door handles (for that extra sparkles), and smart key with one touch start.
You also get an electric power tailgate for accessing the sixth and seventh seat (which to be honest are not that comfortable), electric sunroof, swanky piano black accent panels and door trim, leather seat facings with front seat heaters, a power driver’s seat and shiny outer scuff plates.
The addition of a seven seat option (including our test vehicle) makes it more family friendly, but on the downside, it comes at a price. The first five seats offer great room, comfort and support for up to three car seats (including two ISOFIX attachment points).
One downside, if we can point the finger, is the rear set of seats, which is perfectly fine for the 8-12 year old sized child, but get beyond that, and the struggle begins for leg room in that rear space. Load space two almost completely disappears when using the third row.
From a power perspective, the Exceed is pretty good – not spectacular, but more than adequate for almost any driver. Generating 124kW of power and 220Nm of torque, the 2.4L petrol engine is responsive, with a solid integration to the CVT gearbox that delivers a promised 7.5L/100km in fuel economy (we actually managed 7.4L/100km under test).
It does struggle for torque during high speed overtaking opportunities, but in traffic, and general suburban driving it behaves perfectly well. Up against the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and the Jeep Cherokee (to choose just two of its many competitors), even the Exceed finds it hard to match interior quality against the top of the line Mazda and Jeep options.
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed (4WD) also benefits from capped price servicing, a five year/100,oookm warranty, a new look and feel, and a modern styling that probably puts the Outlander where it should have been in terms of drive and quality all along.
It hits the road for $46,550 drive away, and comes in White Solid (or white as most people know it), Starlight (that murky off white colour), Cool Silver, Red (the one we tested), Ironbark, Titanium and Black.
Our test vehicle was provided by Mitsubishi Motors Australia. To find out more about the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed 4WD, contact your local Mitsubishi dealer.
