WE ALREADY knew the pricing, we’ve already seen it in showrooms, but at last we’ve had a first drive of Mitsubishi’s new Outlander compact SUV.

Promising better cabin quality, vastly improved fuel economy and the continuing allure of seven-seat availability, the new model is charged with growing sales by more than 30 per cent, and thereby competing with the segment’s big boys – the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail and Mazda CX-5.

First impressions indicate Mitsubishi has made a decent fist of it, presenting a model that drives, rides and handles better than before and offers excellent passenger space and a perky diesel engine for the first time.

But then it also offers less cargo space than its arguably more stylish predecessor, and puts on the table a questionable CVT automatic transmission.

Click the yellow button below for more drive impressions...