Outlander gets safer

MITSUBISHI has added the safety of electronic stability control to the base model Outlander, as well as climate-control air-conditioning and alloy wheels, as part of a revised line-up for its compact SUV.

Although the price of the entry-level 2.4-litre LS model with CVT transmission has risen by $1800 to $33,790 as a result of the extra equipment, the introduction of a new five-speed manual gearbox version for the first time sees the starting price for Outlander come down $500 to $31,490.

Mitsubishi has slashed the price of the cheapest 3.0-litre V6-engined model, the VR, by some $1000 to make it more competitive in the market, but other Outlander models have risen by between $300 (VRX) and $1500 (XLS).

Side and curtain airbags remain an option on the LS and VR models, but the cost has been reduced from $1500 to $850.

All Outlander models are now available with seven-seat capability, which is standard on a new range-topping VRX Luxury variant and a $1200 option on other models in the range.

Various exterior and interior trim and styling refinements have been introduced for the 2008 model year line-up, along with slightly revised equipment levels and instrumentation.

XLS models gain standard side and curtain airbags, Bluetooth phone capability and a new sport mesh seat trim. For the first time, XLS models also come with optional leather seats with power adjustment and heating.

With the addition of two seven-seat-only Luxury models, the Outlander line-up now extends to six models – the four-cylinder LS, XLS and XLS Luxury, then the six-cylinder six-speed auto-only VR, VRX and VRX Luxury.

The Luxury models offer HID automatic self-levelling headlights with washers, automatic wipers and a premium Rockford Fosgate sound system. The VRX Luxury additionally gets a sunroof, leather seats and a rear seat entertainment system.

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander pricing:

LS - $31,490
LS (a) - $33,790
XLS (a) - $38,990
XLS Luxury (a) - $44,990
VR (a) - $37,490
VRX (a) - $43,490
VRX Luxury (a) - $48,990