2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Reviews

Should you wait for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport? Styling: As its name suggests, the "2011 Mitsubishi Outlander" Sport plays Mini Me to the Mitsubishi Outlander compact SUV. The Outlander Sport is more than a foot shorter than the Outlander in overall length and is essentially a wagon-on-stilts version of the Mitsubishi Lancer compact car. The Outlander Sport will have seating positions for five, with fold-down rear seats. Like the Lancer, the 2011 Outlander Sport will come with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD). It’s quite possible the CVT will be the only transmission offered on AWD Outlander Sports.

On the safety-feature front, expect the Outlander Sport to follow Lancer’s lead with rear drum brakes standard on lower-line models.

The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander ranks 10 out of 24 Affordable Compact SUVs. At first glance, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander seems like a compact SUV that’s just average. Before settling on the Outlander, though, reviewers recommend you check out the competition. Test drivers complain about the Outlander’s unrefined engine and interior materials that just seem cheap. Note that the RAV4 can’t match the Outlander’s warranty coverage, however.

The Outlander was freshened in 2010, so 2011 sees few changes.

The latest industry trend to be spotted at the New York auto show was the incredible shrinking crossover, exemplified by the Nissan Juke and this Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. A base model with manual transmission weighs in at an estimated 3050 pounds, thanks to features like recycled-plastic front fenders and extensive use of high-strength steel. Mitsubishi claims that the "Mitsubishi Outlander" Sport will get an EPA number of 31 mpg on the highway.

Like the regular Mitsubishi Outlander, the Sport is front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. The uplevel SE model has features such as automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated front seats, and a keyless entry system as standard. The Outlander Sport goes on sale at the end of 2010 as a 2011 model.

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Mitsubishi Lancer 2011 model year update

As a part of the Mitsubishi Lancer 2011 model year update, the company has introduced a new trim level into the range called the Mitsubishi Lancer SX.

Safety-wise, all variants get a revised brake assist system and an improved power windows safety mechanism.

The biggest change to the Lancer line up though is the introduction of the Lancer SX model. The Mitsubishi Lancer SX gets the same 2.0-litre, 113kW engine as the ES and VR models, while the VR-X and Aspire models get the 2.4-litre, 125kW four cylinder. Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi, said about the introduction of the SX model,

Mitsubishi has added a new six-speed 1.8 litre common rail direct injection diesel engined version of their Lancer. The Lancer features the brand new all-aluminum DOHC 16v 4-cylinder Common rail direct injection “low impact” Euro 5 Diesel engine, develops 150 bhp @ 3,000 rpm.

The highlight of this technology is Mitsubishi’s proprietary MIVEC variable valve timing system, a world first for a passenger car Diesel engine.

Taut and sharp, the Lancer again presents the new sharp visual identity for the brand, dubbed the “Jet Fighter grille”. The Lancer has a good comprehensive safety packages, including nine airbags. Other passive safety features include 3-point ELR seatbelts in all seats. The Lancer also employs Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) uni-body that brings dramatic advances in multi-directional impact safety performance. The 1.8L diesel is priced at €22,995 with €156 annual road tax (Tax Band B) and fuel economy of 5.3L/100km (53MPG).

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Mitsubishi L200 Reviews

Mitsubishi L200 Reviews
Mitsubishi L200. 4Life adds power windows, manual air con, keyless entry and central locking. Warrior throws in rear electric glass window and climate control. Animal gains sat-nav, CD autochanger and Animal graphics while Elegance steps-up with DVD sat-nav, leather, and powered and heated seats. Driving position feels more car-like, driving wheel is tilt-adjustable and the whole interior has more of a quality feel. Double cabs are more spacious than its predecessor especially in the rear.

There’s the option of a four-speed auto on the Warrior, Animal and Elegance models while the Animal gets the optional power boost of 26bhp to 160bhp as standard. The five-speed gearbox requires a firm action, has a long travel, and makes the most of the engine’s power.

Driving

The Mitsubishi L200 has old-fashioned leaf spring suspension at the rear, enabling very heavy loads to be carried. The 2.5-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine produces 134bhp, and is smooth and torquey, if a little unrefined. The range-topping Warrior even comes with a Ralliart engine power upgrade - available as an option on other versions - which pushes power up to 165bhp. Rivals include the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Isuzu Rodeo and Ford Ranger.

Owning

The "Mitsubishi L200" combines four-door SUV practicality with a huge, versatile rear pick-up deck.

Pick-up market

With a possible green shoots of growth starting to appear in the new vehicle market Mitsubishi have added to their already comprehensive range of double cab pickups with Long Bed versions which have 1,510mm of load length at the rear an increase of 180mm – roughly seven inches.

L200 Long Bed

The Mitsubishi L200 Long Bed is available with 4Work, 4Life, Warrior and Animal levels of specification covering most needs. Long Bed models range in price, including VAT, from £17,536 to £25,816 and running costs are reasonable for a 4x4 heavyweight vehicle of this type because customers can take the Mitsubishi Service Plan option which covers three-years/37,000 miles and costs £395 plus VAT.

Warrior specification for fixtures and fittings includes electrically operated windows and door mirrors, 17-inch alloys, traction control, cruise control, climate control, leather steering wheel, a good sound system with multi speakers and rear chrome bar as a bumper.

My test vehicle also had the full leather upholstery treatment and weighed in at £22,826 including VAT but not including the £185 commercial vehicle rate VED road tax.

Performance and driving

Unladen with the vehicle in rear wheel drive mode, the tail is very prone to wheel spin and the rear end sliding out on corners and roundabouts in damp weather. The ‘super select’ system allows for high ratio two and four wheel drive, differential lock and low ratio four wheel drive. With an overall length of 5,180mm, width of 1,800mm and a height of 1,780mm the L200 Long Bed is a huge vehicle to park, spaces are just not that big so I would recommend optional front and rear parking sensors are fitted.

The latest L200 Long Bed looks better balanced thanks to the extra load bed length but in Warrior specification it is very much a workhorse dressed up as a thoroughbred.

Mitsubishi L200

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2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews

The original Mitsubishi Lancer never exactly blew us away.

Current Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi's stylish compact sedan is offered in DE, ES, GTS and Ralliart trims. Should that not be enough, there is the Ralliart, which offers a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the Ralliart, while Mitsubishi's first continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional (except on Ralliart). In reviews of the Mitsubishi Lancer, we've been impressed with its improved handling, sporty styling and high-tech optional features. Used Mitsubishi Lancer models

The current Lancer dates back to the 2008 model year. The first "Mitsubishi Lancer" was launched for the 2002 model year as a replacement for the Mirage sedan. The O-Z Rally trim offered a sportier look thanks to 15-inch O-Z alloy wheels and special interior trim upgrades. All trims came with the 120-hp 2.0-liter engine and a five-speed manual. Running changes included the 2004 debut of the Lancer Ralliart trim level, which boasted a 162-hp 2.4-liter engine, ABS, alloy wheels, sport exhaust and a sport-tuned suspension. Ralliart sedans came standard with a five-speed manual transmission. That year, Mitsubishi also introduced the Lancer Sportback wagon, available in LS or Ralliart trim. The 162-hp engine powered both wagon trim levels, but the Sportback was only available with a four-speed automatic. Mitsubishi discontinued the Lancer LS and both Sportback models in 2005. In 2006, the Lancer SE, featuring a sunroof, six audio speakers, cruise control and remote keyless entry, was introduced to freshen up the lineup.

In road tests, our editors found this Mitsubishi Lancer comfortable, though not especially fun to drive. The sport-tuned Lancer Ralliart, with its more powerful engine and tighter suspension, offers higher performance at an affordable price, making it the best choice of this Lancer generation.

Previous to the Lancer, Mitsubishi's small-car offering was the Mirage

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer ranks 14 out of 32 Affordable Small Cars. The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the sportiest options among Affordable Small Cars. Reviewers find its front seats comfortable and handling adequate for highway driving and city cruising. The press also complains about the Lancer’s lethargic performance. If you can’t afford the Evolution, the Lancer Ralliart, the Lancer’s upmost trim, costs about $6,000 less than the Evolution.

Other Cars to Consider

Although the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is available, you can still get a 2010 model. The Mazda3 has more standard features and better high tech options than the Lancer, and it’s only about $500 more. The Volkswagen Golf’s plain exterior doesn’t match the Mitsubishi Lancer’s aggressive attitude, but it still tops the Lancer in the Affordable Small Car rankings because of its nice interior, powerful engines, peppy attitude on the road and optional diesel engine. Details: 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer:

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is available in four trims: DE, ES, GTS and Ralliart. The base DE trim starts at $14,995. Meanwhile, the Ralliart, which has more horsepower and all-wheel drive, begins at $27,495. The Lancer Sportback, a five-door hatchback, is also available and starts at $19,190. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a high-performance vehicle, is reviewed separately.

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The new 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The new 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The Evo X SE packs the same TC-SST transmission as its 335i-challenging sibling, complete with three driving modes – Normal, Sport and Super-Sport – channeling all 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque to its S-AWC all-wheel drive system.

Inside, cloth Recaros come standard – our preferred choice compared to the MR's leather-lined thrones.

Want a dual clutch transmission in your "Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution" X, but lack the scratch to spring for the high-end Evolution MR or MR Touring? Power from the turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 stays at 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, and the SE is still equipped with Mitsubishi's S-AWC all-wheel-drive system.

Cosmetically, the car is assuredly a Franken-Evo. The Lancer Evolution SE uses the front fascia from the base Evolution GSR, along with its wheels and black side vents, but it does receive the rear lip spoiler from the MR Touring. Cloth Recaro seats are standard, and Mitsubishi's navigation system -- shown in these photos -- remains an option.

At $36,445, the Lancer Evolution SE is about $2000 more than a GSR, but if you're hankering for that slick transmission, this is the way to do it on a budget. MR models -- previously the only Evo to use the transmission -- typically run $5000 more than the entry-level Evo.

Look for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE to arrive at dealerships nationwide this September.

The "new 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution" X SE (Special Edition) goes on sale this September, priced from $36,445 (including a $745 destination charge).

On the outside the car is fitted with the base model GSR’s front cowling, wheels and blacked out side vents.

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