Mitsubishi to introduce diesel powered 2014 Outlander in India

Mitsubishi has made their product strategy in India clear by filtering out sedan models like the Lancer, Cedia and the Evolution X from the Indian market. The second generation Outlander also got the axe as part of the clear out because of its inability to attract buyers partly due to the fact that it did not provide a diesel engine option. Mitsubishi has addressed this issue and as a result they have announced that the third generation Outlander currently sold in the global market will be introduced in India next year with diesel motor.  The Outlander will be the entry level offering from the company and will join the Pajero Sport and the Montero in Mitsubishi’s all SUV line up.

The new Outlander is considerably bigger than the model it replaces and will be offered in both five and seven seat options. It flaunts a more urban appeal with its slender chrome grille, extended headlight assembly and the prominent crease that accentuates the door panels. The rear also gets considerable modifications in the form of a new tail light cluster and a broad chrome strip which we notice is becoming a staple addition to most new SUVs in the market.

The highlight of the new model will definitely be the introduction of the more preferred diesel engine to the Outlander portfolio. Currently in its third iteration, the SUV is offered with both petrol and diesel motors in the global market, but the diesel motor are the ones likely to make it to the Indian market. This turbocharged 2.2-litre engine makes do with 150PS power and 380Nm of torque, a tad below its direct rival, the Chevrolet Captiva. A six-speed manual and automatic gearbox are available on the global model and it is likely that both of these will be on offer when the Outlander hits Indian shores next year.

Apart from the lack of having a diesel engine what has hindered the Outlander sales is its steep price bracket. Shipped to India as CBUs (Completely Built Units), it was impossible for Mitsubishi to put a cap on the escalated prices. But hopefully, the company will opt for the CKD route this time around considering the HM assembly unit at Tiruvallur already manufactures a number of their product offerings.