Update: Mitsubishi Outlander is launched now!
Expected in: September 2008
Estimated Price: 18-20 Lakh
The Honda CRV is being challenged. Finally! Everyone has been eyeing the growing SUV market here and there have been competitors but none of them have been able to even create a false alarm or a mild tremor. Enter the Outlander. Why do you think should this entrant be taken seriously? First of all, it’s a Mitsubishi with rallying and Paris – Dakar pedigree. That should take care of the off roading doubts. But seriously, looking at the price range and what the SUV history in India has taught us is that there is not much off road activity happening as such. It’s more of a lifestyle statement and a good vehicle to own for out of town trips or even within the city because of its macho stance.
The Outlander definitely is better suited for off road enthusiasts and will not be disappointed in terms of performance. It is well known for its custom made Rockford Fosgate system that comes as standard. This has phenomenal output and clarity. We will only have to wait and see if it will be part of the Indian offering.
At present, in India, the hardcore and old school 4X4 is for 30lakh plus. Sorry to say this but the Endeavor and the CRV that claim to be in the off tarmac category do not live up to the word and this vacuum can be filled by the Outlander. Even though the demand may not be much there will be enough and more takers if there is an SUV on offer, in the same price band as the CRV, with more to offer in terms of performance. The engines on offer are 2.4L and 3L engines with the all wheel drive as standard. It looks very much a car from the front even with its stance. Please do not get disheartened as the rear looks rebellious to say the least. Seems like it has been in war with the cuts and lines, more like bruises! At first glance, it may not seem as striking as the CRV but it does patch a mix of the contemporary curves and deep cuts that dominate the rear. It looks like it means business and delivers too unlike the CRV which does promise a lot but lets you down while taken away from the familiar tarmac.
Earlier this month, while unveiling the launch of Ralliart, Mitsubishi Motor Corporation’s (MMC) motorsports wing in terms of graphics, design, and merchandising in India, it was made clear that the Outlander would be expected in August this year and would be made in the Chennai plant itself. This is a huge relief as the overall price would not be affected by the dreaded CBU status. Here is where the Outlander could score over the CRV which at present is enjoying the CBU tag here. Also there was slight indication that the 2.4L would be on offer. We will just have to wait and watch. By the looks of things MMC seem to be serious in getting into the sports and adventure side of the Indian audience and rightly so since it is their strength. I am sure most of us knew that but it’s been a long time coming in terms of an affordable true blue SUV and what better than Mitsubishi to get into the fray!
