2007 Mitisubishi Outlander

Brian Moore

FASTLINE

Mitsubishi's ongoing rejuvenation of its product line produced the sexy, fourth-generation Eclipse sports car for 2006.

Now comes the second-gen 2007 Outlander, available in LS and XLS dress.

This compact crossover SUV is longer, taller and wider than its predecessor, which resembled a station wagon.

Mitsu pitches the stylish new version as perfect for those seeking passion and sporty fun in driving.

Outlander, built in Japan, is shouldering its way into a crowded but fast-growing segment that includes heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V

There's only one powertrain: a potent, all-new 220 hp 3.0-litre V6, with a six-speed automatic, the firm's first.

The previous Outlander had a 160-horse, 2.4-litre four.

Fans of manual shifting sans clutch pedal (if these really exist) will love the available, seriously long (13 cm) magnesium paddle shifters in front of steering column stalks.

You have a choice of front-wheel drive or driver-selectable four-wheel-drive models.

The latter have a big, simple-to-use 2WD/4WD/Lock knob on the centre console.

The liftgate, set off by distinctive clear plastic LED taillights, is horizontally split for easier handling.

The small lower section flips down to serve as a seat or picnic ledge.

Prices: the FWD LS starts at $25,498, with 4WD boosting the base to $26,998.

The 4WD XLS opens at $32,998 and rises to $36,998 if you want the HDD (hard disc drive) nav/audio system with touch screen and a DVD set-up.

The tester was a loaded, bright-red XLS with charcoal leather seating.

Mitsubishi offers a strong warranty: bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 100,000 km, powertrain protection for 10 years or 160,000 km.

Well established in the U.S., Mitsu began selling cars and SUVs in the Canadian market in September 2002.

THREE STARS

Refined powertrain balances pep and mileage (12.2 L/100 city, 8.5 highway for the 4x4).
The 60/40 second-row bench slides and the seatbacks recline. The whole thing folds and flips vertically for max cargo room (head restraints stay in place).
The three-diamonds brand, burnished by rally glory and still not that common, has cachet.

THREE STRIKES

Ride is on the rigid side and transmits road imperfections.
The kicked-down roofline cuts into rear headroom.
Mitsu shows chutzpah in calling the XLS a seven-seater. The third-row, two-place bench, stowable under the floor, is tiny.

The firm prefers "compact" and says the perch is meant for those under 5-foot-3.

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