Mitsubishi announces new-generation Outlander SUV

Mitsubishi Motors has said in a statement that it would launch its new-generation Outlander SUV at the Paris Motor Show in September and has released the first official pictures, well, computer renderings of its Outlander-Concept show car.

The Outlander, which is Mitsubishi's new European SUV, is due to go on sale in spring next year and the fourth largest auto-manufacturer in Japan, said that this vehicle has been designed to bring new levels of comfort and drivability to the SUV market which is growing globally at an impressive pace.

Minato-ku, Tokyo based Automobile manufacturer also just recently had launched its L200 sport-utility-truck earlier this year.

The mid-sized 4X4 vehicle will be fitted with 20" alloy wheels, a premium sound system, silver-painted accessories such as roof rails and skid-plates, and it is finished in red metallic paint. It features a Volkswagen-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine (140bhp) and six-speed manual gearbox. It also exhibits the new 5+2-seater cabin layout, with two small folding rear seats behind the second row and its split rear tailgate.

The company said that Outlander-Concept is a no-compromise solution for a different type of recreational vehicle. It would be using the in-built adaptability of MMC's new global platform and bring passenger car-like levels of active safety and driving pleasure. It would also come loaded with “All Wheel Control" drive system, which lets a smooth progression off the beaten tracks.

With its Europe-only "Mount Fuji" grille, the lean, 4.64m-long Outlander-Concept attributes a wide stance, muscular bumpers, sharp lines a kicked-up window line, piercing headlamps and 20" specific wheels.

The new-generation vehicle is one of the first models on Mitsubishi's new C-sector platform, which will underpin various upcoming models around the world, including the new Lancer range and its Dodge Caliber sister model.

It also forms the basis of the SUVs to be offered by PSA Peugeot-Citroen, co-developed in a global collaboration, though these will come with PSA's own diesel engines rather than the VW unit.