By Otsile Kadiege

Back in 2023, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation took the veils off an all-new compact SUV called the Xforce which later made its first public appearance at the 2023 GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show. The newcomer replaces the aged Eclipse Cross and ushers in bold looks, a sophisticated cabin with new technologies and a bunch of new safety systems to name a few.

Exterior design and styling

Outside, the Outlander Sport adopted the bold and attractive design and styling cues of some of its stablemates. Exterior highlights include the brand’s signature Dynamic Shield with a three-dimensional grille flanked by T-shaped headlight clusters with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and LED headlights.

In profile, the Outlander Sport measure 4 390 mm which is on par with its peers like the recently launched Chery Tiggo Cross. As standard, the Outlander Sport is shod with 17-inch alloy wheels while high-end variants get slightly larger 18-inch alloys. At the rear the same T-shape is adopted for the LED taillights, which contributes to a wide and stable look.

Interior design and technology

Inside, the new Outlander Sport looks snazzy and modern, and is one of the best-looking cabins in its segment. Standout features include a multifunctional steering wheel sourced from the new Triton, however with gloss black buttons, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster (GL and GLS models feature a 4.2-inch multi-information display), a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio system (GL and GLS models are fitted with an 8-inch version of this system), melange fabric padding on the instrument panel, a wireless charger, and type-A and type-C USB ports.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Exceed is equipped with Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium, which was developed in collaboration with the Yamaha Corporation. The class leading system includes eight speakers, with front tweeters on the A-pillars, woofers in the front doors and coaxial two-way speakers in the rear doors.

Safety features

Advanced safety equipment includes Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. All models feature driver and passenger airbags as well as seat mounted side airbags. Aspire and Exceed models add a side curtain air-bag to the suite.

Powertrain

The new Outlander Sport is powered by a proven 1.5-litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve MIVEC engine offering 77kW at 6 000rpm and 141Nm at 4 000rpm. This powerplant is paired to a CVT gearbox.

Pricing and warranty

Outlander Sport 1.5 GL CVT  – R429,990

Outlander Sport 1.5 GLS CVT  – R449,990

Outlander Sport 1.5 Aspire CVT – R479,990

Outlander Sport 1.5 Exceed CVT – R499,990

All Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models are sold with a three-year/45 000km service plan as well as a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty as standard.