Mitsubishi - Outlander

2004-06 

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Outlander is a 'crossover', midway between a traditional estate car and a high-riding 4x4. That is, it neither drives like a car nor has the off-road ability of an SUV. It looks good, though.

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	Impressive modern styling
	Roomy cabin with good seats
	Powerful tow car
	No diesel engine
	2.4 Auto is thirsty
	Noticeable body roll

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Outlander compromises between off-roading and car-like driving dynamics. Unfortunately, it isn't particularly good at either, but it could be a decent family car for undemanding towing and off-tarmac use. Its main appeal, though, is that it will look imposing parked outside the kids school, without being as cumbersome as a full-sized Shogun or as expensive to buy and run. It's not as big inside as it looks, however, and the boot is not that deep.
Disappointingly, UK buyers are only offered a thirsty 2.4-litre petrol engine in combination with an automatic gearbox a diesel manual would have been much more appropriate and popular. Riding like a 4x4, with some body roll and wallow, Outlander can nonetheless be pushed on quite hard, though it's not inspiring.
It is well suited to the dull daily commute or school run, rather than challenging mud-plugging. Its resemblance to the Pajero Evolution Paris-Dakar rally car is superficial only.