Mitsubishi Motors NZ has just released it’s new Outlander SUV and Triton ute to the local market this week.

The popular Outlander is back sporting an aggressive styling make-over which includes the company’s trademark “jet fighter” grille, and new comfort, convenience and safety upgrades. Improvements to the Outlander’s engineering include the addition of Hill Start Assist on all models and Super All Wheel Control to V6 models.

“Outlander has performed superbly,” said Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand general manager of sales and marketing Peter Wilkins. “With the option of five or seven seats it integrates well into large families and commercial users like the space, engine options and, of course, the price. “Over the Mitsubishi Outlander Launch rqpast four years, the Mitsubishi Outlander has been the best-selling medium SUV in New Zealand. After such impressive service, it was time for a freshen-up and the new exterior styling and interior appointments have achieved exactly that.”

In addition to the exterior changes, the Outlander interior design has been freshened with the addition of new seat, door and dash trims, leather look to premium models, double stitching, chrome accents and a new instrument cluster. Additional Lancer-Evolution-inspired design cues for the VRX model include aluminium racing style pedals and a sport-type steering wheel.

Technological upgrades for the new Outlander include the inclusion of Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control system (S-AWC) to V6 models, improvements to power delivery and fuel economy, the addition of Hill Start Assist (HSA) for all CVT and automatic models and USB inputs for audio connectivity.

The new Outlander retains two tried and trusted engine choices.  First, the 2.4-litre DOHC 16 valve MPI MIVEC engine which generates 127 kW of power @ 6,000 rpm and 230 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm.  The 2.4-litre engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with Sports Mode sequential style shift changes.

The higher-spec V6 3.0-litre SOHC 24 valve MPI MIVEC engine now generates 172 kW of power @ 6,250 rpm and 296 Nm of torque @ 3,750 rpm (with 95+ RON fuel).  The V6 benefits from improvements to the all-aluminium engine, including a reduction in intake restriction plus optimised camshaft timing and compression ratio.

“We’ve worked hard to raise the premium appeal of Outlander with our VRX offerings and the 3.0L model, in particular, provides a level of appointment, technology and power to match,” said Mr Wilkins. “We believe that this new range will raise the bar in the small and medium SUV segment. We have excellent coverage from top to bottom and the product’s success to date indicates consumers love Outlander and this model will continue to be a New Zealand favourite.
Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Triton Launch fqThe new Triton also had its launch this week and has already proved it’s off-road prowess to motoring journalists on a challenging 4WD track.

The 2010 Triton has seen a raft of changes, four-wheel drive models in the 13-strong range receive a new common rail 2.5 litre high-powered turbo-diesel engine; eight models have side and curtain airbags and all but four workhorse variants boast stability and traction control.

“This is a major upgrade for Triton and we’re thrilled with the result,” said Mitsubishi Motors general manager of sales and marketing Peter Wilkins. “We’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink at it and the class-leading power, torque and safety speak for themselves.

The class-topping power output of 133 kW and 407 Nm is achieved with the manual transmission and generated from a new high-powered engine at 4,000 rpm and 2,000 rpm respectively, representing increases of 11 percent and 15 percent over the previous 3.2 litre power plant.

Mitsubishi Triton Launch rIncreased power has not come at the expense of fuel economy, which, at 8.3 L/100 km, is 9 percent better than the outgoing engine and second equal in the class. Automatic variants provide the same power as the manual, torque is 356 Nm and fuel consumption 9.3 L/100 km.

While the 2WD’s 2.5 litre power plant still generates 102 kW @ 4000 and 319 Nm @ 2000, improvements have been made to fuel economy, which now stands at 8.2 L/100 km for the manual and 8.6 L/100 km for auto variants. These savings have translated to lower CO2 emissions at 214 g/km and 224 g/km respectively.

There are two automatic specifications within the range. The GLS receives a five-speed automatic with Sports Mode, allowing drivers to manually select and hold gears. The rest of the range is equipped with the four-speed auto found in the previous model and Mitsubishi’s Easy Select 4WD transfer.

The GLS also gains Super Select, which, like Easy Select, allows drivers to engage 4WD at speeds up to 100 km/h. Super Select varies with the addition of a viscous centre differential, which, when employed with 4H, allows ‘when-required’ torque transfer between front and rear wheels, improving fuel economy in 4WD.

First to market with active stability control and the inclusion of side and curtain airbags has bolstered Triton’s existing four-star safety rating, which Mr Wilkins says best meets the growing demands of consumers. Mitsubishi Triton Launch s”We’re delighted to lead the market with these critical safety features.”

Along with new bumpers and wheels, Triton’s new wellside tray delivers a squarer finish to the vehicle’s profile. The wellside has been extended by 180 mm and deepened by 55 mm, allowing much-improved capacity for tools and toys. Purchasers of 4WD cab chassis models will benefit from an increased braked towing capacity of 3 tonnes.

Inside, all vehicles receive a new instrument display, centre console and seat trims. All double cab driver’s seats gain height-adjust, offering more versatility for the driver, while the GLX and GLS double cabs have extra seat cushioning and bolstering.

The 2010 range holds something for everyone, including one of New Zealand’s few double cab chassis models. Seven 4WD variants include three manual workhorse GL options — in single and double cab chassis and double cab wellside — and GLX and GLS specifications with double cab wellsides available as manual or auto. The six 2WDs host one manual single cab chassis in GLX format. The remainder are double cab wellside with a manual GL and manual or auto GLX and GLS.

For both the Triton and the new Challenger Mitsubishi is offering its new Diamond Advantage warranty, including a comprehensive 5 year/130,000 km new vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000km power train warranty and a 5 year/130,000km roadside assistance package.
2010 Outlander Pricing

2.4LS – 5 seat CVT                              $41,990
2.4XLS – 7 seat CVT                           $44,990
2.4VRX – 7 seat CVT                           $49,990
3.0L V6 VR — 7 seat A/T                     $49,990
3.0L V6 VRX — 7 seat A/T                   $54,990
2010 Triton pricing

4WD GL single cab chassis manual        $41,990
4WD GL double cab chassis manual       $43,990
4WD GL double cab manual                   $45,990
4WD GLX double cab manual                 $49,990
4WD GLX double cab auto                     $51,990
4WD GLS double cab manual                 $52,990
4WD GLS double cab auto                     $54,990
2WD GL double cab chassis manual       $37,990
2WD GLX single cab chassis manual      $33,990
2WD GLX double cab manual                 $41,990
2WD GLX double cab auto                     $43,990
2WD GLS double cab manual                 $44,990
2WD GLS double cab auto                     $46,990

To find out more information on the new Triton and Challenger models click here to visit the Mitsubishi NZ website.

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