Mitsubishi Outlander makes a move in crossover class

Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander GT doesn't exactly leap to mind when discussing the crossover category of vehicles.

But auto reviewer Scott Wasser says the Outlander stands out in several ways in a crowded class.

Styling is one reason. The Outlander, which has been around in its current form since 2006, is offered in four different trim levels, and all of them received a noticeable facelift for 2010.

"The Outlander was comfortable and relatively quiet on the interstate and fun to drive around town," Wasser says in his latest review. "It seemed more enthusiastic than most competitors about taking on twisting back roads, perhaps a tribute to Mitsubishi's road rally heritage."

Starting prices range from $20,840 for a front-wheel drive ES to $29,250 for an all-wheel drive GT like the vehicle tested. While Wasser liked the Outlander's styling and performance, he notes the price on the vehicle he tested was as much as some luxurious midsize crossovers.

The vehicle, he says, is well suited for consumers who want a sporty and versatile compact crossover and would rather stand out from the crowd than blend into it.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX

2010 Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will premiere its ASX all-new compact crossover from Tuesday March 2, 2010 to Sunday March 14, 2010 at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show held at the Geneva Palexpo in Switzerland.

The ASX is the European-spec version of the Japanese RVR, which is slated to go on sale in Japan from February 2010. MMC's new compact crossover will seat 5 and will be sequentially introduced in European countries from late spring 2010, aimed at expanding MMC's passenger car footprint in the region, following in the footsteps of the larger and recently redesigned Outlander mid-size crossover.

Amongst other available powertrains, the European-spec version will be fitted with an all-new Euro 5-compliant 1.8L turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine jointly developed by MMC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and will feature "Automatic Stop & Go" technology. Together with a 6-speed manual transmission, this combination will provide high environmental efficiency.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander RX Special Edition

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander RX Special Edition

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the release of an Outlander RX special edition model. With unique interior and exterior specifications, the Outlander RX is a stylish new vehicle offering exceptional value for money.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander RX Special Edition

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the release of an Outlander RX special edition model. With unique interior and exterior specifications, the Outlander RX is a stylish new vehicle offering exceptional value for money.

Mitsubishi recalls 2004 Endeavor, 2010 Galant

Mitsubishi is recalling both the 2004 Endeavor SUV and 2010 Galant sedan over possible corrosion issues that could cause flammable fluids to leak. The safety recall affects approximately 56,113 Endeavors and 2,307 Galants across the United States.

The Endeavors in question are those that were originally sold or currently registered in states where road salt is used to clear away snow and ice in the winter. According to NHTSA, road salt, mixed with other debris, can become trapped between the Endeavor's fuel filler pipe and a reinforcing bracket, which can cause corrosion and potentially a fuel leak. As for the Galant, the automatic transmission oil cooler pipe on some vehicles may have insufficient corrosion-preventing plating. If so, this pipe can develop a hole, meaning transmission fluid can potentially seep out.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring

Base Price: $41,710

As-Tested Price: $41,710

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; AWD, six-speed sequential manual

Output: 291 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,594 lb

Fuel Economy: (EPA/AW) 19/16.0 mpg

Options: None

Mitsubishi Ralliart dies

Mitsubishi’s Ralliart motorsport arm is no more.

It’s headline news due to Ralliart’s involvement in a plethora of Mitsubishi performance cars. Lancer Evolutions have worn the Ralliart name, while it’s also the tag attached to current Colt and Lancer hot hatchbacks.

However, the closure of Ralliart in this instance is simply the sunset for Mitsubishi’s motorsport involvement. The days of WRC glory are a thing of the past while the firm ceased competition in the Dakar rally last year, too. The lack of racing activity has drawn a sensible line under the company’s Ralliart arm.

Development of performance metal, such as the current Mitsubishi Evo X, has been in-house with Mitsubishi for a while, so we’ve been promised no noticeable change as a result of Ralliart’s announcement. Bring on the XI, then…