ITS Youth Month celebrations in mzansi, and what a way to commemorate that with the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
The Japanese brand Mitsubishi, ticks all the right boxes, having spent a week with it, as this range-topping 1.5 Exceed derivative within the Small Crossover segment, comes in handy especially for the young and first entrant car buyer.
It comes with aspirated 1.5- litre engine, and naturally 4-cylinder petrol and CVT transmission.
Thanks to its power/Torque- 77 kW/141 Nm in that it was seamless on corners and hairpin turns, that solicited head-turns amongst fellow drivers in the Matlosana, in the North West province.
It is fitted with ambient cabin lighting, cruise control, synthetic leather seats, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charger, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, auto lights and wipers, and a powered tailgate. Also included is Yamaha Premium Dynamic audio system, which is equipped with 8 speakers- rightfully so for the younger market, who seek pleasure and safety- in terms of interior.
Safety comes in standard 6 airbags, stability control, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and tyre-pressure sensors.
So is infotainment system that incorporates wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and modern, well-laid-out interior with convenience features that are found in the Outlander Sport.
The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 configuration and can recline slightly, so is the luggage capacity: 480 litres.
On practicality, the Outlander Sport boast 2 650 mm wheelbase, and good rear legroom as opposed to its competitors.
Exterior: it features “Sport” part of the vehicle’s moniker thanks to its 18-inch alloys that are wrapped in plump 225/50 tyres, and 220 mm of ground clearance.
The Outlander Sport has 4 drive modes to choose from – Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud, don’t expect the usual Comfort, Eco and Sport…
It claimed 0-100 kph: 13.6 sec, and consumption 6.2 L/100 km, during the test.
Not the fastest and dololo ADAS, but we must point out, we loved the road manners, fuel efficiency, interior fit and finish.
It retails for R499 990.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Image SLM (The Outlander Sport as it stands 220 mm of ground clearance).
