Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire

Those of you who are regular visitors to this blog will have noticed that comfort is one of my main priorities when assessing the merits of the cars on test.
Some are just plain awful...you'd wonder if some buyers have bothered to try anything else in a particular segment before slapping down their hard earned cash..
So I am pleased to report that ever since I tried the first Mitsubishi Outlander some years ago now, I was impressed at how well it absorbed bumps and rotten road surfaces.
The latest version remains true to the original.
The Outlander Aspire is one of the best in its medium SUV segment. Compliant suspension, bordering on supple, this is one SUV that I would endorse for long trips both on an off road.
While doing so ,you'll also be impressed with the silence in the cabin. No tyre or wind roar disturbs the interior ambience, from urban to highway speeds.
The 2.4 litre engine is also a smooth operator, with 125 kw and 360 nm of torque, lugging a full load is an effortless exercise.

This Aspire model has a CV (constant velocity) automatic transmission which I found very user friendly. It still has the usual rev flare on full throttle that all CVT gearboxes have (sounding a bit like a slipping clutch,)  but the car quickly catches up with the revs when speed increases. It's one of the better CVTs I have driven, being less intrusive than most. Steering wheel paddles lock the transmission into six positions if you want to change gear yourself. You can also lock the transmission into All Wheel Drive at the touch of a button on the console or leave it to its own devices in Auto.
Through bends, the Aspire exhibits little body roll and feedback through the electric steering is very good.

The Aspire is a true seven seater, with the rearmost pews rising easily from the cargo bay floor.
As with most multi seat vehicles only short adults or children will want to sit there.
Access to the third row seats is good, with the middle row sliding forward and tilting out of the way.
The rear tailgate door is power operated... handy when you are juggling parcels. A touch of a button raises and lowers the door. Keyless entry and start are standard on the Aspire.

The cabin is a nice pace to be. Leather faced seats and a chunky leather bound steering wheel set the right tone. The seats are comfortable and well bolstered, holding you in place well through corners. The front pair are heated. However the switches to operated the bum warmers are difficult to reach, sitting below and hidden by the (non sliding ) central console cover.

You have to contort your hand to reach them. I wound up using my thumb. It's not at all ergonomic. But that's a minor quibble.
Head and leg room is fine both front and rear and visibility rearwards is aided by a wide angle reversing camera.
There are plenty of storage spaces in doors and console, and there's a standard electric sunroof. Auto wipers and lights plus bluetooth connectivity, are among the many standard features.

The "piano black" finish to the central dashboard doesn't look out of place and adds a touch of class to the display. I found the operation of the sound system/satnav/ info screen a bit fiddly, but ownership would make that task easier in time. The sound system is good quality, delivered through six speakers.
The Aspire also has active cruise control, with a "Forward Collision Monitor"...which will slow the car down or even stop itself if you travel too close to the car in front. The distance is adjustable.

Headlight brightness is reasonably good..so no complaints there.
However the bonnet is quite heavy and has a manual support rod.
A gas strut or two would be useful here. For some it might be a struggle to lift.
Many new cars try to ingratiate and bond themselves with their drivers by flashing welcoming messages on the dashboard. "Hello" and "Goodbye" get a run on several.
The Aspire doesn't greet you, but flashes a cheery " See You" when leaving the vehicle.

The Mitsubishi Outlander sits fifth in the segment according to the latest sales figures,with just over 10 % market share. It's a good all round SUV that I think deserves more attention from buyers in the showrooms. The Aspire CVT 7 seater sells for just under 44K.
Good looking, quiet, economical, practical and comfortable.
You can't ask for much more than that.
Peter Sellen