Mitsubishi Outlander test drive since 2012 SUV
New Outlander. The crossover is not a boy, but a husband
The first Outlander, which appeared eleven years ago, was low, thinning and in a Tneeigerly deprived of complaints about respectability. The Outlander XL replaced him in 2006 clearly entered the period of maturity: slightly heavily, although not alien to active rest, dressed without pathos, but in fashion. And looking at the third generation Outlander, you think: years have swept ...
The first floor of the Mitsubishi headquarters in the center of Tokyo is similar to a regular dealer center. Anyone can come here to drink coffee: Starbax works directly in the lobby. It is not forbidden, taking a paper cup with a cappuccino, to sit in one of the I-MIEV electric vehicles set by a nearby, which I did in anticipation of the start of the press conference. But here, the president of Mitsubishi is President Osamu Masuko along the showroom. Without unnecessary ceremonies, he picks up the microphone and begins to tell the assembled journalists (and at the same time all ordinary visitors) about the new generation of Outlander. Moreover, the car itself is not here, because before the start of sales in Japan, about six months remain. And the first country, where the novelty will appear, will be ... Russia!
Already in August, the first Outlander Japanese assembly will arrive in the Russian dealer centers, and from the fall, the release of the novelty at the factory in Kaluga will start, Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko said. The Russian enterprise will master the production of full cycle (CKD), up to welding and coloring of the bodies. As for the components, the degree of localization should reach 30% within five years
After all, it is Russia that is among the main sales markets for this brand. Outlander XL was dispersed with a circulation of about 85,000 copies, becoming one of the most popular crossovers in Russia, while only 70,000 customers bought it in their homeland. The European Union and North America account for about the same amount of 132 and 131 thousand, respectively. We can conclude that, creating the previous generation of the model, the Japanese were equally focused on the tastes of overseas buyers and customers from the Old World. At a press conference, journalists ask a logical question: who is the sight of this time taken? To Russian motorists, confidently answers Osamu Masuko.
Even at the stage of development, the sketches of the machine showed focus groups from our country. The comments and suggestions expressed by the current owners of outlanders were taken into account when choosing materials for decoration of the cabin, when working on sound insulation, as well as when setting up the suspension. We have a special section imitating Russian roads at the training ground, the Japanese say. The new outlander of the chassis is originally imprisoned precisely for them.
Although the previous generation looked more rapid, the aerodynamics of the novelty is better. The wind resistance coefficient decreased from 0.36 to 0.33
The color scheme will initially be rather scarce: white, gradations of gray and silver, black. The alternative to this monochrome palette is so far only brown and dark blue. But later it is supposed to paint Outlander and other enamels
The next day, the Sinkansen train, at a speed of 300 km/h, takes us to the city of Nagoa to the Mitsubishi training ground, where outlanders appear to us live before us. I wanted to write in all its glory, but ... Where did the former charisma go, catchy memorable features, like a giant trapezoidal grate of the radiator and the gaze of headlights? The Japanese explain that the style that Mitsubishi call Jet Fighter (fighter) is the prerogative of the passenger models of the brand, and the novelty in spirit has become closer to the flagship Pajero and Pajero Sport. But in fact, Outlander has become more inconspicuous.
In some angles, Outlander seems more solid and larger than before, although in reality the dimensions have not changed much. The car was previously one of the largest in the class (466518001720 mm), and the difference between the new items is that the length has decreased by 1 cm
In the salon it is felt that the creators of Outlander made serious efforts in order to bring the crossover closer to more expensive and status models. Or, if you look at things differently, they tried to get rid of the previous details that gave the cheapness (lack of adjustment of the steering wheel, a single-zone climate control and cheap plastic were serious disadvantages of the previous generation). The third Outlander is deprived of these shortcomings, and it is worth starting off, as you note even more pleasant innovations.
The color screen on the dashboard has become almost twice as large as the previous generation. Representatives of Mitsubishi proudly note that its diagonal is now noticeably larger than that of the iPhone: 4.2 versus 3.5 inches.
A new multimedia system with a touch screen is a serious step forward. The screen resolution increased from 480234 to 800480 points. And most importantly, now it has become much easier to update the cards: they can be transferred to the device on a regular SD Flash card (before the cards were stored on a built-in hard drive, and it was not so easy to update them).
In the most prominent place in the middle of the central console there are signaling lamps of airbags, but unexpectedly large inscriptions in Russian and in English look somewhat ridiculous. The creators of the car shrug: these are now the requirements of Russian legislation
In motion, the car also changed. Noise insulation has improved, vibrations decreased. But when you sink gas to the floor, the atmosphere of comfort is scattered. The variator makes the engine hang for a long time at maximum revolutions, and his voice is very annoying and unscientific. This equally applies to both the younger 2-liter modification and the step standing higher than the version with a 2.4-liter engine.
Which of the engines to prefer? If you look at the technical characteristics, then one picture is folded, but in practice a slightly different one. The 2-liter motor is quite predictable for the crossover, but the unit with a volume of 2.4 liters in subjective sensations differs little from it. Probably, only a 3-liter engine is suitable for those who love the hotter, but at first the new generation will not have such a modification at first: it will only enter the market in 2013.
The gamut of the engines installed on Outlander has not changed, although the units passed a small modernization: efficiency improved, and the power slightly ... decreased. The return of the 2-liter version fell from 147 to 145 hp. (Twisting the moment at the same time, 199 grew up against 196 Newton meters before). The 2.4-liter engine has not only a breakdown (167 instead of 170 hp), but the reduction in the moment was 232 N ∙ m, and it became 222 N ∙ m. True, due to the reduction in mass by 75-95 kg due to the wider use of high-strength steel, the dynamics improved. Say, a modification with a 2.4-liter engine is now capable of gaining 100 km/h for 10.5 s against 10.8 s before
The Japanese did not deceive, a highway, surprisingly similar to Russian directions, was really discovered at the landfill: a chaotic alternation of sites with asphalt of different quality, cracks, patches, sold ruts and other irregularities typical for our tracks. Outlander on them in their elements. You can rush at a speed of 80 km/h and even go through gentle turns without dropping the gas: the crossover does not jump from the trajectory, does not force to steer, and does not notice the track at all. In fairness, we note that the depth of the grooves sold in the asphalt was not very large, but it is indicative that the steering wheel never moved when it got into the rut and exit from it.
The previous generation of Outlander demonstrated not the best indicators in terms of security: in the crash tests of the Euro NCAP, the crossover earned only four out of five stars. The novelty has not yet passed independent tests, but its creators assure that the engineers set the task of translating the model into a five -star category
By the way, when changing generations, the steering hydraulic power steering gave way to the electric power steering. Does this change? This car does not have a bustle ride with sharp restructuring, when the clutch of the wheels with asphalt must be filigree to feel the steering wheel. So, the specifics of the steering is unlikely to cause anyone to complain. The same can be said about the brakes, which, however, have one specificity. The pedal seems a few rubber: it must be pushed deeper than usual, although the effort on it is small. As a result, to feel the line in which the wheels are blocked and ABS enters into business does not immediately manage.
Xenon headlights received additional side segments covering the space within a wider limits. It is claimed that such a head light is a good alternative to headlights who can look into turns
The most unexpected thing that I heard at the presentation of the new outlander is that the manufacturer now officially ranked this model for SUVs. Did you know that the difference between crossovers and SUVs is spelled out in Russian laws? If the model takes place in our country by homologation in a special off -road category M1G, then it can be given this loud title. What does this mean in practice?
Judging by the all -wheel drive system that the outlander received a new generation, there are no breakthroughs. Like most classmates, in ordinary traffic modes, the thrust enters only the front wheels, and the rear axle is connected through a multi -disc booth. The difference with the previous generation is that from now on the maximum torque transmitted by the coupling grew by 10%, and the electronics that controls this node and the system of dynamic stabilization were wiser. From now on, she receives information from a larger number of sensors (for example, sensors appeared that determine transverse acceleration and unfolding moment). But this is related, first of all, to the safe behavior of a car in marginal modes on asphalt. And where is the off -road arsenal?
If before the modes of operation of the all -wheel drive transmission were switched by a round handle, now the only button is in charge of everyone. Previously, the driver could choose 2WD (front -wheel drive), 4WD (all -wheel drive, connected and disconnected automatically at the command of electronics) and Lock (forced locking of the coupling). From now on, instead of the first mode, 4WD ECO appeared, he is able to occasionally connect the rear axle, but for the sake of saving fuel does this only when slipping. In turn, the second 4WD Auto mode more often involves the rear axle, without waiting for slipping (for example, at starting uphill). An alternative to all -wheel drive modifications, as before, will be a more affordable front -wheel drive version
From a conversation with representatives of Mitsubishi, I realized that the main essence of the car fit into the M1G category is to improve geometric cross -country ability: to increase the angles of entry and the congress. Moreover, in comparison with the previous generation, these parameters improved by just a couple of degrees, but this turned out to be enough for the Russian Outlander to become an SUV. At least Mitsubishi can now be declared this in advertising. In general, nothing more than a marketing move. And Outlander is not the only car in the class corresponding to the M1G category. Of the nearest competitors, such homologation has Nissan X-Trail.
Outlander became the first model of his class to receive the trunk of the trunk cover.
Although the length of the machine was reduced by 1 cm, the baggage space only increased. For example, with folded rear seats, you can immerse long -range lengths up to 1.67 m, which is 32 cm larger than before
Having changed the generation, Outlander has become older and now more solid under his hood you will no longer meet the turbocharged heart of the Lancer Evolution sports car (and after all ten years ago there was such a modification!). But the tongue does not turn to call him a SUV. Ultimately, the second generation became a bestseller precisely thanks to practicality and solidity, and not because of the radiator sports grill. If we take into account that four out of five Outlander buyers are middle -aged family men, then maybe a new restrained image is exactly what you need? True, in previous years, Outlander XL was no more expensive than most competitors, and the novelty will add in price. That's when we find out how much, then we will draw the final conclusions.
Russians will be offered electric outlander
The prospects of electric vehicles, such as the Mitsubishi I-Miev, is already sold with us, is still under a very big question, but the Japanese leave no attempts to surprise Russian buyers with something new. Next in line Outlander PHEV, which we were also able to try the prototype at the landfill in Nagoya.
The test sample has so far been built on the basis of the old outlander, but of course, the model will go into the series in a new body
At first glance, a new environmentally friendly crossover in its device is similar to the Chevrolet Volt and other analogues from the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). That is, he is able to charge from the outlet and make small trips (about 50 km) exclusively on electricity. Well, when it ends, a gasoline engine enters into effect, which charges the batteries. But Outlander Phev also has a mode in which both engines work simultaneously. In this case, the machine becomes like the already familiar hybrids of the Toyota type.
Outlander Phev vigorously starts from the place of electric motors from minimum revolutions immediately give out full traction, however, the power plant here, in general, is more powerful than the gasoline versions we tested. Two electric motors with a capacity of 82 hp are driven into motion, which is also helped by a traditional 2-liter engine. All traditional advantages of electric vehicles are fully manifested here: the cabin is extremely quiet, and if you go in a calm rhythm, then the gasoline unit does not wake up at 40, or at 60, or 100 km/h ...
The abbreviation PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) deciphens as a hybrid electric car, charged from a socket, but Mitsubishi representatives prefer to call their novelty a different term an electric car with an increased margin. Apparently, to emphasize that the model is closer to electric cars, and not to hybrids
Having left for a high -speed oval, I drove a full circle at a speed of 110 km/h, and the internal combustion engine never woke up! But if you go in a torn rhythm, making frequent accelerations, then the gasoline engine operates almost constantly. And the speakers are sometimes not enough: in the middle range of gas reaction speeds, gas reaction to gas is not as sensitive as at the start. Apparently, the electric model is noticeably heavier than its gasoline counterpart. Excessive mass makes itself felt in corners: the crossover is not so willing to drive.
Representatives of Mitsubishi promise that fuel consumption in a mixed cycle will be only 2 liters per 100 km, but so far it is difficult to believe. After a series of high -speed circles on the landfill, the prototype battery was exhausted to the limit, and it turned into a regular gasoline car. Only in a heavier one.
There is no doubt that such a rechargeable hybrid is much better suited for operation in Russian conditions than an electric car, but in any case, it is not about any affordable prices (recall, I-MIEV costs 1.8 million rubles. ). They say that in the Russian market, Mitsubishi I-Miev copes well with the role of an expensive wonders: some wealthy Russians even give such cars to each other for a birthday. Exotic is cleaner than Bentley and Rolls-Royce! But can Outlander PHEV be perceived as an image model, if outwardly it is indistinguishable from gasoline analogues?
We test the Tokyo metro
The guidebooks advise, being in the capital of Japan, to use mainly a taxi: they say that a foreigner is unrealistic to navigate in the subway, where the lines woven into the knot belong to several different carriers and require the purchase of different tickets, and from each station 10-15 outputs. But we could not miss the chance to try this in our own exotic vehicle. A trip in the Tokyo metro is a separate adventure.
So, the test conditions were as tough as possible: I go down to the subway without a guide, without a map. The task of visiting the seven most interesting places in Tokyo scattered in different parts of the city.
At the turnstiles of passengers, tickets for the sale of tickets are met, and here you can also cheat with the card hanging above them. The main principle is clear at once: each line is indicated by the Latin letter, and each station has a serial number. When you know that you are on the G09 platform and want to get to the M23, then the card immediately acquires meaning, even if the true names of the stations are written only in Japanese.
There are purely economic reasons to move around the capital of Japan on the capital of Japan. The city, in fact, has several centers, and the distances between them are quite large. One taxi trip can cost 2000 yen (870 rubles), and a similar path by metro 160-210 yen (70-90 rubles) depending on the distance and on which company the branch that you are traveling belong to. By the way, getting from Narita International Airport and vice versa is also more convenient and cheaper on the subway. The trip to the center will take about an hour and cost 560 rubles.
Finding a common language with ticket machines for the sale of tickets is not so difficult, some of them allows you to switch the interface into English and enter the name of the station. If this function does not matter: click on the button for choosing the cheapest ticket, you get to the desired station, and there you pay the difference. This can be done through special machines at the output or, turning to the metro employee. The best option for navigation in public places is implemented here: the on -duty certificate gives. And in order to pay for travel, knowledge of Japanese or English is not required. It is enough to stretch out the ticket, and the on -duty amount will show on the fingers.
At each of the seven visited stations, of course, I climbed to the surface to see with my own eyes what Tokyo was ranked for the most amazing cities in the world.
TSUKIJI station. Tsukyki's fish market should come very early (at five in the morning) to see a tenders with a fresh catch is a real show. Of course, then it is necessary to have breakfast in one of the nearby fish restaurants.
Oshiage station. This area acquired this area just recently: in the last days of May, the highest TV tape in the world Tokyo Sky Tree was opened here with a height of 634 m. Previously, the height of the Chinese tower of Canton (630 m) was considered a record.
Ginza station. On weekends, the passage of the multi -lane prospectus becomes a pedestrian, and the tables of summer cafes are placed directly on top of the road marking. This is the most respectable area of \u200b\u200bthe city. On the main street, there are completely expensive boutiques.
ASAKUSA station. Here is the oldest Buddhist temple of the Japanese capital. A peculiar hypermarket for the sale of Japanese souvenirs directly adjoins it. In fact, this is just a pedestrian street with tents, but the scale is impressive: if you also take into account the adjacent alleys, then the score of souvenir shops seems to be hundreds.
SHINJUKU station. The Golden-Gai quarter is nearby, consisting of two-three-story shacks in which hundreds of miniature bars operate, and there are completely skyscrapers around. This is a business center in which 250,000 people come to work daily.
Shubuya station. Then at a huge intersection, pedestrians literally go to the wall, and so every two minutes. It is believed that this is the most lively transition in the world. A seven minutes of walking is the La.mama club, where the most elusive performances of groups playing in the J-Rock style and other relevant Japanese directions occur.
Roppongi station. They come here when it gets dark. Roppond is the center of Tokyo’s nightlife, however, without an escort here it is difficult to navigate. The invaders standing on the streets invite to proceed to the golden institutions of a rather dubious look.
Pavel Elshin
Photo by the author and Mitsubishi
Source: Auto.mail.ru
