Test Drive Mitsubishi Outlander (AirTrek) 2003 - 2007 SUV

MITSUBISHI AIRTREK car overview

General
Mitsubishi AirTrek (Air Track), who became the only new model of the company this summer, is an easy SUV, made on the basis of the sedan model of the Lancer Cedia model. If we talk about light SUVs Mitsubishi, then PAJERO IO is remembered. However, IO belongs to the present models with the original form, and Airtrek originated on the basis of a passenger car, so the Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Rav4, Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, etc. become its direct competitors.
The car is installed 4-cylinder engines with a volume of 2 l and 2.4 liters of GDI type, each of which has modifications for a complete and front drive. Recently, in all-wheel drive modifications of front-wheel drive models, the standby mode is predominant (connected four-wheel drive), however, Airtrek has a full drive system from Lancer and is truly constant using a central differential, as in Toyota RAV4. We did not compromise in off-road characteristics - the developers of Airtrek say.
The highest attractiveness of the AirTrek consists of its low body with a height of 1550 mm (with railings on the roof of 1590 mm), which is convenient for multi-storey car parks. It is a little hard to imagine, based on the impressive appearance with a large-diameter tires, characteristic of the SUV, but the main silhouette with a low-planted salon impress the currently fashionable mixed car. Judging by perfect equipment and real possibilities, then the established price of 1.7-2.3 million yen (~ $ 15-20 thousand) seems relatively low.
 
Exterior and interior
In any case, the possibility of accommodation on multi-storey parking lots is a strong side that is not characteristic of SUVs. In particular, in urban elite houses there are many multi-storey lots of tower and elevator type, so for some buyers such an opportunity is indeed important. In addition, the wheelbase in 2625 mm is the longest for this class, along with Nissan X-Trail. For this reason, the comfort of the rear seats can be called the highest for this class. As for the poses on the seats, the design of the chairs, a good review, not to mention the spacious space for the legs, then for those who often drive long distances with passengers from behind, the comfort provided is consistent with considerable value.
However, the large amount of space on the rear seats has the opposite direction to reduce the volume of the trunk. The trunk in standard condition can be considered inherent not to the universal, but rather the hatchback with excess. This is also due to the individual appearance of AirTrek, and as a result and depth, and the length of the trunk can be considered moderate, but not more. To equip the trunk equipment for leisure, it is necessary to show ingenuity, and in this plan wins Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4.
 
Performance
If you carefully see, Airtrek is better considered not a light SUV, but rather a high universal. Namely, for the SUV center of gravity is low. First of all, the base of the Lancer Cedia model means that the machine leads a pedigree from the Lancer Evolution VII. Therefore, when driving, the impression arises that you are controlled by a passenger car. Comfort and steering can be called the highest class. When turned, the height of the car is completely not felt, and there is a complete feeling of sports station wagon. In addition, the rigidity of the body of the new project even more enhances the pleasant impression of the movement.
A modification with a 2-liter engine practically does not arise any problems, but when the mountain is lined, you can feel some dissatisfaction with traction effort. In this sense, a modification with a 2.4-liter engine can be called well balanced, and the speed also does not cause complaints. But if we talk about the engine as such, then the 2-liter is quiet and smooth, while in 2.4 liters there is some rigidity of noise and vibration, which attracts attention. Such can be sufficient to feel the possibilities of AirTrek in the all-wheel drive 2.4-liter modification, but I think that the choice of modification with two leading wheels (per 100 kg is easier and cheaper than all-wheel drive) will also be not bad.
 
 
 
 

A source: Carview.co.jp.