The Outlander rolls considerably in corners, but progressively and linearly, while the steering is nicely weighted and not without feel. At its limit the Outlander simply starts to understeer before ESP intervenes to rein it in. It’s all safe and predictable, but it’s not as dynamic or engaging as its best rivals. A RAV4 feels more overtly keen to be driven, a Land Rover Freelander is happier to change direction and a Honda CR-V is far more adept, engaging and enjoyable overall.
Peugeot and Citroën claim that springs and dampers will be tuned for the 2.2-litre diesel’s weight characteristics, but expect the 4007 and C-crosser to drive in much the same way as the Mitsubishi: not bad, but not good enough.
The Outlander does brake well though; its 60-0mph time of 2.69sec is on a par with any other car in the class and its brakes resisted fade well (albeit in cold, wet conditions) at the track.
Mitsubishi admits the extent of the Outlander’s off-road abilities is limited to light tracks and towing things in poor conditions. The car’s approach, departure and ramp angles are 22, 21 and 19 degrees respectively, ruling out much more than unmade roads and light rocky paths.
Typically for the class, there are no low-ratio gears, but the car can be locked in 50:50 four-wheel drive via a selector on the dashboard. Other modes are 4wd – in which power is apportioned to the rear when the front wheels lose grip – and 2wd, an exclusively front-wheel-drive mode, which helps the Outlander return its creditable economy.
