Driving Mitsubishi’s mid-size Outlander SUV today, the company’s best seller and the second best selling mid-size SUV behind Toyota’s RAV4. I’m driving the top spec 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol CVT automatic Outlander Exceed 4WD at $52,640. On first impression, a roomy plush interior – in fact its interior space gives the impression you’re driving a much larger SUV and you can see why it is very popular with large families. And this is its best benefit over the RAV 4 the fact that it has seven seats. All three rows also offer climate control air with separate controls in each. Although the third row is best sized for kids. Equipment comprehensive – a wireless phone charger, power tailgate. leather seats with memory function up front, a head up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, pull up sun blinds for the second-row seats and 10-speaker Bose sound. And don’t forget Mitsubishi’s 10-year/200,000km warranty, a real buyer benefit. Servicing, every 12 months or 15,0000kms, the first five years costing a reasonable $1700. Towing average at 1600 kilos braked and here the 2.5-litre four-cylinder would struggle with a heavy load. Good economy though – on 91 octane petrol I managed 8.7L/100. Five-star ANCAP safety. Drive details next segment I’m David Berthon.

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