At the heart of the fuel economy story is the new 2.4 litre 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder MIVEC (Mitsubishi's variable valve timing) engine. Developing 125 kW and 226 Nm of torque, the new engine has an alloy block and makes extensive use of resin components to decrease weight.

A double overhead cam, with application of the MIVEC variable valve timing technology on both intake and exhaust valves, improves engine efficiency and contributes to the reduction in fuel consumption.

However, for those wanting additional power an all-new alloy 3.0 litre 24-valve SOHC V6 engine with MIVEC is also available. It develops maximum power of 162 kW at 6,250 rpm and 276 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

One of the key technological features of the new vehicle is Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control (AWC) technology, which incorporates Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology with the all new Active Select 4WD system. This is an electronically controlled, on-demand all wheel drive system (with Active Stability Control on six-cylinder models). The advanced AWD system is coupled with a CVT (continuous variable transmission) with INVECS III and 6-speed 'Sport Mode' tiptronic-style sequential shifting function on four-cylinder models. The CVT maintains the engine revolutions at an optimum speed, adjusting the gearing to suit. It is controlled by INVECS III, the latest iteration of Mitsubishi's acclaimed fuzzy logic intelligent transmission control system. This also allows use of a 6-speed Sport Mode, enabling the driver to change gears manually.

The system is coupled to a new INVECS II intelligent six-speed automatic transmission with 'Sports Mode' sequential shifting on six-cylinder models.

The four wheel drive system draws on Mitsubishi Motors' vast experience with this technology. A major advance is an electronically controlled coupling that allows the driver to change modes on the fly, switching from two to all wheel drive at the turn of a dial. Driving the vehicle in 2WD mode offers much better fuel economy, while the AWD options offer increased safety when required and the ability to get off the beaten track. There are two AWD selection positions; a full-time AWD option and an auto setting in which the vehicle instantly allocates torque to each of the individual four wheels according to their traction on the road surface. Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control is enhanced by Active Stability Control being standard on VR and VRX models.

Four wheel disc brakes are standard across the range and the XLS and VRX run on wide footprint 18 inch wheels, while 16 inch wheels and tyres are fitted to the LS and VR. Naturally ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard across the range.

The new generation Outlander is longer, wider and higher than the previous iteration and its styling is modern and purposeful. It introduces new design features including a split tail gate, innovative one-touch automatic fold rear seats that gives a host of flexible cargo carrying options, the option of an occasional third row seat that stows under the cargo floor when not in use, improved safety engineering and an aluminium roof for reduction of body weight and centre of gravity. Interior space is generous with maximum rear leg room of 875 mm and maximum cargo space with the rear seats up of 1,119 litres and with them folded down of 2,056 litres.

Access is easy with hip height seats and the driving position offers excellent forward vision. The uncluttered, stylish dash gives a sporty edge. The instrument panel contains an easy to read speedometer and tachometer and the touch of a button gives a clear electronic screen display of all critical operating details. A centre console carries the gear change, 2WD/AWD selector, hand operated park brake and an elbow-high, two level storage compartment.

Three-point seat belts are standard in all seating positions, while front dual-stage airbags and the front seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters are standard throughout the range. Side and curtain airbags are standard on the VRX and are available on all other models.

ZG Outlander comes comprehensively equipped and power steering, power windows (on all doors), power external mirrors, air conditioning (with ducting to the rear compartment), cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, integrated fascia with AM/FM audio with CD, MP3 and WMA, leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob and handbrake lever and a multi-function information display are all standard.

The top-of-the-line VRX model gets a 650-watt 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system as standard, while it can also be optioned as part of a 'Sports Pack' in XLS and VR.

There are eight colour choices - White Pearl (P), Cool Silver (M), Mystic Blue (M), Champagne (M), Effect Grey (P), Deep Blue Metallic (M), Code Red and Black Mica (P) - and each of them enhance the sleek, modern lines of the car.

Because the car is comprehensively equipped as standard there are very few options. The options are:

Model	Option	Price
LS	Side and curtain airbags	$1,500
XLS	Side and curtain airbags	$1,500
	Sports Pack (Sunroof, Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker premium audio system)	$2,300
VR	Side and curtain airbags	$1,500
	Sports Pack (16" alloys, side and curtain airbags, fog lamps	$2,580
VRX	Sunroof	$1,600

Pricing (RRP excluding on-road costs) continues Mitsubishi's desire to provide the best value for money in each market segment and has been set at:

Model	5-seat	7-seat
LS 2.4L 4-cyl CVT	$31,990	$34,790
XLS 2.4 4-cyl CVT	$37,490	$41,540 (incl RSE)
VR 3.0L V6 6 A/T	$37,890	$40,690
VRX 3.0L V6 6 A/T	$43,190	$47,990 Luxury Pack - incl leather seats, HID headlamps, RSE

The all-new ZG Outlander is the complete answer, as it comes with two engine options to satisfy either the fuel conscious or sporty driver, two seating possibilities to satisfy the adventurer or urban people carrier and Mitsubishi's industry-leading 5 year/130,000 kilometre bumper-to-bumper or 10 year/160,000 kilometre non-transferable drivetrain warranty and 5 years Roadside Assistance as standard.