Autoblog

Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport named 2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has added a pair of Mitsubishi models to its ever-growing list of 2013 Top Safety Picks, giving the prestigious safety award to the 2013 Outlander Sport and Lancer (sedan and Sportback). Both models make a return visit to the list, but with 117 cars now on the list and IIHS crash standards getting tougher just about every, this is big news for the small Japanese automaker.

Among small SUVs, the Outlander Sport is just one of nine vehicles in this segment to be named a Top Safety Pick, while the Lancer's name is surrounded by 28 other compact coupes, sedans and hatchbacks in the highly competitive small car segment. The Top Safety Pick status does not apply to the Lancer's Ralliart or Evolution variants, and neither the Outlander Sport nor the Lancer were subjected to the new small frontal offset crash test that would have resulted in the new Top Safety Pick+.

Scroll down for Mitsubishi's press release.

Continue reading Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport named 2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks

Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport named 2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi celebrates 30th anniversary in US with Outlander Sport Limited Edition

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Mitsubishi

The hurrah of the last kind for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is this Limited Edition that celebrates 30 years of Mitsubishi Motors in North America. Built in North America as well, the 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition gets numerous black trim pieces outside, such as the center bumper, side mirror housings, wheel arch trim and skirting and roof rails. It sits on special Argent wheels.

Open the doors and the darkness continues with available Dove Grey and Black leather seating, and black leather parking brake sleeve, all accented by aluminum brake and accelerator pedals. On this model the six-way power driver's seat is standard. The sole performance mod is a new balancer shaft that makes for quicker acceleration without any penalty in the mileage rating.

You can start saying goodbye to this generation of the Outlander Sport in the high-res gallery above, and read more about it in the press release below.

Continue reading Mitsubishi celebrates 30th anniversary in US with Outlander Sport Limited Edition

Mitsubishi celebrates 30th anniversary in US with Outlander Sport Limited Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi previews 2014 Outlander and 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

We've seen the new Mitsubishi Outlander in European form a few times already, but the 'ute has yet to make its roaring debut in the States. That's soon to be rectified, as Mitsubishi has formally announced plans to show the US-sped 2014 Outlander at the upcoming LA Auto Show.

Mitsubishi promises that the 2014 Outlander will be "among the most fuel-efficient compact [crossovers] with seven-passenger seating as standard." In addition to its new aerodynamic bodywork, the 2014 Outlander will bring with it advanced tech like Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control, each with its own fancy sounding acronym.

Also on display will be a new Limited Edition of the 2013 Outlander Sport. Said to commemorate the brand's 30 years in America, the LE will boast blacked-out side mirrors, center bumper (whatever that means...), wheel arches and roof rails. Other tweaks include dark-chrome alloy wheels and the necessary badging. Interestinglu, Mitsubishi says it has fitted a new balance shaft to make the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine a smoother operator.

Have a look at the darkened teaser of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander above (note: we lightened the image a bit to bring out some detail, click on the image to see the original in high-res), and feel free to peruse the press release below for more.

Continue reading Mitsubishi previews 2014 Outlander and 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition

Mitsubishi previews 2014 Outlander and 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi ASX is French for Outlander Sport

Zach Bowman — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 03:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has revealed the Euro-version of the same Outlander Sport model that debuted with updates earlier this year at the New York Auto Show. No, the French do not call it the Royale Sport (with cheese), but rather the ASX.

The crossover has received a range of aesthetic and engineering tweaks, including revised interior fabrics. Designers have also abandoned the old rotary knob switch for the vehicle's all-wheel-control system in favor of a pushbutton interface, though the largest change to the recipe comes in the form of a reworked multi-link rear suspension. Powertrain options remain unchanged, however, with a total of three engine mills on deck, including a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 115 horsepower mated to a five-speed manual transmission in two-wheel drive configuration.

Those hunting up a little more traction can step up to a 1.8-liter diesel with 147 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed manual and the buyer's choice of either a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive system. A low-CO2 1.8 diesel is also available with 114 horsepower. You can check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Mitsubishi ASX is French for Outlander Sport

Mitsubishi ASX is French for Outlander Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport production gets underway in Normal, IL

George Kennedy — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi

"Made in America." It's a term we can apply to an increasing number of models from import brands each year. From family sedans to pickup trucks, overseas automakers are increasingly building vehicles in North America; and not just for our market, but for other parts of the world.

To that end, Mitsubishi has announced that it has begun production of the Outlander Sport compact crossover at its Normal, Illinois plant. The facility will start producing 50,000 units a year, and that number can potentially climb to 70,000 units. Highlighting the global significance of this move, Mitsubishi says that half the Outlander Sport models produced at the Normal, Ill facility with be exported to other markets.

As we are already deep into the 2012 model year, the vehicle being produced is a 2013 model-year machine. The '13 model will feature updates that include a new front fascia with a new bumper and grille, as well as a new two-tone rear bumper and 18-inch wheels on all trims. The updated CUV also gets a revised rear suspension and recalibrated CVT, while the interior is outfitted with new accents and fabric.

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is set to go on sale in early August with a base MSRP of $19,170. Check out the official press release below.

Continue reading Mitsubishi Outlander Sport production gets underway in Normal, IL

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport production gets underway in Normal, IL originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Made in America: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Not every reveal at the 2012 New York Auto Show was as exciting as the SRT Viper. As evidence, we present the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The compact crossover joins the Honda Crosstour and Toyota Venza in the "subtle change, seemingly just for change's sake" category at the show.

Mitsubishi has endowed its bestseller with a modestly revised front fascia, while giving it a new rear bumper, black side sills and standard 18-inch wheels. Inside, some new fabrics and chrome are on display. More importantly, the 2013 Outlander Sport does boast some mechanical changes in the form of revised rear suspension tuning and a recalibrated CVT. Some new exterior colors round out the package.

The biggest news regarding the Outlander Sport, however, is that production will be shifted to the U.S. in July, but we already knew that.

Be sure to check out our gallery of high-res images of the refresh, and skip past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Made in America: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Made in America: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi to double production at Illinois plant

Dan Roth — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:43:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi, Russia

According to reports citing Japan's Nikkei daily, Mitsubishi Motors North America will be cranking up production at its Normal, Illinois plant, but not because the company expects a 100-percent increase in demand here to match the 70,000 units the plant will soon be cranking out. Instead, the plant will be making Outlander Sport models intended for export from the U.S. to markets like Russia and Latin America. To make way for the increased Outlander Sport output, the slow-moving Galant family sedan will leave the building. No replacement has been announced.

Mitsubishi has plants worldwide, but those in closest proximity to strengthening markets are reportedly running at full tilt, so the move makes use of plants in markets where demand is slack. Mitsubishi has seen its fortunes in the U.S. atrophy, and even though sales improved somewhat last year, this production shift shows that turnabout is fair play, with the offshore parent using its American assets to make cars for markets that would typically be producing the goods, not consuming them.

Mitsubishi to double production at Illinois plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport grabs IIHS Top Safety Pick

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Safety, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi may be one of the smallest auto manufacturers, but it's on its game when it comes to safety. The Outlander Sport compact crossover joins Mitsubishi's Lancer on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety list of Top Safety Picks.

The designation applies only to 2012 models, as Mitsubishi made changes to the roof design this year that helped the Outlander Sport score a "Good" rating on the roof strength test. It also earned "Good" marks on frontal offset and side impact tests, and with standard stability control it met all the criteria for the IIHS award.

See below for the full press release.

Continue reading 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport grabs IIHS Top Safety Pick

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport grabs IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport plug-in hybrid coming to U.S. in 2013

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a new report from Ward's Auto, a top Mitsubishi executive says a plug-in hybrid version of its Outlander Sport is bound for the U.S. in 2013.

Unveiled in concept form at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi touts the hybridized crossover's "environmental and on-road performance," as well as its electrified powertrain, which combines a 1.6-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder and the necessary hybrid hardware to a lithium-ion battery pack.

The Outlander Sport plug-in hybrid will mark Mitsubishi's second electrified offering in the States. First up is the battery-powered 2012 i hatchback, which is slated to launch in early 2012.

Beyond those two models, Mitsubishi says that six additional electrified vehicles will launch globally before the end of 2015.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport plug-in hybrid coming to U.S. in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi to kill off Eclipse, Endeavor in August, Galant to live on

Chris Shunk — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Eclipse - Click above for high-res image gallery

We first heard back in January that Mitsubishi was planning to kill off the Eclipse, Endeavor and Galant by 2013. Now, however, AutoWeek is reporting that the euthanization timeline is a lot closer to summer, with only the Galant receiving a reprieve.

Mitsubishi North America CEO Yoichi Yokozawa has reportedly confirmed that the automaker will stop production on the Eclipse and Endeavor in August, but added that a determination on the Galant won't happen until later. The vehicles are currently being built in Mitsubishi's Illinois assembly plant, but the automaker is looking to make room for the Outlander Sport. Mitsubishi plans to make 50,000 copies per year of the crossover utility vehicle, with half the vehicles tabbed for export.

If you're looking to get your hands on one of the last Endeavor models, you'd better hurry, since Mitsubishi only has a 23-day supply of the outdated model. The Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder will probably take a while to peter out, though, as the automaker currently has a 180-day supply of the coupe and convertible. Either way, for tens of thousands of devotees, it's an ignominious end for a once-proud performance model.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Gallery: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor

[Source: AutoWeek]

Mitsubishi to kill off Eclipse, Endeavor in August, Galant to live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mitsubishi, New Car Reviews

A Larger Lancer For These Crossover-Obsessed Times

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has a problem with its current lineup. Unless you're looking for a Lancer, your options are limited to the Galant mid-size sedan and the Endeavor and Outlander crossovers. Right now, the Galant is contemplating seppuku and the Endeavor hasn't been fully redesigned since it first went on sale back in 2003. The Outlander, however, has something positive to offer. It seats up to seven passengers (in a pinch), has been named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, and tops out at 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

Mitsubishi knows having just two competitive vehicles to choose from isn't enough to compete in an industry eager to fill every niche, and the company appears focused on evolving the two lone bright spots in its lineup. The Lancer has spawned many variants, the latest being the Lancer Sportback, a fun-to-drive wagon that doesn't step on the toes of the top-trim Lancer Evolution. The Outlander, meanwhile, recently gave its name to the smaller 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a five-passenger crossover looking to make its mark in a currently crowded segment.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC...

Gallery: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC: Review

Continue reading Review: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC

Review: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi moving Outlander Sport production from Japan to Normal, IL

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has confirmed rumors that it will transfer production of at least one of its models from Japan to its American manufacturing site in Normal, IL. At this time, the only vehicle the automaker has officially confirmed for U.S. production is the Outlander Sport.

It's worth noting that the Outlander Sport shares a platform with the slightly larger Outlander and the Lancer sedan, so it certainly wouldn't be surprising if production of these models were moved Stateside as well. Mitsubishi estimates that about half of the models it builds in the States will be exported.

At present, the plant in Normal assembles the Galant, Endeavor and Eclipse, but these vehicles are scheduled to be phased out by 2013. About 1,000 of the automaker's 1,300 employees in North America are members of the United Auto Workers Union.

If you're interested in reading all the details straight from the source, you know where to look.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Photos copyright (C)2011 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi moving Outlander Sport production from Japan to Normal, IL

Mitsubishi moving Outlander Sport production from Japan to Normal, IL originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Mitsubishi building crossovers and sedans Stateside in two years

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite posting a three-percent increase in sales year-over-year in 2010, Mitsubishi is struggling here in the United States. The vast majority of the products in the automaker's portfolio are slow-sellers, with only the Lancer and Outlander families gaining much in the way of high praise from both the media and consumers alike. Still, Mitsubishi has plans to soldier on, and a report from Automotive News states that the Japanese automaker is looking to shift production of some of its sedans and crossovers to the United States within the next two years.

Currently, the automaker's plant in Normal, Illinois builds the Galant, Endeavor and Eclipse, but these vehicles are scheduled to be phased out by 2013. Moving forward, Mitsubishi's new family of vehicles based on the platform that underpins the Lancer, Outlander and Outlander Sport - vehicles that are currently built in Japan - will be assembled in Illinois. Currently, Mitsubishi has not cited any plans to create replacements for any of the outgoing models currently built here in America.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Photos copyright (C)2011 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Mitsubishi building crossovers and sedans Stateside in two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $19,275, tops out near $38K! [UPDATE]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:51:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shortly after finding ourselves strapped in the driver's seat of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, we called it "a right-sized CUV that takes the core components of its bigger brother (the regular Outlander) and distills them into a smaller, lighter package."

Smaller and lighter doesn't necessarily mean cheaper, though. While the Outlander Sport's starting price of $19,275 (*after destination charges) undercuts the Outlander's by about $3,500, it's not terribly difficult to option up a Sport beyond the $30,000 mark.

In fact, ticking off very available Outlander Sport option on Mitsubishi's Build & Price page will darn near double its base MSRP (none of those options is an engine upgrade, either - all Sports use the same 148-horsepower four-cylinder). Granted, a more realistic set of options still keeps the Outlander Sport well under $30k, but even that pricing seems remarkably close to the bigger, more powerful Outlander V6. Hat tip to Clayton!

UPDATE: Turns out you can't really option up the Outlander Sport to $38K in real life. Mitsubishi's online configurator isn't all that smart and will let you add individual options to the car that are already included in other option packages. Thus, if you check all the boxes like we did, you'll end paying twice for expensive items like the navigation system.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

[Source: Mitsubishi]

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $19,275, tops out near $38K! [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi to offer remote-control test drives of real Outlander Sport over the Internet [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Videos, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Look Ma, no driver! - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Mitsubishi wants people to take notice of its 2011 Outlander Sport. There will be traditional print and television ad campaigns, but the automaker is also exploring new ways of reaching new car buyers. Through its creative agency 180 LA, Mitsubishi plans to put a bunch of car shoppers behind the wheel of the new crossover. Not literally, but virtually.

The automaker is rolling out its Mitsubishi Live Drive campaign that puts drivers behind the wheel of an actual Outlander Sport. They won't be sitting in the vehicle but instead they'll be in front of a computer. The CUV will be controlled remotely via users on the Internet. While we don't want to be anywhere near the car when this is happening, it's certainly a novel re-imagining of the test drive concept.

The Mitsubishi Live Drive event kicks off November 1, 2010 and runs through November 10. If you're interested in testing out your computer driving skills, you can sign up starting October 15 at OutlanderSport.com. In the meantime, you can catch a sneak peak at what's in store by viewing the video and official press release after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Sources: Mitsubishi, AdWeek, YouTube]

Continue reading Mitsubishi to offer remote-control test drives of real Outlander Sport over the Internet [w/video]

Mitsubishi to offer remote-control test drives of real Outlander Sport over the Internet [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is right-sized at the right time

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mitsubishi, First Drives

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

From all outward appearances, Mitsubishi could be considered the Chrysler of Japan. Its products have grown fragmented. Its focus scattershot. Its past interiors... well, the less said the better. So it was a breath of fresh air to hear that Mitsubishi's attention will be centered on two core marques going forward: the Lancer and Outlander.

With the Galant toiling away in obscurity and the Eclipse a heavyweight shell of its former self, the Japanese automaker's compact sedan and crossover lines are the two remaining bright spots in its portfolio (all-electric iMiEV aside).

And if you're looking for a Lancer, Mitsubishi has you covered. In spades. A basic runabout? Easy. A tech-laden, turbocharged, all-wheel drive sports sedan. Done. Name your price and priorities, and there's a Lancer for you.

But what about the Outlander?

According to Bryan Arnett, Mitsubishi's Manager of Product Strategy, the Outlander brand is set to expand in the coming years. In addition to the four trim levels - topped off by the surprisingly entertaining GT - there's room to fill above and below. While the Endeavor currently sits at the peak of the company's CUV pile (for the time being), Mitsubishi needs something on the small side to compete with the new Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan and upcoming Nissan Juke. It's a segment that - according to most automakers - is set to explode in the new few years, and Mitsubishi wants to be a player. Enter the Outlander Sport, a right-sized CUV that takes the core components of its bigger brother and distills them into a smaller, lighter package.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is right-sized at the right time

First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is right-sized at the right time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York 2010: Mitsubishi hopes 2011 Outlander Sport will be their volume leader

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Japan, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's just go on ahead and make that much needed volume leader. The great economic collapse of 2009 smashed Mitsubishi in the teeth with a much larger brick than most other manufacturers. Thinks have slightly improved, but their February sales were still down 10 percent, and from an already frighteningly low level. Obviously, something must be done.

Meet the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, or as they're calling it in alphanumeric-loving Europe, the ASX. We've covered this particular small crossover pretty extensively already, so here's the U.S. spec deal. It's 15 inches shorter than the Outlander GT. Like its big brother, it gets magnesium paddle shifters. However, they are connected to a CVT instead of Mitsu's sweet dual-clutch gearbox. Now, no one has driven the Outlander Sport yet, and CVTs have gotten massively better in the last few years, so don't bunch your panties up quite yet.

The real upshot of that CVT is the Outlander Sport's 31 mpg highway figure, a right respectable number for a small crossover. In fact, that means the Outlander Sport is competitive with a small CUV we like a whole bunch, the new Hyundai Tucson. Besides the CVT, Mitsu has installed weight-saving plastic front fenders, electric power steering and has sculpted the Outlander Sport down to a admirably slippery 0.33 Cd. The Outlander Sport can also be shifted from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive and yes, you will be able to order yours in this particularly vibrant shade of show car blue.

Gallery: New York 2010: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

New York 2010: Mitsubishi hopes 2011 Outlander Sport will be their volume leader originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Mitsubishi ASX obliterates first month sales goal in Japan

Dan Roth — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Japan, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's popular in the Japanese home market isn't always an indicator of worldwide success; check out their obsession with dogs, for instance. On the other hand, the reason Mitsubishi's ASX has pulled down three-and-a-half times the automaker's hoped-for monthly sales in its first four weeks on the market is probably not related to quirkiness.

Tax breaks, plus the ASX's manageable size and just-right equipment level are universal ways to connect with buyers anywhere, and that's what's likely fueled the initial success. North American buyers will get the ASX badged as the Outlander Sport, and it will debut at the New York Auto Show. Interestingly, JDM buyers are nutso for the high-level "G" trim; 75 percent of orders are for the zootiest version. It's not yet clear what the trim levels are going to be for the U.S. market, other than the understanding that Mitsubishi's 2.0 liter MIVEC engine will be standard equipment. With skittish buyers and a still-lagging economy in the States, it could be a perfect time for a Goldilocks-grade mini-ute, especially for Mitsubishi, a company that has lost a lot of ground in the sales race over the last few years.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Mitsubishi ASX

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automobile]

Report: Mitsubishi ASX obliterates first month sales goal in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva-bound Mitsubishi ASX coming to America this fall as Outlander Sport

Chris Paukert — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi ASX/RVR/Outlander Sport

While we have known for some time that Mitsubishi will introduce a new compact crossover dubbed RVR in Japan and ASX in Europe, what we didn't know was what designation the car would carry when it hit North American showrooms. We do now. A source at Mitsubishi tells Autoblog that the inexpensive four-cylinder crossover will be called Outlander Sport, a nod to Mitsu's larger and more-established three-row Outlander CUV.

Astute carspotters will note that this isn't the first time that the Japanese automaker has used the 'Sport' moniker in this capacity, attached to the name of another more expensive and well-known model in its lineup. Back at the beginning of this decade, Mitsu marketed its Montero Sport (a vehicle that was eventually supplanted by the slow-selling Endeavor), a body-on-frame SUV that rode the coattails of the more established and luxurious Montero.

When the five-passenger Outlander Sport arrives in North America this fall, it will carry a Lancer-derived 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder backed by a CVT gearbox, and it will arrive with electronically controlled all-wheel drive. Other drivetrains remain a possibility, but the focus of the 2.0-liter setup will be fuel economy, with Mitsu engineers targeting a highway figure of 30 miles-per-gallon or better (the larger Outlander achieves a maximum of 25 mpg). A front-drive, six-speed manual model will be available in other markets, but its fate remains undecided for North America.

Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but we expect it to undercut the front-drive Outlander's MSRP of $21,605 (including destination) as it takes on vehicles like Nissan's Rogue and Hyundai Tucson. The new model will be revealed at next week's Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Mitsubishi ASX

Geneva-bound Mitsubishi ASX coming to America this fall as Outlander Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments