One of my favourite SUV’s is Mitsubishi’s Outlander and it’s been freshened for 2017 – now in a nine-model 5 and 7-seat range, a mix of 2 and 4WD models with three engine choices depending on model- 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel. The most compelling argument with the Outlander range is the value story – the entry 2.0-litre 2WD manual five-seater marketed at $29, 990 drive-away is just so well equipped for the money – for a small family a wise buy and with the security of a five-year/100, 000 km warranty. If you want automatic the 2.0-litre Outlander LS 2WD becomes a 7-seater with CVT or continuously variable transmission for $30, 500 plus on-road costs. I tested the more powerful 2.4-litre 4WD LS five-seat Outlander with safety pack at 35, 000 plus on-road costs equipped with an electric park brake, the latest smart phone connectivity technology, rain sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and forward collision mitigation. A seven-seater in the same model costs $36, 000. Its easy to see why Mitsubishi Outlander sales rose nearly 20 per cent last year – now our sixth best-selling medium SUV. The continuously variable automatic has a tendency to flare under hard acceleration but in general you just need a little time with these transmissions to get the feel of the slip relative to forward motion. Not much to complain about however – the rear seats on the 7-seater cramped but perfect for kids – the surprise is economy and I managed 7.8l/100km in a mix of driving. I’m David Berthon

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