2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT WILL BE BUILT IN THE USA

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

The new Outlander  Sport seen at the New York auto show revealed that the 2013 has the trapezoidal grille opening and recessed fog lamp housings continue on the new model giving it a refreshed look. The fog lights have a new chrome trim surrounding the recessed fog lamps.

We liked the black colored side sills that make the great looking Outlander Sport even better looking. The rear bumper is new.

Mitsubishi added new fabric choices and chrome accents complement a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Standard equipment on all Outlander Sport models includes stylish 18-in. alloy wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; Electric Power Steering (EPS); FUSE Handsfree Link System™ that allows voice-activated operation of an iPod® and a cell phone, remote keyless entry; eye-catching rear LED combination tail lamps; heated outside mirrors; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; and air conditioning with micron filter. Among the included safety features are driver knee airbag; Hill Start Assist (HSA); Active Stability Control (ASC); Traction Control Logic (TCL); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and an advanced front air bag SRS with passenger weight and driver's seat position sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors.

The 2013 Outlander Sport ES will be available wîth 4WD – a first for the well-equipped entry level version of Mitsubishi's compact crossover model.

The Outlander Sport SE boasts essentially all of the ES-level trim features but adds Super-wide beam High-Intensity Discharge (S-HID) headlights; One-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; automatic climate control; FAST-key passive entry system; heated front seats; rain-sensing wipers and a dynamic 6 speaker audio system wîth SiriusXM™ satellite radio.

The Outlander Sport SE is available wîth either 2WD or wîth a driver-selected, electronically-controlled 4WD system - the same all-wheel drive system found on the Mitsubishi Outlander SE mid-sized crossover vehicle.

The base drivetrain  will be a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Outlander's interior upgrades show soft-touch surfaces throughout. The good looking interior includes the updated navigation system.

The optional third row seat is far superior to the small jump seat of the 2012 models.  Still not large but it has the 50/50 fold-flat system to add cargo space. When up children or animals will enjoy the third row.

A new one-piece liftgate replaces the 2012 clamshell design. So many companies make the same mistake and go to a one piece liftgate instead of the two piece clamshell type. We prefer the old style for carrying gear and even long 2 x 4’s.

Optional equipment possibly will include adaptive cruise control, a collision warning system, a lane departure warning system and xenon headlights.

European sales begin in 2012. The Outlander will make it to North America possibly in the spring of 2013.

With an EPA fuel mileage rating of 31 highway mpg, and the availability of either front- or all-wheel drive, the  2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compelling choice for young families or active individuals that combines the space and versatility of an SUV with the outstanding ride quality and improved fuel economy of an exceptionally engineered car.

In July of 2012 the Outlander Sport will be built in the U.S., at Mitsubishi’s plant in Normal, Illinois.

When the Outlander Sport arrives in North America we will do a week long test and reveal all the numbers.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP