Outlander is appreciated in a rural setting

CARS continue to get makeovers and upgrades all the time and often you would need the detective skills of Columbo to spot the changes and improvements.

But there is no mistaking the changes to the new Mitsubishi Outlander because once you glance at the bonnet you will notice a much different look from the previous version. The old model had a big chunky grille at the front, now this new SUV has a wrap-around effect which features the Mitsubishi logo in the middle and two narrow silver lines, similar to the lines used by Citroen at the front of their cars.

The first Outlander was introduced by Mitsubishi in 2001 when it was called the Airtrek. But they changed the name to Outlander, which was supposed to give a feeling of journeying to distant, unexplored lands in search of adventure. The second generation came in 2005 and it got a revamp in 2010.

I like that idea of a journey to a distant, unexplored land. However, in Ireland everybody knows everybody else and it’s difficult to find

‘unexplored land.’ If you decide to go off-road this motor which has a four-wheel drive option, will be well able for difficult terrain.

I drove a seven-seater version of the Outlander and it was very impressive. The front and second row of seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of leg room. However, the third row is very small and the seats would be very attractive for young children, who could almost

‘hide away’ back there from their parents. The third row folds down into the floor and then you get ample boot space, but if you have to use the third row there is very little boot space. The tax disc on the model I drove said

‘orange’ but my colour coordinators at home told me that it was bronze.

It’s been a few weeks since I drove a car that featured ad reversing camera and it’s a facility that’s always appreciated, especially in a big, long motor like the Outlander. The ride is high and being such a powerful motor you need to drive it a bit harder than your normal saloon car.

Inside everything is black, except for a white roof which brightens the decor. The controls on the dash are all well laid out, but only one button for the radio. However, unlike the Seat Ibiza where one button does all, there are other buttons to scroll through the wavelengths.

Kia is famous for their seven-year warranty, now Mitsubishi has gone one better with an eight-year warranty or 150,000km warranty. Mitsubishi provide a fleet of Pajeros for the Irish Defence Forces. I’m not suggesting you join the Army to drive a Mitsubishi; you can experience what life is like in rough terrain in an Outlander instead.

Three versions are available all 2.2 litre diesel. Prices start at

?¬34,950 for the two-wheel five seater; the seven-seater I drove will cost you

?¬36,950, while the top of the range automatic seven-seater is

?¬39,950. The first two are in Class B for road tax, while the automatic falls into band C.

The Outlander worked fine on city streets, but no doubt you will probably appreciate it more in a rural setting.