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The Statesman | November 16, 2008 |
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MODEL: OUTLANDER MAKER: MITSUBISHI MOTORS |
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AUTOMOBILE experts predict — and not without basis — that India
will become Asia’s SUV hub in a decade or so. All leading SUV
manufacturers have introduced their models in India. Admired
brands like Ford Endeavor, Honda CRV, Chevrolet Travera, Hyundai
Terracan and Toyota Innova have enjoyed roaring sales in the
recent past.
There has been a perceptible shift in the attitude of car owners
of late. With the widening of highways more and more people are
embarking on long tours to remote and uncommon places. The
Indian Institute of Psychiatry in a recent survey showed that
professionals with hectic schedules prefer road travel. SUVs are
a common sight on highways these days. They are safe and are
ideal for long trips. The demand for SUVs has skyrocketed since
the introduction of Tata Sumo in the mid 1980s. Because Sumo
combined brute power with superb comfort it enjoyed considerable
commercial success. It forced rival Indian jeep manufacturers to
upgrade their products.
Mitsubishi Outlander is a classic vehicle which more than just
fits the bill. Fitted with a 2.4 litre 16 valve Mitsubishi
Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Control System petrol
engine, the vehicle is a storehouse of power. High ground
clearance ensures it can be taken on any terrain — highways,
hilly tracks, craggy village roads. The undercarriage remains
safe however deplorable the terrain. The all-wheel-control
ensures safety and security in addition to making driving more
comfortable. The highly sensitive steering wheel adds to driving
pleasure: it can be easily parked in a congested zone. Powerful
shock absorbers ensure a jerk-free ride. It is impossible to
gauge the speed of the vehicle with the windows up and the AC
on. The dual-stage front, co-passenger airbags, automatic
climate control, reverse parking sensors, cruise control,
multi-information display system and security alarm guarantee
added safety.
Passengers would seldom feel claustrophobic thanks to brilliant
interior space utilisation. Outlander’s split tailgate with the
park bench easily accommodates two adults, and the remote
folding rear seats can be tumbled from the tailgate when loading
large items at the touch of a button. For music lovers the
vehicle comes fitted with customised speakers and a 650-watt
Rockford Fosgate music system. Sound blocking and
vibration-absorbing devices enable high quality sound
reproduction inside the car.
The vehicle comes in seven vibrant colours — cascade white,
silver dew, sunrise yellow, river blue, pasture green, new moon
black and twilight red. A perfect example of Mitsubishi’s
engineering perfection and elegance, Outlander is ideal for
those looking for a premium class SUV.
Disillusioned with motoring reviews penned by so-called
specialists who test vehicles in ideal conditions and go on
about torque when all you want to know is if the vehicle is as
good as advertised? Here’s your chance. If you own a car or a
two-wheeler, write in to us with your experience. Tell us if the
vehicle performs as you were led to believe, whether you are
satisfied with the service back-up provided by the manufacturer.
But to ensure manufacturers don’t sneak in puff pieces, or
competitors don’t misuse this column, do please send us a copy
of your registration book along with your article. Send your
submissions to the Assistant Editor, Features, The Statesman,
Statesman House, 4, Chowringhee Square, Kolkata — 700 001.) |
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