2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a great blend of practicality, sensibility and thanks to a generous helping of standard features, this seven-seater SUV may just be one of the finest offroad purchases of 2014.

Mitsubishi is an interesting brand and I do like its products. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a massively underrated truck and the Lancer Evolution promises massive performance for not an obscene amount of money. Sadly, the lack of variety in the product line-up means Mitsubishi often falls under the radar.

The Outlander was launched earlier in 2014 and Ashley was there to drive it. Fast forward a few months and I found myself behind the wheel of this generic-looking SUV. It’s not the best of starts as I find the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander very average in the looks department and there’s nothing really striking about its design at all.

Thankfully, the good far outweighs the bad as the capabilities and specification of the vehicle means looks are soon forgotten. Let’s start with the standard specification. The only thing missing is satellite navigation and to be honest, most smartphones are GPS-capable.

All the features!

There’s seven seats all with leather with the driver and passenger chairs featuring heaters, Bluetooth with Handsfree Voice Control, Dual-zone Automatic Air-conditioning, Multi-functional Leather Steering Wheel, Touch Screen Audio Display System, Rockford Fosgate sound system, USB port, auto wipers, auto levelling headlamps, rear view camera, park distance control, automatic tailgate, flipdown DVD player for second row (includes 1x headphone set) as well as top of the range safety features.

It’s very impressive and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a car with this much specification under R500 000. Truly remarkable!

Engine

Powering the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a CVT gearbox. Being an offroad vehicle, there are some 4×4 modes too, and there’s no need for any complications as operation between four-wheel drive lock and eco mode is as simple as a single button. Power comes in at 123 kW, with torque being rated at 222 Nm.

It’s not the quickest of vehicles, and it’s not the thriftiest of cars either. You should see 100 kph come up in around 11 seconds and while Mitsubishi claims 8.2l/100 km, I couldn’t get below 10.1l/100 km.

Offroad ability

The real test of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander came during a particularly cold snap of weather had hit the Western Cape. Snow had been reported overnight, and my girlfriend insisted we get up early and drive to Ceres. Driving in snow is something I’d never done before and it was a perfect opportunity to grab some photos and put the Mitsubishi Outlander to the test.

As we reached the Matroosberg area, the car sounded an ice warning as temperatures dropped from 9 to -1 degree and the road was covered in snow. I put the vehicle into 4×4 Auto, which automatically transfers power across both front and rear axles as the wheels started slipping in the mud and slush. It handled a brief detour down a frozen gravel road too and I was impressed with its offroad ability. As you can see by the pictures, it was properly cold, but the vehicle handled it all.

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Price in South Africa

R439 900 puts you behind the wheel of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander. Included in that price is a 3 year/100 000 km manufacturers warranty and a 5 Year/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.

A second opinion

The Mitsubishi Outlander is an underrated competitor in the medium SUV segment. It has credible offroad skills and decent on-road dynamics. Seven seats counts as a major plus when you factor in price-worthy competitors. It may look bland, but it has a good deal of standard specification and that DVD player screen should be a serious hit on the long journey. – Ashley Oldfield
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander quick specs

Engine	2.4-litre four cylinder petrol
Power	123 kW
Torque	222 Nm
Transmission	Six-speed CVT (Multi-select control-on-demand 4WD Eco mode, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock)
Wheels	18-inch alloys
0-100km/h	10.6 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy	8.2 l/100km (claimed)

We like:
. Has everything you’d ever need in terms of specification
. Can go offroad with ease
. Excellent family vehicle

We dislike:
. Engine is thirsty
. Styling is generic

Also consider:
. Subaru Forester XS Premium
. Land Rover Freelander
. Nissan X-Trail
. Hyundai IX35
. Kia Sportage

Audi Introduces Powerful A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition

Audi is celebrating the 25th anniversary of turbo diesel (TDI) technology with a special edition A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition.

Engine Spec

Under the bonnet of the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition is 3.0 TDI bi-turbo diesel engine which delivers 240 kW combined with a powerful 650 Nm of torque, and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.

Adjustments in the charging and camshafts have boosted power by an additional 5 kW compared with the standard model, while a boost function additionally grants an extra 15 kW when the driver accelerates in full. Audi also says the dynamic special edition A7 Sportback returns 6.1-litres/100 km of fuel with CO2 emissions of 162 g/km. Those are great figures, considering this is a sporty model.

Exterior features

The car is offered with the S line sport package, which sees the suspension dropped by 20 mm, 20-inch five-spoke W design alloy wheels with black painted sides and are covered in 265/35 tyres complete with 17-inch discs with red brake callipers.

The car is offered in Nardo Grey, Misano Red, Daytona Grey and Sepang Blue body paints which all come with a glossy black package and high-gloss black tailpipe trims. Since its based on the recently facelifted A7 Sportback, the special edition comes with matrix LED headlights, MMI Navigation plus and night vision assist.

Interior features

The interior is designed in black with sport seats upholstered in black Valcona leather or lunar silver and decorated with contrasting stitching in Agate Grey or Misano Red. The armrests are also upholstered in leather with contrast stitching, while the inlays consist of aluminium and Beaufort wood in black, and the door sill trims feature “quattro” logos. The shift paddles behind the multifunction sport steering wheel can be used to control the eight-speed tiptronic manually.

Order books are said to open at the beginning of August. South African availability of the model is yet to be confirmed.

2015 Mercedes Benz S65 AMG Coupe Revealed

The 2015 Mercedes Benz S65 AMG Coupe has officially been revealed.

2015 Mercedes Benz S65 AMG Coupe powerplant

The S65 AMG Coupe is equipped with a twin-turbo V12 6.0-litre engine, similar to the one found in the S65 AMG Sedan, and produces 463 kW and a peak torque of 1 000 Nm. This allows the model to travel from 0-100 km/h in around 4.3 seconds and achieving a governed top speed of 250 km/h, while fuel consumption is rated at 11.9-litres/100 km.

The engine is mated to a 7G-Tronic AMG Speedshift gearbox, and with a push of a button the driver can choose between Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving modes. Theres also a Magic Body Control system that helps improve the ride by scanning the road ahead and adjusting the cars sport suspension to minimize the impact of any undulations, as well as the new curve tilting function that allows for a flat response when cornering.

New exciting features

The coupe rides on 20-inch AMG forged wheels with yellow brake callipers and features a revised front grille and rear diffuser. Standard equipment includes a 360-degree camera, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system, Driving Assistance Package Plus, upholstery in AMG exclusive Nappa leather and Keyless-Go package.

The cabin consists of a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with shift paddles while the AMG instrument cluster features a 12.2-inch high-resolution colour TFT display.

Order books for the new 2015 Mercedes Benz S65 AMG Coupe are expected to open in the coming weeks, while the first cars should be delivered by the end of the year.

Next Mitsubishi Triton to be more Car-like

In a report coming out of Australia, the next Mitsubishi Triton slated for 2015 is to be built with a softer more car-like style than its current offering.

Next Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Australias marketing director Antonio Principe mentioned that the next Triton will likely depart from its off-road based nature in favour of a more consumer friendly model that caters to more buyers. The next generation, particularly from what weve seen, will be much more car like, youre going to get something thats practical, yet drives even better than the model today.

Theres obviously a move towards making them a lot more passenger car-like. Manufacturers are fitting them with a lot more amenities, and theyre more car like to drive. That said, its still important that these utes (bakkies) still have the flexibility, the big towing capacity and everything else.

There was also mention of the safety aspects that need to be improved on the next Mitsubishi Triton. Much of the vehicle’s focus will be to attain a 5-star ANCAP (Australian NCAP) rating to take it above the likes of the Ford Ranger, Isuzu KB and 2015 Nissan Navara.

The next Triton will be badged a Fiat in Europe and Latin America and sold by Fiat Professional in order to increase the groups market share globally.

*Please note pictured is the Mitsubishi GR-HEV concept from the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Next Generation Bugatti Veyron To Receive Hybrid Power Boost

Reports coming from Autoguide say that the next generation Bugatti Veyron will be launched sometime next year with a 1103 kW hybrid drivetrain.

Extra power from hybrid drivetrain

Despite these rumours of a new model being squashed by Bugatti President Dr Wolfgang Schreiber earlier this year, sources inside the company confirmed that the automaker has developed a 2015 follow-up model to the limited series Veyron that may sell out this year.

Its believed the new two-door model will be equipped with a 16-cylinder engine outputting an impressive 1103 kW, which is way more than the 895 kW in the current SuperVeyron.

It is also believed the French manufacturer is targeting a top speed way above the 435.31 km/h set by the Hennessey Venom GT in order to reclaim the title for the world’s fastest car.

Like today’s Veyron, of which only 20 units are remaining to be sold, the production of the next generation Bugatti Veyron model would be limited to 450 examples.

Golf R Video Review: VW’s Most Powerful Golf Ever

In the 7th generation Golf R, Volkswagen has stuck to the same formula as in the previous version: a beefed up 2.0-litre turbo, borrowed from the GTI and tweaked to produce over 200 kW.

We got hold of VW’s most powerful production Golf ever and tried to find out, is this supergolf really worth the incredible price sticker? Check out detailed pricing and specifications of the Volkswagen Golf R here.

Golf R Video Review

Watch the Self-Learning Car in Action (Video)

Jaguar Land Rover has released a video showing off its self-learning system designed to reduce driver distraction by predetermining what the driver intends to do. The system learns from its previous experiences and will offer the driver options as well as adjusting the car to suit the driver.

Auto Adjust Seat and Mirrors

The system uses the latest in artificial intelligence to make its decisions and will detect who the driver is based on their Smartphone. The car will then automatically adjust the mirrors, seat position and radio station preference before the driver enters the vehicle. It will also adjust the interior temperature depending on the weather outside. Depending on the time of day and drivers routine the artificial intelligence will select a route via GPS along with traffic info and alternate routes.

Smartphone Calendar Access

The system also integrates with the drivers Smartphone calendar and depending on what appointments are logged, it will set the GPS location to that appointment. If you happen to be running late it will also offer to send an email or call ahead to let people know you are running late.

Self Learning AI

Whilst on the road the system learns your driving style and will automatically adjust to your cruise control settings and following distances. If you usually make a phone call at a certain time or on a particular journey, the car will predict this and will offer to make the call.

The personalised experience would also not be limited to the car owned by the driver. If you hire an intelligent Jaguar or Land Rover in the future, the car will recognise the driver and passengers and offer them the same preferences learned by their vehicle at home.

Self Learning Car

Peugeot 2008 and 3008 Crossway Special Editions Revealed

Peugeot has updated its line-up with two new special editions, the Peugeot 2008 and 3008 Crossway which come with a number of enhancements.

The 2008 Crossway

The 2008 Crossway is based on the Allure trim level and comes with compass badges on the front doors, tinted windows and grey matte 17-inch alloy wheels. The model also features an electronic Grip Control system, satellite navigation system, Alcantara finishes on the seats and dashboard with red contrasting stitching along with LED lighting for the instrument cluster.

Power comes from three engine options which include a 1.6-litre VTi 120 petrol unit, and two diesel options a 1.6-litre e-HDi 92 and 1.6-litre e-HDi 115.

The 3008 Crossway

The Peugeot 3008 Crossway is fitted with a WIP Nav Plus system, rear parking assist, head-up display and a leather & Alcantara trim. The interior is finished with copper-coloured stitching on the armrests and steering wheel, while the floor mats are adorned with compass detailing and the door sills have been covered in aluminium. Optionally available is a rearview camera, Grip Control as well as metallic or pearlescent paints.

This models engine options include a 1.6-litre HDi 115 6-speed manual, 1.6-litre e-HDi FAP 115 and 2.0-litre HDi 150.

Both the Peugeot 2008 and 3008 Crossway Special Editions will be at the Paris Motor Show this October.

It’s yet to be confirmed whether these models will make it to SA, in the meantime you can read more about the updated 2014 3008 crossover here, and our review of the 2014 Peugeot 2008 here.

New Jaguar Land Rover Engines

There will be some all-new Jaguar Land Rover engines powering the next generation of the vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover has announced it is developing an entirely new range of engines for its upcoming models. The range of engines has been called Ingenium and promises to deliver class-leading levels of torque, power and refinement whilst improving fuel efficiency.

Jaguar Land Rover engines

Up to 80kg Lighter

The Ingenium range consists of both petrol and diesel options that are easily configurable and flexible, meaning they can run multiple displacement s as well as turbochargers. The new engines feature lightweight aluminium blocks with each cylinder holding 500cc to make things simple. The use of aluminium has meant that in some cases the new engines are up to 80kg lighter than in the current range.

Computer Controlled

Much of the new engines components are electronically controlled to produce maximum efficiency. Computer-controlled variable oil, variable water pumps and electronically controlled piston cooling jets are installed to make sure the engines run at optimum efficiency, improving power and fuel economy.

Extensive Testing

The new range of engines has been thoroughly tested according to Jaguar Land Rover. These tests include a range of integrity and durability testing, including more than 72 000 hours of dyno testing and 2-million miles of real-world testing to ensure reliability over the long run.

Production of the new engine range will begin in early 2015, so look for it to set foot in the likes of Jaguar XE and Land Rovers Discovery Sport first.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Unveiled

Mitsubishi has confirmed that 2015 will be the last year of its popular Lancer Evolution in many markets. However despite that fact, the automaker has unveiled a new ultra-high-performance US-spec 2015 Lancer with a GSR trim level and a range-topping MR Edition.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution detailed

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution comes with a few changes including a new cup holder and revised side mirrors with integrated turn signals. The entry-level model’s standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, iPod compatibility and a USB slot for MP3s. Theres also voice command, automatic climate control, as well as leather on the steering wheel which is finished with buttons for the cruise control and stereo.

The GSR trim comes with a new Premium Package that includes a Sight and Sound Package as well as heated front seats, leather upholstery, a power glass sunroof and sound dampening enhancement and piano-black front console box with lids.

The range-topping Lancer Evolution MR Edition comes with a 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, auto dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights, as well as colour-keyed heat extractor vents, bright front grille and beltline moulding.

Both models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 217 kW and 406 Nm of torque. It is connected to a five-speed manual or a six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) and an all-wheel drive system.