Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact SUV arrives in South Africa, but is it priced to sell?

Mitsubishi’s long-awaited new compact SUV challenger has finally arrived: meet the Outlander Sport.

Badged as the XForce in many overseas markets since its debut in 2023, the 4,390mm-long Outlander Sport is larger than the ASX which it inevitably replaces, while also casting a slightly larger footprint than vehicles it will likely rival, such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Kia Seltos.

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has positioned the Outlander Sport at the upper end of the segment, kicking things off at R429,900.

• 1.5 GL CVT - R429,900
• 1.5 GLS CVT - R449,990
• 1.5 Aspire CVT - R479,990
• 1.5 Exceed CVT - R499,990

That places it at a premium to the Chinese-built Chery Tiggo 4 (from R269,900) and Indian-built Urban Cruiser (from R342,500), but it is competitive against the slower-selling South Korean options, with the Hyundai Creta starting at R449,900 and the Kia Seltos from R467,995.

All Outlander Sport models are powered by a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 77kW and 141Nm, paired with a CVT (continuously variable) transmission as standard. The vehicle’s ground clearance is a class-leading 222mm.

The cockpit features a configurable central screen, which includes a three-tier display inspired by the early Pajero models. Rear legroom is said to be best in class and the back seats also offer eight levels of reclining adjustment.

Standard features in the base GL include 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, reverse camera, 4.2-inch driver information display, manual air conditioning with rear ventilation, Active Stability Control and four airbags.

The GLS adds Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist as well as Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

In addition, the Aspire sports 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, 8.0-inch digital driver display, automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, ambient lighting, keyless entry and start, drive mode selector and curtain airbags.

The Exceed tops the pile with additional features including a Yamaha premium sound system with eight speakers and regains Lane Change Assist (which is fitted to the GLS but not the Aspire).

As for after-sales, clients benefit from a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage as well as a service plan that’s valid for three-years or 45,000km.

IOL