Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire 2013 review: long term 2

Size counts in the SUV class and right now, the focus is on small and medium size models with diesel engines and either all-wheel drive or two wheel drive.

Mitsubishi's new Outlander diesel Aspire ticks most of the boxes in the desirability scale -- torquey diesel engine with excellent fuel economy, roomy cabin, highest safety rating, affordability, heaps of features and pretty good looks.

We have been punting such a vehicle around the `burbs and inter-city for the past six or so weeks and find it totally practical and useful as well as providing a high level of comfort.

Economy

Explore the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander range

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• Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire 2013 review: long term 2
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We are tracking along at around 7.0-litres/100km with mostly urban driving but that drops into the 5.0s out on the freeway. It doesn't really matter, because the fact is you need to visit the servo infrequently with a car such as this.

Price and features

We have been impressed with the level of standard kit in the Aspire that's priced at about $51,000. You get a comprehensive info system with nav, multimedia connectivity, bluetooth phone and audio and multi vehicle controls with a trip computer. It's actually a bit over the top and could be challenging for some people to operate. You've got to get with the program.

It gets a five star crash rating and plenty of driver assist features including reverse camera and park assist, forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, hill start assist and auto brake function to name a few. It's the way all new cars should be tracking. The new rounded body rides on an integral ladder chassis which is unusual in the class where most are on monocoque chassis -- pressed metal floor pans.

Driving

We find the firm leather clad seats good for long trips and there's plenty of room for five inside or fold the rear pews down and put a couple of bikes in there. The auto tailgate is an asset except that the tailgate stops too low making it an obstruction for taller drivers.

Audio heads will love the sound system in this vehicle -- it's a Rockford Fosgate unit with a large sub-woofer in the rear load space. It's sound that you can really feel. Paddle shift on the steering wheel gives the Outlander a sporty feel on demand - in conjunction with a multi-drive mode selection that includes ‘eco’ complete with economical drive coaching and optimised aircon and other mechanical aspects of the vehicle. We've ended up running hot and cold on the looks of the new Outlander but feel a little tweaking would lift it -- slightly larger bumpers and rear mud flaps or spats would be a place to start.