Designed specifically for the European market – allegedly in the behest of DaimlerChrysler – Outlander may be the vanguard of a new selection of sports utilities planned within the next couple of years.

Targeted at the Nissan X-Trail and Suzuki Grand Vitara end of the market the Mitsubishi Outlander is really a solid, well-made machine.

Developed in the Airtrek already for sale in Japan, but restyled for Europe in California. The vehicle is offered with just one engine, the 2.4 litre petrol.

Interestingly this isn’t a Shogun-based machine, but rather is built on the development of the Evo chassis. This explains why handling is preferable to might be expected.