Mitsubishi has had a busy year, with the arrival of the new Lancer and now the introduction of its 'soft-roader' Outlander, all in time for the New Year sales.
But it's due to get a lot busier, with a total of 14 all-new products planned for launch within the next five years. Certainly there's a great deal of determination in the firm to set forth with new product launches. The enthusiasm which is evident when talking to staff reflects a new belief in the marque.
While we await the really revolutionary models, the revamped versions offer hope for the future. The Outlander would fit into the revamped category for, while new to us, it's not actually new to Mitsubishi, having been on sale in the Japanese and US markets previously, where it sells under the model name Endeavour.
A hybrid of the mini-SUV, already it differs in that it carries the new trademark indent at the front and slanted nose. This sharper nose and front grille was first revealed to Irish motorists on the new Lancer and it will soon feature on the new Grandis, due to replace the Spacewagon.
Unfortunately there's to be no diesel Outlanders on sale as yet, but a two-litre unit is due in 2005. Mitsubishi admittedly was concentrating on larger global markets such as the US and Japan with its Outlander, and oil burners are not a common choice in either market.
At the international launch earlier in the year we were told a diesel option would require too costly a redesign to build into the current model to warrant production. However, there seems to have been a change of heart.
For now the Irish market will get the 2.4-litre petrol, with a two-litre petrol unit also coming later. Having driven both petrol engines at the launch, we can safely say Ireland is getting the best option, the bigger engine being a better match with the body weight.
Competitors include the Honda CRV, the Nissan X-Trail and the Subaru Forester. Like most in this category, though it has four-wheel-drive, it does not come with low-ratio transmission, so it's more for the grassy verge than the steep off-road trekking hills. Prices start at €36,995 ex-works so it's well priced for the fight ahead.