Click to go offroad or continue scrolling for urban
This long weekend, we bring you a special feature on our crew car, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2007. The ''Outie'' has long been our vehicle of choice for photography because it can effortlessly ferry 5 grown men along with all camera equipment fully loaded. You can tramp the pedal loud and the bonnet will revv up 200 horses clattering their hooves.
The all-wheel compact SUV based on the Evo platform is powered exclusively by a new aluminum DOHC MIVEC engine teamed to a 6-speed auto transmission with magnesium paddle shifters. On board photography is easy and quite pliant at low speeds, and this works well on bad roads where shocks are soaked up quite effortlessly.
Like all professional racers, routine point checks have to be done thoroughly before and after, in this case, every photography session to ensure the vehicle is kept in tiptop condition.
We crossed over to the other part of the world where roads are dirt tracks and much less travelled. A quick tutorial on the 4WD system of the Mitsubishi Outlander. It has three easy-to-activate modes that uses an electronically controlled coupling to switch the car between 2WD and 4WD.
- 2WD: the most fuel efficient mode and best for driving on sealed roads (will engage 4WD if it detects wheel spin).
- 4WD Auto: best used when its raining or when driving on unsealed roads.
- 4WD Lock: this transfers more torque to the rear wheels and is suited for slower speed off-road duties and basic 4WD tracks.
One of the best things about the system is that there's no need to stop, or roll forward while it's neutral to initialise any of the modes. Just turn the dial. The system is clean and simple and it works.
The Mitsubishi Outlander (as a support vehicle) features the same design elements that helped Mitsubishi win the grueling Dakar rally eleven times. Mitsubishi first entered the Dakar race in 1983. Because of its extreme character and the diversity of terrain, participating in the Dakar race has given Mitsubishi a unique opportunity. Mitsubishi has been able to show the world its mastery of and dedication to four wheel drive technology. But the Dakar race has also provided excellent testing ground for technical improvement in 4x4 technology and other car innovations.
Our crew car feature comes to an end and we shall leave you with this parting shot. More shoots of exciting rides coming up!
CONVERSATION