If diesel engines rule the roost in the SUV sector, the Mitsubishi Outlander is about to get even more appealing.

The Japanese off-roader will gain a second oil-burning engine option later this year, when the company introduces a more powerful 2.2-litre Di-D unit to the range.

Mitsubishi's smart seven-seater is currently available with Volkswagen's 138bhp 2.0-litre under the bonnet, but the fresh 154bhp diesel will deliver a welcome performance boost when it becomes available in the UK.

The new engine is well qualified for the task because it's shared with the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 SUVs, which themselves are based on the Mitsubishi off-roader. Ticking the order form box for the bigger powerplant is expected to add £1,000 to the price of the Outlander, but is it worth the extra outlay?
From the moment you pull away, it's clear the new 2.2-litre unit has much more low-down punch than the 2.0-litre. Torque is an impressive 380Nm - compared to 309Nm from the VW-derived engine - and where you have to work the entry-leveldiesel hard, this new 2.2-litre is happy to pull in a higher gear.

While the Outlander's handling and comfortable ride are unaffected by the switch, high-speed refinement is improved. This all means that the new oil-burner presents itself as a much more usable and relaxed option than the current engine.


Whether it's worth the extra expenditure and increased emissions - up from at least 174g/km - will depend on the individual. But the Outlander certainly now matches its two French rivals for performance, while retaining its place at the front of the queue when it comes to style.

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