Road test - Mitsubishi Outlander

Author: Ian Strachan

The anti-4x4 lobby will be hard pushed to criticise the excellent Mitsubishi Outlander. The four-wheel drive Outlander takes all their self-righteous arguments and demolishes them one by one (or should that be four by four?)

The award-winning Mazda6 has always been a good looking car, and since its launch a few years back more and more can be seen on our roads.

Its latest re-styling gives this good looker  more distinction, better performance and better handling.

I test drove the estate version - there are also saloons and hatchbacks - which is one of the best looking estates in the sector, with the possible exception of offerings from Peugeot.

The Mazda estate has smooth lines, a chunky and accommodating rear end, roof rails, nicely sculpted light clusters and some very smart looking 17 inch alloys. All of these add to the car's pleasing appearance.

Inside there's a streamlined layout, along with nice trim materials and colours. I've always liked the Mazda's clear layout and this is even better, with easily accessible controls and wealth of storage space which includes central cup holders, deep cubby box, and coin compartment.

Interior room is very good too. There's adequate leg and head room and the seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive.

My test car, in TS2 trim level, is powered by Mazda's excellent 2.2 litre 163 bhp diesel engine which is taught, easy revving and uncomplicated, delivering power when you need it, coupled to a positive, short travel, six speed manual transmission. Despite the Mazda6 estate being a big car you can get more than 52 mpg in mixed driving. 

Suspension is firm without being uncomfortable and handling is crisp and sure-footed with confident cornering.

Load space is very impressive, and can be made even bigger with split rear seats which fold down in a slick single movement. There's also more room under the loadspace floor.

Specification is good, with climate control dual-zone air conditioning, a seven-speaker radio and CD system, front fog lights, automatic lights and wipers, parking sensor, cruise control and all round electric windows and folding mirrors as standard.

The Mazda6 is a clever car with lots of appeal.  The 2.2 TS2 estate comes at £21,595 on the road. Metallic paint is £410 extra.

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserve.co.uk