After months of speculation, Mitsubishi has unveiled the highly anticipated replacement for the ASX, now officially launched as the Outlander Sport in South Africa. First teased at the Nampo Agricultural Expo in Bothaville in the Free State last year, the vehicle has finally made its way to local dealerships, offering a modern and practical option for the compact SUV market.
From Xforce to Outlander Sport
Initially showcased as the Xforce at Nampo, the vehicle adopts the Outlander Sport nameplate locally, aligning with Mitsubishi’s strategy to offer it as an entry-level model. Positioned below the Eclipse Cross in the line-up, it will eventually replace the outgoing ASX once existing stock is sold out.
The Outlander Sport is built at Mitsubishi’s Bekasi Plant in Indonesia and retains the same dimensions as the Xforce. It measures 4,390 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, 1,660 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. Offering 222 mm of ground clearance, the SUV provides ample capability for light off-road adventures, although it is front-wheel drive only.
Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet, the Outlander Sport is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 77 kW and 141 Nm. Paired with a CVT, the SUV reaches a top speed of 175 km/h and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 13.6 seconds. While Mitsubishi has not released official fuel consumption figures, the model is geared towards efficiency and urban usability.
Trim Levels and Features
The Outlander Sport is available in four trim levels: GL, GLS, Aspire, and Exceed. Each variant offers distinct features to suit different budgets and preferences. Below is a breakdown of the key specifications:
| Feature | GL | GLS | Aspire | Exceed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 17-inch alloy wheels | 17-inch alloy wheels | 18-inch alloy wheels | 18-inch alloy wheels |
| Infotainment | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charger | 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charger |
| Safety | 4 airbags, reverse camera, stability control, Active Yaw Control | Adds Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert | 6 airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors | Adds Yamaha 8-speaker sound system, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist |
| Interior | Cloth upholstery, manual air-conditioning | Cloth upholstery, manual air-conditioning | Leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control | Leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control |
| Additional Features | Keyless entry, Hill Start Assist, multifunction steering wheel | Adds advanced safety features | Electric tailgate, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control | Same as Aspire with premium sound system |
| Drive Modes | Normal | Normal | Normal, Gravel, Wet, Mud | Normal, Gravel, Wet, Mud |
Pricing and Availability
The Outlander Sport comes in four variants, each competitively priced and offering a five-year/unlimited km warranty and a three-year/45,000 km service plan. Below is the official pricing for the South African market:
- Outlander Sport 1.5 GL CVT – R429,900
- Outlander Sport 1.5 GLS CVT – R449,900
- Outlander Sport 1.5 Aspire CVT – R479,900
- Outlander Sport 1.5 Exceed CVT – R499,900
Conclusion
Buyers can choose from five exterior colours: Pearl White, Red Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, and Energetic Yellow Metallic. With its blend of practicality, modern features, and competitive pricing, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is set to make a strong impression in the compact SUV segment. Whether you’re commuting in the city or planning weekend getaways, the Outlander Sport promises a versatile and enjoyable driving experience.
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