THE new Mitsubishi Outlander joins the ranks of mid-sized SUV vehicles which are selling at 11,000 units a year. This is the fastest growing sector of the Irish market and the newcomer will face stiff competition. But the pedigree is good. A derivative which went on sale in Japan in 2005 is now the best-selling compact SUV there.

The Outlander has two good selling points. The starting price at Euro35,995 undercuts most of the competition by a couple of thousand euro. Also, it has a very good diesel engine. Diesel represents over 60% of sales in the SUV market here and the Outlander has a VW 2-litre turbocharged 16-valve unit with intercooler which produces 140bhp and a hefty 310Nm of torque.

This engine is also used in the Mitsubishi Grandis seven-seater model, and in the Outlander a 0100 km sprint takes just under 11 seconds with the top speed at 187km.

The new model is smaller than the Pajero and, in the marketplace, has the advantage of a smaller engine which will disarm the anti-SUV lobby. It also scores well on the economy front with fuel consumption as low as 6.9L/100km in ideal test conditions without a load-up.

The Outlander will replace the passenger version of the Pajero Sport which will be phased out this year. The entry-level Invite is being sold as a five-seater which leaves lots of room for luggage or bulky items in the rear. In the higher-level Intense and Intense+ versions there are two third-row seats for occasional use.

Gavin Flood, marketing manager of Mitsubishi, is hopeful it will win 5% of the segment where Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV 4 and Kia Sportage and Sorento take 68% of sales.

The Outlander gives a refined drive for a big vehicle and is less rugged than the Pajero. It is designed to be an all-weather Grand Tourer and has a new AllWheel Control drive train.

It gets active stability technology which includes traction control and, when driving from urban to rough terrain, it is possible to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive at speeds up to 60km/h. In fact, in a treacherous mountain drive specially picked for deep gullies, rocks and wet dirt tracks, the Outlander was able to handle the worst nature could throw at it.

The two-wheel-drive option will be a popular choice with urban drivers because of the fuel economy. And the transition to four-wheel drive is simplicity itself - just turn a rotary control located between the two front seats.

The interior styling is simple.

The seats are supportive and the high driving position gives an excellent view of the road. They also have safety features and are designed to reduce whiplash.

There are lots of energy-absorbing devices and materials used to bring the Euro NCAP passenger safety rating up to five stars and three stars for child protection.

Mitsubishi are also aiming for good pedestrian safety ratings with the front exterior design but this does not dilute the visual impact. Big bumpers, flared wheelarches, sharp lines, roof rails and chunky alloys will please the SUV set who like the macho look.

A very helpful feature is the split tailgate which maximises the benefits of a low floor to give better access to the luggage compartment. The lower section opens just 600mm above the ground, allowing bulky items to be loaded/unloaded with ease. When lowered, the bottom section can hold loads of up to 200kg.

The Outlander will be available in three versions - Invite, Intense and Intense+ - with the entry-level Invite selling at Euro35,995. This model will account for 70% of sales as the specification is good.

Included in the Invite package is air conditioning, heated and folding wing mirrors, six-speaker radio/CD with MP3 capability, EBD and Brake Assist with the antilock brakes, six airbags , 16inch alloy wheels and roof rails.

For Euro3,000 extra, the specification on the Intense adds cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, a third row of foldaway seats, fog lights and privacy glass. For another Euro3,000, the Intense+ gets leather trim, electrically operated and heated front seats. Best buy: the Invite.

VITAL STATISTICS Mitsubishi Outlander Invite 2L t-diesel 140 bhp with intercooler 4640 mm 1800 mm 1720 mm 2670 mm 0-100 km - 10.8 secs 187km/h 6-speed manual 6.9L/100 km Euro35,995