Mitsubishi Outlander 2011 Review

Meet the new 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and experience the thrill that a top notch SUV offers, without actually burning holes in your pocket.

Mitsubishi plans on positioning this car at the bottom end of Outlander line-up. Even though it shares the platform with the larger Outlander, it has some key design differences, and improvement in capabilities.

The new Outlander varies the space a lot better when compared to the earlier outgoing Outlander before the facelift was given. Speaking with respect to cabin quality, you are stepping into the world of tranquility when you take a long drive in the new 2011 Outlander Sport.

Under the Hood

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivers 148 hp and 145 pound-feet of torque.

The transmission offered in the ES is a 5-speed manual. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available on the SE models. On the SE trim, front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. As with the regular Outlander, AWD models feature 3- driver-selectable modes to optimize traction.

Pros

• Aggressive styling
• Smooth & quiet ride
• Standard voice-activation system, and
• Affordable price

Cons

• Indifferent engine power
• Longer braking distances, and
• Limited cargo capacity

Performance

In performance testing, a manual transmission equipped model speeds from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. That's a reasonably quick time, but with the more commonly installed CVT we expect the Sport to turn in just average performance.

Safety

The standard safety features include:

• Side-impact airbags for the front seats
• All-disc antilock brakes
• Side curtain airbags for the first and second rows
• Electronic stability system

Gas Mileage

2011 Outlander Sport edition provides a good fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city roads and 31 mpg on the highway with the standard manual gearshift, while the CVT offers 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highways.

On the whole, the new Outlander Sport is a great SUV that comes at a reasonable starting price tag of $21995, which goes up to $27795. You don't just get great comfort, and interior sophistication but nimble handling, decent gas mileage, and all the goodies that you get in other SUVs in the segment, but at a significantly lower price tag.

Personally, I had been using Mitsubishi Cedia and I love the Mitsu creations like anything; they give you full value for money, and after taking a test drive of new Outlander my belief in the Company has increased further.

Mitsubishi Outlander 2011 makes up a great choice for all sports enthusiasts - visit the following link to grab the latest Mitsubishi news and check out tons of cool car pics.

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Is SUV Fuel Efficiency a Lost Cause?

When most people think of sport utility vehicles they think of a large vehicle that consumes massive amounts of fuel just getting from point A to point B. This is the case with many SUV models of course but there are an increasing number of options for the fuel economy conscious sport utility vehicle driver.

In America most large passenger vehicles -most vehicles of any type for that matter- are powered by gasoline engines. In Europe there are quite a few really exciting diesel powered engines that are available in motor vehicles of all types. Unfortunately we are looking at the U.S. market here and will have few choices when it comes to powerful, efficient diesel powered transportation.

The good news is that there are more fuel efficient options than there were in the past for people who need the power and perhaps the off road ability of an SUV. Of course if you just need 4 wheel drive and high ground clearance a small model like the Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4 might meet your needs but if you are into something larger and more advanced you might want to check out a model like the Volkswagen Touareg TDI which has plenty of power.

In addition to having good power figures it still maintains an EPA fuel mileage rating of 19 city and 28 highway for an estimated average of 23.5 miles per gallon. This is probably on the low end of what you can expect to get. VW Touareg owners on Fuelly, a fuel mileage tracking service, record that their 2011 models are getting an average of 24.3 to 27.7 miles per gallon with one owner reporting an achievement of 36 mpg on one tank.

The options are more limited when looking for an older model sport utility vehicle that goes easy on fuel consumption. It does not quite qualify as an SUV but the Subaru Forester is a slightly more rough road capable AWD vehicle that is quite popular in snow country and worth considering. You can pick up a nice clean example of the model for about five thousand dollars on online auctions or classified advertisement sites.

Whatever model you decide to get don't become discouraged in looking around. Despite what you might think there are some good options especially if you only need a light duty model. It might help to take a few minutes to prioritize your needs and decide whether fuel mileage, power, towing ability or off road capabilities are more important. This will help you be more focused in your vehicle search.

If you're interested in the best off road SUV models on the market you might be interested in reading more right here.

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The Pros And Cons Of Owning An SUV

Some people like the idea of the size of an SUV as they are generally larger than cars. Depending on which model you choose, there will be more seating area and more cargo space. This is especially helpful if you have a large family or if your kids play a lot of sports and you have to drive them around with their friends, along with all the gear. Not all SUVs have the same large profile and great cargo space.

Styling is another reason people like an SUV. Of course it can be argued that most SUVs are not very attractive but it is all in the eye of the beholder. Each person has their own taste. And auto makers are continually trying to present products that appeal to the eye while providing great utility.

Another reason why people like an SUV is the fact that they are higher than the average car. Although it might take more effort to climb into the driver seat it still offers an advantage. Many drivers like being up higher. It can help you see over the cars in front of you which is great in rush hour traffic. The mass also gives a driver a sense of safety, being surrounded by a lot more metal. It makes a driver feel more secure.

SUVs also offer some advantages in unfavorable weather or terrain because of their height or drivetrain capabilities. If you need to travel roads with deep ruts or snow you can get through it easier because of the clearance or four wheel drive.

So there is a nice list of advantages of owning an SUV. And it makes for a compelling argument. But there are also some downsides to owning an SUV.

One of the most common objections to owning an SUV relates to fuel costs. They can haul a lot but it comes at a cost. It is common knowledge that an SUV is a lot harder on your wallet at the gas pump. It's not so bad when gas prices are low but when it prices rise you get hit harder than the average commuter that gets better mileage.

Another objection relates to safety. Drivers feel safer because of the mass. A rear-end collision will not be as devastating. But that is not the only safety consideration. Accident avoidance is also important. An SUV does not typically enjoy the handling capabilities of a smaller, lighter-weight vehicle. And there are also the dangers relating to the car rolling over.

One more thing that people might not think about is higher costs relating to tires. When it comes time to replace the tires on an SUV you will find that the gas pump is not the only place where your wallet will feel some pain.

When you go to buy your next car an SUV might be a great option for you. But it will help you to do some research. Find out how much more you will be spending on gas. Examine the price of tires for the vehicle you are looking at and find out what the rollover rating is. Even if you know that you want an SUV it will help you to make a better choice.

Otto Wortman is involved in the German auto enthusiast community. Otto uses a a seat belt device called the CG Lock. Available at AutoWerks of America, provider of parts and equipment for German car enthusiasts.

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2011 Honda Element Review

When it comes to listing the top compact SUVs out there, the 2011 Honda Element will be somewhere at the top of the list. It gets a 9, out of 23 of the finest compact SUVs in the market, and this is after reviewing and analyzing over sixty published reviews regarding the same type of vehicles. The vehicle has gone through a lot of test driving in order to list it as an effective machine in the sports utility sector, and it does stand out. Essentially, the Honda Element epitomizes utility. The majority of reviewers are satisfied in that aspect, and so the buyers can trust that they won't be disappointed if that's what they are looking for in the vehicle.

The vehicle comes in two models both of which offers two wheel drive and of course the 4 wheel drive. The models are the LX and EX.

A decent but edgy type of vehicle to move around with in the city or outside in a rough terrain while maintaining a stable drive is what attracts buyers to this particular SUV. It is durable and a lot of buyers find that most important. So what's to look out for in the small SUV? A LOT of space. In fact, the vehicle boasts a 74.6 cubic feet of cargo space; and with the back seats folding capability, you really have space in there.

Performance

This SUVs performance rating may very much have to do with individuals, preference, because a lot of people like its sturdy and noisy ride, while some don't. But other than that, the easy navigation and plenty of room inside make it worthwhile.

Exterior

The exterior is a winner for the 2011 Honda Element; in fact a lot of recent models of SUVs have copied the Element's type of exterior when it hit the market back in 03, so the 2011 is still a winner in that aspect.

Interior

Ample space for cargo, which is always a major plus, but the passengers may not have the same spacious area because the seats aren't all that big. The interior is actually made in a way that allows easy cleaning for you, with the rubber floors and a lot of plastic. This takes care of its utility aspect and gives you a chance to get dirty.

Safety

When it comes to safety, again, the utility vehicle doesn't disappoint. In fact it gained a top pick in safety from insurance, so the only question is whether or not it's reliable. Of course the safety having been considered, there's little to worry about.

Reliability

It scores an almost perfect mark on reliability, getting a 9.0 for the predicted reliability test ratings. To sum it up, if you're shopping for a sport utility vehicle, this one embodies utility. Plus, there's always the 36000mile/ 3year warranty to add to the credits.

If you're looking for a new SUV or large vehicle you can learn more about 7 passenger vehicles and view the latest 7 passenger SUVS at http://www.7passengervehicle.net/.

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Is the New "Evoque" the Answer to Range Rovers Prayers?

Land Rover and Range Rover both remain icon's of British motor engineering and manufacturing to the rest of the world. To keep in step with the times and current car manufacturing trends, they have just launched the new Range Rover "Evoque" LRX which will feature as their baby entry level crossover SUV 4x4, as a more compact version of the current Sport models.

The Evoke has had a buzz of interest since it was first announced for production. Apart from the usual Range Rover design team and engineers involved in its journey into production from the concept drawing board, the Land Rover Company has also enlisted the consultation of former Spice Girl pop star "Victoria Beckham" in assisting to design of the interior. The intervention of Victoria Beckham collaborating in the interior design has been a landmark for the company brands and whether it was aiming at added publicity or giving the Evoque a celebrity status before its was launched, who knows? One thing is for sure it's definitely set a light the SUV market and caused a stir amongst the auto-journalists.

It's now hard to go very far on the internet, or in the general motoring press without finding reference to the new addition to the Range Rover stable. You could argue that many of the other SUV and 4x4 manufactures have made similar vehicles for a few years now, but none have had the impact so far on the SUV and 4x4 markets as this one. Historically when Land Rover & Range Rover do something different or introduce a new model, the motor industry and the consumers take notice, although many other automotive companies around the world will watch closely and try to react to the situation, with changes to their range own models and even try to emulate the design features in their brand.

This is a mile stone for the company as this model is unique not only in its design, but the consumer it is aimed at. Its has an entry level price tag of under ?30,000, it comes in a 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive versions, which is a move to address and improve the fuel consumption and we are all experiencing the ever-changing fuel prices at the pumps.

The Evoque is also aimed at being far greener and environmentally friendly than previous models currently available, as it has fuel friendly 2.2-litre diesel engine which returns around 58mpg (in tested conditions) and falls below the 130g/km of CO2 (in the front-wheel-drive model), so you can even feel good about driving. The new Evoque could be the answer to Range Rovers prayers.

Gregory Greene is writing on behalf of Bramleys in Surrey, the best choice for Land Rover Dealership Surrey or when choosing a Bentley Dealer for buying your next prestige or specialist motor car.

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Sand Ladders

Ever since the world wars, sand ladders have been a common method for four wheel drive recovery. A four wheel drive usually gets stuck due to a lack of traction and often this results in the wheels sinking. By placing sand ladders under the wheels a greater level of traction is made available as well as keeping the wheels above the surface. Sand ladders have been made from a number of different materials, ranging from steel through to aluminum, plastic, timber and several combinations. Today, sand ladders are regularly carried by four wheel drivers, all terrain vehicles, off-road trucks and even motorbikes.

The alternatives to sand ladders take a considerable amount of time to set up for a recovery, and they often result in a higher level of risk. Driving onto sand ladders reduces almost all of the risk, and it is so simple to do. My favorite sand ladders are known as Maxtrax. These are made out of engineer grade nylon and have a number of 'teeth' which your tyres can grip onto. They are lighter than the aluminum ones, easily packed away and can also be used as shovels. To top it off, they come with pins which allow you to bolt them onto the roof rack, or inside of your vehicle. You can join them together with 'links' and they come in a variety of colours.

Since buying a set of Maxtrax, I very rarely use my snatch strap. Maxtrax are not only much safer, but they are quicker and easier to use as well. When using a snatch strap you risk something breaking and doing damage, but Maxtrax reduce the risk to virtually nothing. There are alternatives to Maxtrax, but none are anywhere near as good as something designed to take the weight of a laden four wheel drive!

If you don't have a set of Maxtrax, anything that you can use to give a bit more traction for your tyres is very valuable. Whether it is just moving a few rocks and logs around, you will find these make a huge difference when traction is hard to find. There are many advantages of using sand ladders over a winch and snatch strap, asides from the obvious safety reasons. There are times when getting near a vehicle is impossible, and as a result being able to get them out without a tow is difficult (unless you have a set of Sand Ladders!)

Have a read of my Maxtrax Review and if you want to know more about them see the new version of Maxtrax

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Small SUV, BIG Payoff!

For those looking for the practical advantages of an SUV without giving up the handling and style of a car, a small SUV is right up your alley. These strong, stylish vehicles combine the space and strength of an SUV with the handling and striking looks of a smaller vehicle. With so many manufacturers jumping to join in the movement to more compact SUVs, there is a seemingly never-ending supply of choices. Rest assured, you can find just the right vehicle for you.

Mini Cooper Countryman

The Countryman is MINI's first adventure into the land of SUVs. As you would expect with MINI, the Countryman is a very compact, but very stylish SUV. Depending on the model, the Countryman's price tag ranges from $21,500 to $26,950. There are three models to choose from: Base, S, and S All4. The Countryman sports a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. Buyers will be happy to know that the Countryman, while acting like an SUV, is no gas hog. It gets 27 mpg, 35 mpg on the highway. Countryman comes with some great features, including alloy wheels, a roof rack, cooled storage compartment, and interior air filtration. With Countryman's price tag and economical advantages, it's certain to be a small SUV that people will take to quickly.

Jeep Wrangler

When considering the Jeep Wrangler, the main word that comes to mind is "options." Wrangler comes in 8 different possible trims: Sport, Unlimited Sport, Unlimited Sport RHD, 70th Anniversary, Unlimited 70th Anniversary, Unlimited Sahara, Rubicon, and Unlimited Rubicon. This rugged classic ranges anywhere from $22,000 to around $32,000, depending on which option you go with. While considered a small SUV, Wrangler still flexes a 3.8L 202 hp V6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. There is an option for a 4-speed automatic transmission, but it is only available in the Unlimited Sport RHD model. That much power does come at a cost as the Wrangler gets 15/19 mpg in gas mileage. Wrangler comes standard with all-terrain tires, steel wheels, removable soft top, 4-wheel ABS, and emergency braking assist. Built rugged, the Wrangler is a compact SUV that puts the "sport" in Sport Utility Vehicle.

Ford Escape

Not usually considered a luxury vehicle, a close examination of the options available with the Ford Escape reveals big options in a small SUV. The available options include (but are not limited to) Ford's SYNC entertainment system, MyKey (this is a key that can be programmed to, among other things, set a speed limit on your car), and active park assist (this allows the car to parallel park with very little driver assistance.

One of the first compact SUVs on the market, Escape now comes in three different trims...XLS, XLT, and Limited. There is also a Hybrid model that can be bought for around $9,000 more. With this many options, there is an Escape out there for everyone.

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