Over in Japan, they took the Mitsubishi Outlander far more seriously...
By fitting a Lancer Evo turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive underpinnings!
Don’t you love when a car manufacturer re-purposes its performance car bits?
In our time driving, buying and reviewing cars, we’ve often said more than once; “If only they fitted the engine from their performance car into this thing?”
Well, this is the answer to that exact question. Over in Australia, Mitsubishi sold its first real SUV as the plain old and boring Outlander.
Mitsubishi Outlanders were – and still are – a popular car in Australia. Over in Japan however, they jazzed things up. They literally took the legendary rally-bred 4G63 engine and five-speed automatic from the Lancer Evolution 7 GT-A and fitted it to their Outlander, calling it the Airtrek Turbo R.
Mechanically underneath it’s just like an Evo, so parts are readily available and heavily supported too. The powertrain makes a meaty 177kW power / 343Nm torque and is put to the ground via all-four wheels.
The rest of the car is just like your Aunt’s Outlander, so rest assured you can get most exterior parts pretty easily, too. Its five-speed Auto was originally designed for the Evo, so expect a performance-orientated and clever transmission that shifts quickly and feels direct under throttle applications.
Couple it with all-wheel drive and a medium-size wagon body makes for a really capable, spacious and affordable family car. If you want something affordable and with a heart of gold – then give this a whirl.
Fit a cat-back exhaust and it’ll sound identical to a Mitsubishi Evo 7 or 8!
Our Mitsubishi Airtrek was built in July 2002 and is a ‘Turbo R’ trim level.
That means it’s powered by the legendary 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder ‘4G63’ engine with 177kW of power / 343Nm of torque and constant all-wheel drive.
Our car is a one-owner example that’s covered just 39,500 kilometres from new. Metallic silver is an uncommon colour, and the vehicle presents in incredibly well for its age.
As you’d expect with such low mileage, the interior looks like new too. It’s totally free from corrosion and completely original underneath.
This car’s condition will impress the most fastidious of purchasers.
What made this one special
- 2002 Mitsubishi Airtrek Turbo R
- Genuine 39,500km!
- 2.0-litre ‘4G63’ turbocharged engine (Evo 7 GT-A running gear)
- 177kW power / 343Nm torque
- Five-speed auto / All wheel drive
- Auction grade 4.0B
- Factory equipment: Climate control, remote central locking, Alarm/immobiliser, cup holders, heaps of storage space
- New tyres
- Serviced by our workshop
- In well-above average condition
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available
- Price includes Australian compliance
- Price includes a New South Wales roadworthy (blue slip)
- Price includes three-months NSW registration
The Airtrek is a fast-selling new-age crossover RV that brings together the comfort of the sedan and the go-anywhere, high-utility qualities of a SUV.Mitsubishi Japan at 37th Tokyo Motor Show, October 15 2003
