Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Outlander Sport has already been released overseas, where it is known as the Mitsubishi RVR in Asia and the Mitsubishi ASX ("Active Sport Crossover") in Europe.

The new Outlander Sport is a condensed version of the successful Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. The 5-seat Sport is 13.6 inches shorter and 440 pounds lighter than the Outlander. The regular Outlander has an available V-6 engine and 7-passenger seating. The streamlining of SUVs into more compact form is a popular automotive trend.

The Outlander Sport will come with a 2.0-liter, 148 horsepower, and 4-cylinder MIVEC engine. Its styling draws information from Mitsubishi's Lancer sport and is part of part of Mitsubishi's plan to reposition itself as a maker of smaller and more efficient cars. The vehicle is expected to get fuel economy above 30 miles per gallon on the highway and produce low emissions. To save weight, the Outlander Sport comes with recycled plastic front fenders and thinner high-strength steel in the tailgate, doors, and hood.

The Outland Sport is expected to have a base price of under $20,000. A five-speed manual will come standard on the base ES model. A six-speed magnesium paddle-shifted Continuously Variable Transmission will be available on the ES model and standard on the SE model. The model will have available Mitsubishi's electronic all-wheel drive system. Other available options will include a navigation system with traffic updates, a 710-watt nine speaker sound system, and HID headlamps. This model will go on sale this fall in the United States.