Ben Stewart at Popular Mechanics asks us Does it stack up against competitors from Hyundai and Nissan? We think there’s more than enough room in the small-utility market if it grows by 480% (like Mitsubishi forecasts). In many regards the Sport is a just a shortened Outlander and we know it is a good platform, but the eco-friendly naturally aspirated 4B11 won’t make this a barnstormer. Luckily everyone is anxiously looking for a 4B11T and maybe Mitsubishi will get the message.

Entry-level crossovers like the new Outlander Sport deliver good value. The Sport won’t be in Mitsubishi dealerships until October, but the company says the ES will start at less than $19,000, and even the heavily equipped SE probably won’t top $25,000. Fuel economy is promised to be equally competitive, as ES models should deliver 31 mpg on the highway thanks in part to a slippery 0.32 coefficient of drag. The Outlander Sport is certainly an attractive crossover, with a supple suspension and smart interior, but it would be even more attractive with a turbocharged 237 hp engine under the hood. Let’s hope a Ralliart version is in the works.

With the Lancer Evolution likely turning hybrid-diesel (yes really) there might be more chance for the 4B11T to find its way into the Outlander Sport. We’ll be first in line for a Evolander Sport, thankyouverymuch.

Damon Lavrinc at AutoBlog.com has the privilege of the First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is right-sized at the right time. Check out his article for the best coverage we’ve seen so far on this brand new 4B11-powered CUV.

For the price and the segment, it packs all the baubles you’d expect, plus something that sets Mitsubishi apart – its all-wheel drive system. With consumers in this segment less enamored with outright power and increasingly focused on how grunt reaches the ground, Mitsubishi has a chance to become one of the predominant players in the all-wheel drive set, a segment that Subaru has owned for decades and luxury automakers are finally beginning to recognize as a sales tool. Mitsubishi certainly has the necessary hardware, and it’s fitted it to a well-priced, nicely equipped CUV. If the compact crossover segment takes off as predicted, Mitsubishi has a credible package to offer and a renewed focus that could save the marque from obscurity.

And, for you Ralliart fans, Mitsubishi wouldn’t confirm or deny the development of a racier version of the Outlander Sport, but there is an awful lot of extra room under the hood. Plenty for a turbocharger.

2011 Mitsubish Outlander Sport Preview

You’re hearing it here first: Mitsubishi’s new mini Outlander (“CUV”) will be a 4 cylinder MIVEC — 4B11 anyone? Mated to 5-speed manual gearbox we sense some turbo swapped hot-boxes in your future.

Tokyo, April 2, 2010 –– Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) displayed the North American version of its all-new crossover utility vehicle (CUV) at the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, which runs from March 31 (open to the general public on April 2). The CUV*1 was first unveiled in Japan in February, then in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The North American-spec CUV will be equipped with a 2.0-liter MIVEC*2 engine. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed sport-mode CVT, the CUV provides superior fuel efficiency and low emissions in a compact package that can seat 5. Sales of the new CUV in North America are to begin this fall.
Mr. Shinichi Kurihara, President and CEO of MMC’s North American distributor Mitsubishi Motors North America, noted “We believe that this new fun-to-drive and affordable CUV will quickly become our volume leader, and are convinced that it is exactly the right vehicle for the time.”

*1: RVR in Japan, ASX in Europe.
*2:Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system

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