What is it?
An all-new Mitsubishi Outlander, which means a crossover from the firm that has traditionally specialised in 4x4 models. It might look bigger, but according to Mitsubishi's people it's not, though better packaging delivers greater space inside for up to seven people. Diesel initially, it'll be offered in a variety of plug-in and hybrid guises to better fit with Mitsubishi's long-term environmental goals - the cleanest of which is targeting CO2 emissions of under 50g/km and a near 800-kilometre range.
Why's it here?
Mitsubishi is the first to admit it needs some new metal and the Outlander is as good a place to start as any. Blurring the divide between its traditional heavy off-road customer base and conventional production cars the Outlander's significance to the brand is huge. It looks good too, while on the inside the quest for greater quality continues - even if it's not quite yet up with the best of the mainstream contenders as yet.
Show stopper or floor filler?
In current guise it's not going to stop you in your tracks, but if Mitsubishi really can deliver on that sub-50g/km CO2 rating on one of the plug-in hybrids then it's hugely significant. It spearheads a new product offensive too, the Outlander due to be joined by a new Lancer and an as yet un-named supermini to replace the Colt.