Motor Torque with David Berthon

Talking further on the intrusive active safety elements of many of the new
breed of Chinese SUVs – the Leapmotor C10 I’ve just driven a case in point
which has 17 so called active driver assist features and I understand that
the local company has already adjusted the software for these active safety
elements three times – heaven knows what it was like first up for its still so
intrusive it’s a buyer turnoff to what is otherwise an excellent first effort for
Leapmotor. Interestingly, this week I was supposed to be driving the
Deepal CO7, another Chinese EV SUV newcomer. However, I was told all
test vehicles have been recalled to make software changes to their active
safety elements – the reason, I’m not the only motoring journalist who has
found many of these poorly calibrated active safety elements an absolute
buyer turnoff. I’m David Berthon

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In the last nine months we’ve seen a number of new Chinese electric
brands arrive on the market and whilst EV’s may be slow sellers at this
point of time the competition has become intense. I have just finished
testing the Leapmotor C10, a mid-size five-seat EV SUV, the first product
from Leapmotor which was formed only in 2015 and majority backed by the
giant Stellantis group – an impressive first effort but spoilt by overly
intrusive active safety elements – lane keep assist in particular, plus a
series of warning chimes that are simply distractive and counter intuitive.
Why the Chinese think we need so much intervention is hard to fathom but
the Leapmotor C10 is like driving a computer screen on wheels – designed
by tech heads instead of car designers and the experience is simply not
enjoyable. I’m David Berthon

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Driving Mitsubishi’s seven-seat mid-size Outlander SUV – it comes in a large
range of front and all-wheel drive models in pure petrol or plug-in hybrid – I’m
driving the top-line petrol Exceed 4WD – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder CVT automatic at
$52,640. So how does it drive – the naturally aspirated petrol engine with 135kW
and 244 Nm of torque is adequate, it’s no fire breather however the continuously
variable transmission taps the power and torque well but push it hard and it tends
to surge a little like most CVT transmissions, however for the heavy work it has 8
pre-set manual gear ratios you can access via the steering wheel mounted shift
paddles. The suspension is set up for one or seven passengers, as such it’s not
sporty but provides a very comfortable ride and driving experience while the
steering offers the ability to add more assistance if needed. The driving
experience also aided by six drive modes – three, normal, eco and sport that
adjust steering and transmission settings plus three offroad modes that give the
Outlander a more adventurous spirit. As I said earlier, good economy 8.7L/100 on
91 Octane petrol. As a family carrier there’s much to like with Mitsubishi’s
Outlander Exceed and little to criticize. I’m David Berthon

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Driving Mitsubishi’s mid-size Outlander SUV today, the company’s best seller
and the second best selling mid-size SUV behind Toyota’s RAV4. I’m driving the
top spec 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol CVT automatic Outlander
Exceed 4WD at $52,640. On first impression, a roomy plush interior - in fact its
interior space gives the impression you’re driving a much larger SUV and you can
see why it is very popular with large families. And this is its best benefit over the
RAV 4 the fact that it has seven seats. All three rows also offer climate control air
with separate controls in each. Although the third row is best sized for kids.
Equipment comprehensive – a wireless phone charger, power tailgate. leather
seats with memory function up front, a head up display, 12.3-inch digital
instrument cluster, pull up sun blinds for the second-row seats and 10-speaker
Bose sound. And don’t forget Mitsubishi’s 10-year/200,000km warranty, a real
buyer benefit. Servicing, every 12 months or 15,0000kms, the first five years
costing a reasonable $1700. Towing average at 1600 kilos braked and here the
2.5-litre four-cylinder would struggle with a heavy load. Good economy though –
on 91 octane petrol I managed 8.7L/100. Five-star ANCAP safety. Drive details
next segment I’m David Berthon

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