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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Driving Mazda’s CX-70 all-wheel-drive SUV – a five seat version of the large
seven-seat CX-90. I tested the 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo diesel CX-70 GT
at $77,970 with mild hybrid assistance driving all the wheels through an 8-speed
automatic. The engine gutsy and powerful as well as economical and I managed
5.7L/100 with mainly city driving. The engine performance strong in the mid-range
where you do most of your motoring and with peak torque at just 2400 revs this
diesel engine is very impressive. The Mazda CX-70 is a large SUV and the laid-
back performance of this gutsy six-cylinder engine makes it very appealing. As is
said earlier the ride quality on the CX-90 when it arrived late in 2023 was far from
polished, Mazda Australia has retuned it since, the CX-70 also displays these
improvements although it can still feel a little firm depending on the road surface.
The CX-70 a large SUV, tipping the scales at 2216kgs, yet it handles well with a
good degree of steering sharpness. What stands out in this large Mazda SUV is
the quality nature of the interior in terms of space, choice of materials and fit and
finish which to some extent justifies its higher price point. I’m David Berthon

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Mazda CX-70 five-seat all-wheel-drive SUV - impressive interior quality.
Mazda now has a very comprehensive range of large SUV’s – I’m driving the CX-
70 introduced late last year, and basically, a five-seat version of the large seven-
seat CX-90, it comes in six-cylinder turbo petrol or turbo diesel with mild hybrid
assistance, in two all-wheel drive grades, the GT or the Azami. The 3.3-litre
turbodiesel CX-70 D50E GT at $77,970 plus on-road costs really impressed me
somewhat of a surprise given I didn’t like the CX-90 model I drove early last year
with its underdone and somewhat hard riding suspension. Mazda Australia
subsequently retuned the suspension and the CX-70 also reflects that update.
The ride perhaps still a little hard however the GT model is a rather sporty large
SUV fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels and is very competent in the way it handles.
Not inexpensive like all the large Mazda SUV’s and their latest pricing has pushed
well into prestige territory. Having said that they are very highly equipped. The
CX-70 GT gaining dual 12.3-inch interior screens, heated leather seats, adaptive
LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a full suite of advanced safety
technology. The interior very well sorted with a quality feel with seat comfort very
much a high point. Warranty, five years/unlimited km. I’m David Berthon

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