The line-off ceremony was officiated by Mr. Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MMM and Mr. Tan Keng Meng, CEO of Warisan Tan Chong Motor Holdings. Also present was Chief Product Specialist from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), Japan, Mr. Yoji Otani.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is contract assembled by Tan Chong Motors Assemblies (TCMA) at its plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.

The long-standing TCMA plant has been assembling the Mitsubishi ASX for Mitsubishi Motors since 2014. The ASX compact SUV was the first Mitsubishi vehicle to be assembled in Malaysia. MMC personnel from Japan are stationed at the local production line to oversee quality control and processes.

"Today is a very proud day for Mitsubishi in Malaysia, as we get to celebrate our second locally-assembled vehicle here. The locally-assembled ASX has been successful for us, and we hope that the Outlander will be well-received by the market too," Shinnishi said.

"The Outlander SUV boasts outstanding safety and space for the family, and the move to locally assemble a new 2.0L variant makes the SUV even more affordable for Malaysians. We assure that there's no difference in quality between locally-assembled and imported units," he added.

The Outlander was launched in Malaysia in April 2016 as a completely built up (CBU) import from Japan. The new locally-assembled Outlander 2.0L 4WD variant will be sold alongside The CBU 2.4L 4WD, which widens the SUV's appeal.

4WD System and Performance

The new Outlander 2.0L 4WD is powered by a proven 2.0-litre engine with 145 PS and 196 Nm of torque. The DOHC MIVEC engine is paired with INVECS-III CVT transmission.

With many years of winning experience in the gruelling Dakar Rally under its belt, Mitsubishi is a specialist in rugged 4WD vehicles. By improving traction on slippery surfaces and stability, 4WD plays a role in active safety - it is especially valuable on SUVs with tall bodies and a high centre of gravity.

The Outlander comes with an intelligent 4WD system as standard across the range. Unlike on-demand 4WD systems in rival SUVs, the Multi-Select 4WD system in the Outlander has three selectable modes - 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock - to suit all conditions and terrain.

Safety Features

Safety is the Outlander's strongest suit, befitting its role as a family vehicle. Together with 4WD, seven airbags, ABS and EBD, Brake Assist, Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and ISOFIX child seat mounts are standard. The SUV also boasts a strong Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction.

Other helpful safety features include Rest Reminder, which reminds the driver to take a break when fatigue steps in.

The Outlander 2.0L also comes with a reverse camera with guide lines as standard.

Premium Features

The Outlander has a stylish and bold design, thanks to Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield face and LED daytime running lights, plus striking 18-inch alloy wheels that are standard.

Within the stylish body is a spacious seven-seater cabin with ample room for the entire family. The Outlander boasts best-in-class cargo volume of 1,608 litres with the second and third-row seats folded.

Standard equipment includes automatic headlamps and wipers, and keyless entry with push start button. A 7-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay functionality allows for seamless connection between Apple (iPhone/iPod) and car. The screen comes with Air Gesture Control for added convenience.

The Outlander 2.0L gets front parking sensors to complement the rear units. There's also a digital video recorder (dashcam) and security/solar film for all windows.

With best-in-class safety features, premium and stylish design, and a family-pleasing combination of space and versatility, the locally-assembled Mitsubishi Outlander with improved value is now open for booking at all Mitsubishi showrooms nationwide.

Three colours are available: Red Metallic, Solar White and Ruby Black. Ruby Black is a new colour for the Mitsubishi Outlander and is available exclusively for the Malaysian market.

The introductory price for the locally-assembled Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L 4WD is RM 139,988.00 until year end. The Outlander comes with MMM's standard factory warranty of five years and unlimited mileage.

Prices are quoted on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.