The Honda CR-V has been a run away hit with Indian buyers since it was launched back in 2003. When the latest generation was introduced 3 years later in 2006, there was some concern regarding the enlarged price tag and more rounded appearance. But Honda needn’t have worried because neither of those factors deterred prospective buyers as they flocked to the brand in greater numbers still. All of which serves to point out that the CR-V has had it largely its own way throughout its tenure in the Indian market.

Now, however, there’s a new and, by the looks of it, very serious contender in the form of its compatriot, the Mitsubishi Outlander. And while the CR-V is the consummate city slicker, even with electronic four-wheel drive when needed, the Outlander has its roots in the rough and tumble world of off-road rallying. Mitsubishi’s made a real name for itself in the sport and has become a near permanent figure in the winners circle at the legendary Dakar Raid.

Are we comparing apples and oranges then? Well, not quite. This particular Mitsubishi is one that’s tuned very much for the road – with the option, mind you, of taking it off road if you so choose. With that said, it’s going to take a lot to dethrone the well ensconced CR-V, which has been winning hearts and minds in India for several years over the past two model generations.

From the outside

The styling of the latest generation CR-V took a little getting used because it was a clear departure from the straight lines and muscular appearance of most SUVs – even compact SUVs such as this one. And while it still doesn’t come across as good looking in the traditional sense, there’s no denying that it has flair and a certain amount of appeal.



The Mitsubishi, on the other hand, is all about straightforward angular lines. It has a nice set of swept back headlamps that cut into the bumper below for effect. It’s a good looking car in the conventional sense but there’s not much detail to feast your eyes on. When I first saw the Outlander displayed at the Auto Expo in January, it actually came across as an SUV with a lot of visual appeal – perhaps it was the silver colour of the car on display. More than that, though, it’s more likely to have been the 18 inch rims, versus 16 on our test car, which gave it a more purposeful stance. The smaller wheels and tires probably improve ride quality and fuel efficiency but don’t do it any favours in the looks department. In fact, the Outlander looks downright plain sitting next to the CR-V with its design detail and larger 17 inch rims. The Outlander needs a few pieces of silver trim from some of its overseas variants to dress it up a little. The devil is truly in the details, and the CR-V appears to be better finished. As one of our testers said, the Outlander looks good but it appears as though it still needs to go to finishing school.



Mitsubishi Outlander:

	Engine	:	2,360cc / 4 cylinders / 16 valves / MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control system)
	Fuel	:	Petrol
	Transmission	:	6-speed CVT with paddle shifts / All Wheel Drive
	Power	:	168bhp @ 5800rpm
	Torque	:	166lb/ft @ 4100 rpm
	Acceleration	:	0-100km/h – 10.6 seconds
	Price	:	21.6 lakhs (on-road, Delhi)

Honda CR-V:

	Engine	:	2,354cc / 4 cylinders / 16 valves / i-VTEC
	Fuel	:	Petrol
	Transmission	:	5-speed automatic / All Wheel Drive
	Power	:	160bhp @ 5800rpm
	Torque	:	160lb/ft @ 4200 rpm
	Acceleration	:	0-100km/h – 10.5 seconds
	Price	:	21.4 lakhs (on-road, Delhi)