KUALA LUMPUR: So far we have seen the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander in spy shots and leaked images, but now here comes something official. The Japanese automaker has recently released a new teaser video of the upcoming SUV showing its driving performance and has also announced its official launch date that is February 16, 2021.

According to the teaser, the 2021 Outlander will have a new version of the brand's Super All-Wheel Control AWD system. Kentaro Honda, the segment chief vehicle engineer for the new Outlander stated, “We specifically developed a new drive mode selector to provide confident driving at all times and in all weather conditions. We hope that many customers will have great experiences with the enhanced driving performance of the all-new Outlander.”

While the official teaser does not reveal much about the revamped Outlander design, we have seen the new model’s exterior styling in the leaked photos. Going by that, the upcoming SUV will have a new chrome Dynamic Shield front end teamed up with slim LED headlamps and big air intakes, along with a wraparound-effect windscreen. At the rear end, there will be slimmer tail lights, horizontal reflector strips, and two outlets on the restyled bumper.

The new design closely mimics the styling of the Engleberg Tourer concept revealed in 2019, also it is expected to share elements with the new-generation Nissan X-Trail.

Under the bonnet, the next-generation Outlander could get a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol mill producing 183 PS of maximum power and 245 Nm of peak torque. The plug-in hybrid variant is likely to get a combination of a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated engine and two electric motors along with a 20-kWh battery pack providing an electric-only range of 44 miles.

Talking about the cabin, the spy shots, leaks as well as official teasers do not reveal anything about it. However, we can take reference from the concept model, which showcased the infotainment system as a tabled-styled screen positioned on top of the dashboard. 

Mitsubishi will launch the all-new Outlander next month in the U.S and Canada; regarding the local market, we hope the next-generation update will arrive soon. 

Also read: Mitsubishi introduces 2021 Mirage G4 sedan and hatch version in the US