Mitsubishi is renowned for its rich four-wheel-drive heritage, with a line-up of rugged yet stylish and practical SUVs that have been honed in some of the world’s most gruelling and demanding off-road locations.
That’s why we decided to take three heroes from Mitsubishi’s SUV range to the heart of the Lake District, following a pair of extreme triathletes on a gruelling training session from the shores of Ullswater to the heights of Kirkstone peak.
Find out more about Mitsubishi’s range of SUVs at mitsubishi-cars.co.uk
Rugged when it counts
Our journey started in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – a stylish and spacious family-friendly SUV that’s packed with technology and also boasts true off-road capability. Perfect for tracking our two triathletes as they swam across Ullswater on the start of their training route.
Thanks to a four-wheel-drive system honed on the rough-and-tumble of the World Rally Championship and in the heat of the Dakar Rally – allied to 183mm of ground clearance, and 400mm of wading depth – it was easily capable of accompanying our triathletes right down to the gravel shoreline. Plus, with up to 448 litres (VDA) of load volume in the rear, there was plenty of space for the triathletes’ equipment.
With a 1.5-litre petrol turbo engine that offers 163PS and 250Nm of torque, the Eclipse Cross was perfect for tackling the twisty roads round the edge of Ullswater, with four-wheel drive and a wealth of advanced driving assistance features – including an advanced head-up display – delivering an added sense of confidence and assurance.
Joy of the open road
As our triathletes ditched their wetsuits and pulled on their cycling gear, we prepared for the next leg of our journey in the Outlander PHEV.
With a plug-in hybrid that offers up to 28 miles of all-electric range*, allied to a spacious, comfortable and technology packed interior, as well as true off-road performance, it’s a no-compromise SUV with a difference.
We made the most of the Outlander PHEV’s all-electric mode to start the opening miles of our journey from Ullswater in serene emissions-free silence.
As the roads away from Ullswater climbed towards Kirkstone, the intelligent hybrid blended petrol power from the 2.4-litre engine with the added efficiency of the electric motor. Instantly accessible torque from the electric motors proved provided a valuable boost on the steep inclines, leaving us pitying the triathletes left cycling breathlessly in our wake.
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