Production costs and supply constraints result in despecced lower grades, pricier flagships
Mitsubishi has joined the growing number of auto brands either ‘decontenting’ its vehicles or increasing its prices on certain models as COVID-19 continues to drive up production costs and complicate supply.
In the case of the revised ‘22.5MY’ Mitsubishi Outlander, which has been announced just three months after the new mid-size SUV arrived Down Under last November, the lower and mid-range variants have had certain features subtly plucked from the spec sheet while the high-end Exceed and flagship Exceed Touring have gone up in price by $500 and $1000 respectively.
The flipside of these price increases is that both variants retain all of their standard equipment – something that can’t be said for the lesser ES, LS and Aspire grades – but they haven’t gone up in price.
Working our way through the different trim levels, the entry-level ES (from $34,490) has lost its express passenger and rear windows, the LS (from $37,990) has sacrificed its electric tailgate and the mid-range Aspire (from $41,490) has had its digital instrument cluster replaced by an analogue one, centred around a 7.0-inch multi-information display.
Following the previously mentioned price increases, the Exceed and Exceed Tourer now start from $48,490 and $50,990 plus on-road costs respectively.
According to Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott, the decision to cut certain spec features and up select prices wasn’t taken lightly.
“The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander remains the best-equipped vehicle we have ever sold in Australia, boasting a newly developed platform and powertrain, bold and distinctive exterior styling and a refined interior with high-end finishes,” he said.
“These changes to 22.5MY Outlander specification ensure Mitsubishi Motors Australia can secure timely production in these popular grades for our dealer network and customers.”
For those considering a new Outlander as their next mid-size SUV, first examples of the altered range are due in local showrooms from April.
How much does the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander cost now?ES 5-seat 2WD (a) – $34,490ES 7-seat 2WD (a) – $35,490ES 5-seat 4WD (a) – $36,990LS 7-seat 2WD (a) – $37,990LS 7-seat 4WD (a) – $40,490Aspire 7-seat 2WD (a) – $41,490Aspire 7-seat 4WD (a) – $43,990Exceed 7-seat 4WD (a) – $48,490Exceed Tourer 7-seat 4WD (a) – $50,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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Keyword: Price hikes and spec cuts for new Mitsubishi Outlander