AN aluminium-trimmed dial nestling innocuously between the front seats gives the first real clue to the true nature of Mitsubishi’s facelifted Outlander.

The flick-wrist dial is labelled simply 2WD, 4WD and LOCK, but it means that this car, whatever anyone might say, is a real off-roader.

With the current popularity for crossover vehicles, cars that look like 4x4s, but quite often are not, it’s not surprising that even Mitsubishi is tempted to describe the Outlander like that.

The attractions of 4x4 styling are obvious, high driving position, rugged looks, safe feel, and the Outlander is the real deal.

Mitsubishi took a different approach to the launch of the new range, by introducing the special edition Juro model earlier this year as a taster for the complete range which has just been launched.

Externally, the most aggressively distinctive styling cue is the so-called ‘Jet-Fighter’ grille that brings it into line with the Lancer Evolution, Lancer and Colt models.

It also gains a new front skid plate, black side sill garnish, new colour-keyed door mirror with indicator lamp and new chrome bezels for the front fog lamps.

Riding on 18in alloy wheels, with privacy glass and metallic paint as standard, the Juro is a real good looker.

Inside, the cabin has had a serious upmarket makeover with leather seats and contrasting stitching on the dashboard and door panels, and a new high-contrast colour LCD instrument meter display. The 154 horsepower, 2.2-litre diesel engine comes with a choice of manual gearbox or a twin-clutch Sports Shift Transmission SST, which is also found on high-performance Lancer Evolution and Lancer Ralliart models.

The SST ‘auto’ transmission uses two clutches, one to engage the gear in use and the other to pre-select the next gear required, which ensures instantaneous gear changes, while both saving on CO2 emissions and cutting power loss.

Other technological tweaks include the useful hill start assist, that automatically holds the brakes for about two seconds to prevent the vehicle from slipping backwards on steep slopes, and an emergency stop signal system that automatically detects severe braking to engage the hazard warning lights and increase braking efficiency.

Even the rear of the vehicle hides a not-so-little surprise, for tucked away in the rear loadspace is an extra pair of ‘occasional’ seats which fold up, origami style, from the floor once you have mastered the right order to pull the releases.

On top of the three-year unlimited mileage warranty and European breakdown service offered on all its cars, Mitsubishi also offers a three-year-37,500-mile servicing plan. Priced at £315, it is little wonder that almost 100 per cent of buyers take up the scheme.

So, in a surprisingly compact vehicle you have real go-anywhere capability and seven-seater carrying capacity.

If you want to tow it, trail it, or truck it, the Outlander will do the job.

Price: £27,199 Insurance group: 27 (1-50) Fuel consumption (Combined): 39.2mpg Top speed: 123mph Length: 466cm/183.4in Width: 180cm/70.9in Luggage capacity: 27.2 cu ft Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gallons/60 litres CO2 emissions: 189g/km Warranty: 3 years/unlimited mileage