2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Turbo and Colt CZ3

Despite fearing for its future after sales have tanked in the U.S. and DaimlerChrysler has walked away, Mitsubishi keeps coming out with interesting cars, even if we don't see many of them here. The CZ3 is the three-door version of the five-door Colt sub-compact, although this one is more radically styled, with all the panels except the hood being unique to the 3-door. There are five available engines: three gasoline fours, from a 75-horsepower 1.1 liter to 109-horsepower 1.9 liter; and two turbo diesels with common rail injection. The engines are mated to five-speed manual or manu-matic transmissions. At the top of the CZ tree is the T, powered by a 150-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. This little road rocket is good for 0 to 62 mph in 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Styled in Europe, we rather like it.

Will it or won't it? Make it to the U.S. that is. The Outlander is a neat crossover that has been mildly successful around the world. To inject some pep into it, Mitsubishi has fitted a de-tuned version of the Lancer Evo VIII's 4G63 2.0-liter, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder turbo engine. This makes 199 horsepower and a handy 224 pound feet of torque, which Mitsubishi says will endow the Outlander with a top speed of 137 mph and 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 7.7 seconds. To signal its sporty mien, the Outlander Turbo gets round fog lamps, a hood mounted air intake, body colored bumpers and side moldings. Like all new Outlanders, the Turbo receives a facelift, with new headlamps, grille, bumpers, tailgate, wheels, and rear spoiler. We reckon Mitsubishi should import this one to the States as a cut price BMW X5 alternative without the yuppie connotations.

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