Mitsubishi Ice Drive: in Lapland with the appeal of the S-AWC

By using on the one hand the alliance with Renault and Nissan – see the new Colt and ASX – and on the other hand by modifying its products, Mitsubishi (imported to Italy by Koelliker) is back to focus on Europe. Among the relaunch models is the Outlander, which we tested again on the ice of Lapland while waiting for its planned return to the market in early 2025.

The testing ground is the Juha Kankkunen Driving Academy, which involves the use of circuits of various sizes and configurations, driven by Mitsubishi Outlander Phev, Eclipse Cross Phev and also one of the icons of the rally of the 90s and 2000s, the Lancer Evolution. The protagonist of the test is the tenth and last generation – to be honest, not the most loved by fans of the series – which nevertheless represented the latest evolution of the S-AWC, the “Mitsu” wheeled vehicle. However, let’s extinguish the enthusiasm: the Lancer’s time in Europe is over and will not return, even if this has not stopped the company from continuing to develop its electric wheel drive for the benefit of traction. The Outlander’s S-AWC system includes two electric motors – one at the front and one at the rear, which now have 85 kW and 100 kW respectively – which distribute the pulling power to the two axles, while the 2.4 liter Atkinson fuel engine ensures power and freedom. as well as the one provided by the 20 kWh traction battery (rechargeable).

Another electronic device called AYC (Active Yaw Control) also comes from the Lancer Evo. This is a stability control system activated through the brake system, which manages the traction force between the left and right wheels. By breaking the wheel inside the curve, a moment of traction is created that prefers to be rotated around the vertical axis of the car, almost when you make a corner on the pavement and it is also important here, on a frozen lake lost in the north of Finland, a place to turn the car in the absence of grip from the wheels The front line needs all the help you can get. Tuning the now basic engines to comply with anti-pollution regulations without losing efficiency on surfaces with low grip (or differentiated grip) was no easy task. The results, however, seem to be better, taking into account the difficult conditions proposed – the test tires are not sealed – and the dynamic behavior that emerged in the test.

The S-AWC system is not only right for the Outlander, but it is also integrated into the Eclipse Cross, which was updated inside and out a few months ago. The cosmetic changes concern the grille, light pillars and bumpers, and are accompanied by improved connectivity: the crossover now has a new generation of SDA infotainment, with an 8-inch touchscreen. Eclipse Cross: so two electric motors and 4WD Phev all-wheel drive are offered, while the internal combustion engine is a 2.4 naturally aspirated Mivec petrol with a CVT automatic. gearbox. To learn more about the S-AWC ice handling system, watch the video above.