VALUE of safety updates to its Outlander, a core product for Mitsubishi here, has paid off with the facelifted edition maintaining its maximum five-star safety rating after being tested to more stringent protocols that applied when it was first assessed.

The new five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme, which is the priority recognised standard here, applies to all ZM Outlander ICE models built from April and PHEV models built from July.

The five star assessment the car achieved on release three years ago would have remained valid until 2027, but the new test means it is rated until 2030.

The model underwent ANCAP assessment because it has gained revisions to driver assistance systems.

The updated car, which has availed since last month in pure petrol form and is about to be joined by the plug-in hybrid editions, has also received an Australian-developed steering and suspension tune Mitsubishi believes will address feedback about its dynamics.

“We are proud of how closely the MMC and MMAL teams have worked together to develop and re-affirm Outlander’s presence on Australian roads as a safe, reliable and capable vehicle,” he said.

In introducing its five-star rating, ANCAP referenced Outlander’s extensive airbag installations, including dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting, driver’s knee, and centre airbags. These are fitted as standard across the model range.

ANCAP also mentioned the extensive standard active safety suite, including AEB (car- to-car, Vulnerable Road User, junction and backover), as well as the lane support system with Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and speed sign recognition.