Promoted: Mitsubishi – Lake To Peak

Mitsubishi is renowned for its rich four-wheel-drive heritage, with a line-up of rugged yet stylish and practical SUVs that have been honed in some of the world’s most gruelling and demanding off-road locations.

That’s why we decided to take three heroes from Mitsubishi’s SUV range to the heart of the Lake District, following a pair of extreme triathletes on a gruelling training session from the shores of Ullswater to the heights of Kirkstone peak.

Find out more about Mitsubishi’s range of SUVs at mitsubishi-cars.co.uk

Rugged when it counts

Our journey started in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – a stylish and spacious family-friendly SUV that’s packed with technology and also boasts true off-road capability. Perfect for tracking our two triathletes as they swam across Ullswater on the start of their training route.

Thanks to a four-wheel-drive system honed on the rough-and-tumble of the World Rally Championship and in the heat of the Dakar Rally – allied to 183mm of ground clearance, and 400mm of wading depth – it was easily capable of accompanying our triathletes right down to the gravel shoreline. Plus, with up to 448 litres (VDA) of load volume in the rear, there was plenty of space for the triathletes’ equipment.

With a 1.5-litre petrol turbo engine that offers 163PS and 250Nm of torque, the Eclipse Cross was perfect for tackling the twisty roads round the edge of Ullswater, with four-wheel drive and a wealth of advanced driving assistance features – including an advanced head-up display – delivering an added sense of confidence and assurance.

Joy of the open road

As our triathletes ditched their wetsuits and pulled on their cycling gear, we prepared for the next leg of our journey in the Outlander PHEV. With a plug-in hybrid that offers up to 28 miles of all-electric range*, allied to a spacious, comfortable and technology packed interior, as well as true off-road performance, it’s a no-compromise SUV with a difference.

We made the most of the Outlander PHEV’s all-electric mode to start the opening miles of our journey from Ullswater in serene emissions-free silence. As the roads away from Ullswater climbed towards Kirkstone, the intelligent hybrid blended petrol power from the 2.4-litre engine with the added efficiency of the electric motor.

Instantly accessible torque from the electric motors proved provided a valuable boost on the steep inclines, leaving us pitying the triathletes left cycling breathlessly in our wake. And, by blending petrol and electric power, the Outlander PHEV is capable of delivering up to 139mpg* with CO2 emissions as low as 40g/km*.

As we headed off-road for the final leg of the journey, the ability to run on four-wheel drive – propelled by either petrol or zero-emissions electric power – provided an added degree of confidence on the gravel roads around the base of Kirkstone.

There was just enough time for our triathletes to grab a snack and their running gear from the Outlander PHEV’s 1,602-litre spacious rear before they were off again, scaling the slopes as they powered towards the summit.

Tough at the top

For the final climb to Kirkstone peak, we took the wheel of the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport – a comfortable, spacious, technology-packed seven-seat SUV that is also a truly capable off-roader. Building on Mitsubishi’s rich off-road heritage, it’s perfect for tackling everything that the great outdoors can throw at you with ease – and in considerable comfort and style.

With a simple to use Super Select II four-wheel-drive, lockable centre and rear differentials, a low-range gearbox and high ground clearance, it left us feeling somewhat guilty as we powered our way up the steep mountain tracks with ease, while our triathletes were left scrambling in our wake.

Added to which, the comfortable interior – packed with technology like dual-zone climate control, and heated front leather seats that conquered the early winter chills – meant we arrived at Kirkstone summit as warm and relaxed as when we’d started.

So, whether you want a city-friendly mid-size SUV that can head off-road, a large family-friendly hybrid SUV that can take the rough with the smooth, or a rugged 4x4 that can tackle mountains in comfort and with style, Mitsubishi has the perfect vehicle for you.

Please note: Specification varies by model.

* These figures were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. The Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes.

Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures.

These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration.

Find out more about Mitsubishi’s range of SUVs at mitsubishi-cars.co.uk