The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander will be safer, lighter and quieter than the model it replaces, claims the firm.

Having achieved five stars in its Euro NCAP test, including a 100% score in the `safety assist' category, the Outlander really takes the seven-seat SUV fight to rivals that had begun to leave the old Outlander behind.

Among its safety systems are City Crash Provision, which can avoid or mitigate a low-speed crash, while the range-topping GX5 derivative also has Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation and clever Adaptive Cruise Control technology.

It should be quieter thanks to a new type of lower-noise tyre, repositioned soundproofing materials and improved vibration damping characteristics. Comfort should be boosted even further for third-row passengers with a completely redesigned pair of seats that, according to Mitsubishi, mean that even adults can travel at the very back.

The range will consist of four consumer trim levels from GX2 to GX5, with a special GX1 model specifically for commercial use. The GX2 has air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights, seven airbags, hill start assist, a user-selectable `eco' mode and more, but is the only consumer model to make do with steel wheels and five seats. The GX2 will cost from £23,699 on the road.

In addition to an extra two seats, GX3 adds key equipment like leather contact points, automatic windscreen wipers, front fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and dual-zone air conditioning. Bluetooth is also introduced on the GX3, along with a mono-colour LCD display and black roof rails. The cheapest GX3 model will be priced at £26,399.

The GX4 switches to leather upholstery, with the front seats also heated and electrically-powered. Rear parking sensors are also standard at this level, joining xenon headlights, keyless entry, sat-nav, a reversing camera and a paddle-shift facility for automatic versions. The asking price starts at £29,999.

At the top of the range the automatic-only GX5 adds advanced safety systems, DAB radio and a powered tailgate, for a £33,999 price tag.

Improved residual values and a choice of seven colours are further bonuses for the new Outlander, which is offered with a 2.2-litre diesel engine and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. However, service intervals are as little as 9,000 miles apart, potentially making the new car more expensive to run for those who drive more than that per year.