This is a vehicle for those who thrive in Mitsubishi style -- the young, trendy, hip driver image, "with it" enough to demand a punchy statement but smart enough not to break the bank in the process. This could be for the daughter or son getting ready for life beyond the limits of schooling, or a forever young professional smart enough to want the best of a good bargain.

And Mitsubishi seems determined to provide it.

CROWDED COMPANY

This is the company's offering for an increasingly crowded segment called "crossover," "cute ute," or in a less complimentary fashion, "entry level."

That's a term some might use for the base Outlander since at just under $18,000 it undercuts most competitor prices. But forget any bottom feeder image.

This is way beyond such limitations.

Initially I found the Outlander quite attractive, a lower end offering with lots of eye candy pow and truly comfortable amenities, although it edges toward average in some ways when out on the road. And that, mind you, seems to be by design.

The only engine to power this small SUV is the same 16-valve, 2.4 liter, four cylinder found in the Galant sedan. While it churns out a respectable 140 horsepower and 157 pound-feet of torque with oomph during initial acceleration, it drew constant criticism at its summertime Virginia debut (admittedly in pre-production prototypes) for a lack of guts in some demanding driving conditions.

But despite repeated suggestions, Mitsubishi has no plans to put in anything heftier. That was made clear by Gael O'Brien, vice president of corporate communications and public affairs for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America (MMSA), who staunchly defended the decision not to step up engine power in the foreseeable future. The company feels the Outlander is positioned "exactly where it should be," she said. And they don't want it to compete with the upcoming, larger and pricier V-6 Endeavor SUV due out as a 2004.

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