I really liked the reclining second row seatbacks that go from bolt upright to a relaxing incline, although presumably this wouldn't be exaggerated while driving. But I had to remove the unused mid-seat's headrest to gain a better sightline in the rear view mirrors.

Three-point shoulder harnesses are standard on this five-passenger vehicle. One of the two 12-volt power accessory plugs is in the trunk area where small stow-away wells hide under a flat cargo floor and a cargo cover, missing in the test model, would lend a finishing touch.

The Outlander's interior has two color palates, "grey" (the English spelling) and "sandblast." The grey, with charcoal insets and some brushed metallic-look edging, complements a silvery-toned XLS I tested and was one of the few times I actually preferred that color on a vehicle.

Nothing inside appears cluttered, but everything seems just right. The instrument panel is simple with a center-mounted quartz analog clock above the comfort and sound system controls. Round gauges are set into hooded instrument cluster wells. And the tachometer's red line is backlit in a catchy red check design, lending an "I'm here" touch.

LOTS OF AMENITIES

Mitsubishi has skillfully designed-in status while paring costs in both the LS and XLS models. Despite the ho-hum powerplant, a left foot rest for balance and above-door grab handles suggest a serious, power-boosted off-road capability. While the XLS version's Sound & Sun option package has a well-balanced, optional Infinity premium audio system, I couldn't adjust base or treble. Apparently what you hear is what you get. Both models use front disc brakes. But rear drum brakes peak through wide wheel cover gaps to diminish the overall look.

EPA mileage estimates are 21 city and 26 highway for the front drive version, with a loss of a mile each with all wheel drive. Options include Convenience, Appearance and Luxury packages and cover a range of goodies from heated leather seating and antilock brakes to side impact airbags, sunroof and 16-inch alloy wheels. A production vehicle sticker that arrived just before press time put a loaded XLS all wheel drive version at $24,470, including $580 in destination charges.

Overall, the new Outlander seems a standout in a field that includes the established likes of Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It looked trendy and modern parked near a similarly-sized Grand Vitara. During test drives it drew attention from some young bikers and two men in a Chevy Blazer, and defied a guess at the price.

"That's a Mitsubishi," said one surprised admirer. "I thought it was a Mercedes."