Some vehicles are born for commercial purposes while others, like the Mitsubishi Outlander, are modified to fit the bill - but that’s not to say they don’t play their part in the great scheme of things.
The Japanese manufacturer has a history of chopping out the rear seats of its 4x4 vehicles to create a useable load space and therefore a new market.
Branding the range as 4Work, which also includes the company’s Shogun and L200 pick-up, they combine commercially focused product with off-road ability.
Powered by a Volkswagen sourced 2.0-litre turbo-diesel the Outlander drives with surprising composure on the road, displaying the refinement of a well sorted hatch. In the rear, load space is equally enlightening thanks to its practical design and even more practical load hatch that opens out in two parts with the lower shelf providing a useful platform to rest on.
Off-road it performs well, up to a point. In 4WD Auto mode it transfers torque to the wheels with the most grip, up to a 70:30 front:rear split for when on unsurfaced roads and this works well, remaining stable and maneuverable. In 4WD Lock it splits torque up to 50:50 between front and rear axle as and when required though we wouldn’t be as confident pressing on into harsher territory, best leave that one to the pick-ups.

For the full road test check out the 16th August issue of Commercial Motor