You know how sometimes you get into a car (say, an Uber or a friend’s car), the seats are like wood, the posture’s off and the roof’s so low you get a pinched nerve in your neck and you’re left thinking how can anyone sit in this all day long? Well, the new Mitsubishi Outlander is so, absolutely the polar opposite of every average car experience you’ve ever had it’s going to be hard to find the words. But let’s try.
Basically, if you’re in need of a new car, either for a good time or a long time, the Mitsubishi Outlander is it. And even though it’s not summer anymore and the season for roadtrips is tapering off – after 3-in-4 of us took to the road in 2021/2022, you’re still in safe hands with the new ride.
Sitting up higher than your average and with enough torque and suspension to truly convince you you’re driving a cloud, it’s a genuinely stylish ride – that kind of looks like a Transformer, but nicer – that will inspire you this winter to take a road trip to literally anywhere.
We partnered with Mitsubishi earlier in 2022 to get their take on an ideal road trip itinerary when you know your trip’s sorted with a quality car, 20-inch alloys a full size sun roof.
- See ya, traffic!
Beat the rush and make an early start to avoid the highway traffic jam. Mitsubishi’s research says that with half (48%) of Aussies planning on setting off for the Christmas holiday season between these dates and only one in ten planning to set off earlier than December 18th. So you’ve got time!
- Wrapping up insurance
It’s important to protect the family from unexpected encounters with kangaroos on outback roads, or torrential downpours in the middle of rainforests, not to mention accidents and break-ins. As with every vehicle, make sure you have the insurance you need before travelling and purchase roadside assistance for additional support.
- Be efficient with boot packing
Much to the distress of parents Australia-wide, packing a boot is traditionally known as one of the most complicated and frustrating aspects of holidaying. To help, make sure to fit like-sized items together, with larger and heavier items in first and smaller items in the space between. Although it’s tempting to pile everything in the boot, for safety when driving, always ensure the rear screen is not obscured.
- Deck the car with vitals
Much like ensuring there are enough drinks and snacks for the kids, it is important to check the vehicle’s vitals are topped up before setting off. This includes windscreen washer fluid, brake fluid, coolant and engine oil. Check these under the hood to ensure they’re all at the correct level.
- Don’t fall flat mid-journey
Checking the tyre pressure and tread, to ensure it’s correct for the terrain the vehicle will be driving in, is important for every road trip. A long journey across the country is not an ideal time to realise the tyres need replacing, or look flat.
- Check the brakes
Instead of ignoring that mysterious squeaking noise, get the brakes checked and replaced if needed before a long road trip. Brakes should be responsive and bring the vehicle to a stop smoothy and swiftly (without the ear-piercing screeches).
- Forget the latest mobile phone model and fix the car lights
Being able to see wildlife on (or next to) the road and ensuring trucks and other vehicles can see working lights is always imperative when driving, but especially on open country roads.
- Scope out the nearest petrol stations
With 31% of Aussies prioritising interstate travel, that can include long, rural roads with sporadic fuel availability. There’s nothing worse than seeing the fuel warning light come on and knowing the next fuel station is around 100 kilometres away. To save the anxiety around fuel, plan your breaks and ensure the car is filled up at each of those stops.
- Prepare for emergencies
While last-minute adventures are popular with Aussies, preparation is key. Ensure the family and car are covered by packing an emergency kit including first-aid, blankets, a torch, vomit bag, and spare water. For the vehicle, check your spare tyre, tools and pack a pair of gloves.
- Enjoy the ride
Whether it is a road trip to the coast, or across the country, the journey is just as rewarding as reaching the destination. In fact, 60% of Australians said the scenery and the stop offs (47%) along the way are key to a good road trip, so plan your breaks in advance. These coincide with in-car experience (35%), conversations with family and friends (33%), family bonding (27%) and car snacks (22%).
The findings also revealed Aussies ideal road trip locations, with one third of Aussies saying it has to be a beach or coastal location, followed by outback adventure (17%), rainforest adventure (11%), big city adventure (10%), the bush (9%), and the snow (6%).
The research on Australian’s attitudes to summer adventure and travel is released to coincide with the Australian market introduction of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander – the ultimate road trip companion.
For more information on Mitsubishi’s all new Outlander, visit here.