AT-A-GLANCE Mitsubishi Outlander DiD GX3 leather five-door.

Price: £22,519.

Top speed: 124mph.

0-60mph: 9.7 seconds.

Fuel: 46.3mpg (combined figure).

CO2 emissions (g/km): 162.

Verdict: Good looking, drives great, roomy, practical, well built, sharp handling, good on fuel, extra seats have limited use.

RUGGED looks and driving civility on the tarmac are essential for the new generation of soft roaders.

Of course, many motorists might want a measure of off-road capability and other features but nowadays the SUV must meet the demands of those who enter the sector from hatches and saloons.

Those buyers want attractive looks, comfort, practicality and decent running costs and they get all this with Mitsubishi’s midsized Outlander.

On the road the vehicle is so composed it is more like a family car than its high stance might suggest.

The Outlander houses a smooth and refined 2.2-litre turbo diesel motor with strong mid-range performance and when mated to the standard six-speed manual gearbox pushes out a healthy 174bhp.

The extra muscle of the new unit means the Outlander is more capable than before both off and on the road. However, the SUV puts its on-road handling above prowess over hill and dale and therefore a popular two-wheel drive version is offered to fulfil the needs of an increasing number of buyers.

The Mitsubishi not only looks the part but has a luxurious and well-designed interior, although it is not necessarily as classy looking as some leading rivals.

However, the interior is durable and spacious and the quality leather upholstery specified with some models certainly adds to the ambience.

Some models also have a handy third row of seats to make the Outlander a seven-seater. This will be an advantage for some families but the seats are on the small side and only really suitable for small adults or children.

Underway, the Outlander delivers on-road appeal in spades with excellent handling characteristics for an SUV. The suspension is fairly firm but remains comfortable and manages to cope with all manner of surface imperfections.

The suspension also prevents body lean which is a big advantage to the press-on driver.

The steering is another plus point. On the road, it is sharp, precise and communicative for a vehicle in this sector. The 4WD versions are also notable for their performance and good handling across rugged terrain and their ability is probably more than enough for those drivers who seldom leave the tarmac.

The diesel motor is an excellent all-rounder, showing plenty of urge up through the gears to enable overtaking manoeuvres to be swiftly completed.

The sixth gear comes in useful on the open road or motorway when fast cruising is required.

And the fairly tall gearing helps to improve economy and also the Outlander’s generally cleaner and greener credentials which are a feature of Mitsubishi’s new vehicles.

Equipment levels are generous, particularly on the more expensive 4WD models where prices rise to £30,899. However, kit on the less expensive versions is also very good and can include alloy wheels, climate control, stability programme, traction control, side and curtain airbags, front and rear electric windows, electric folding door mirrors, MP3 connection and Bluetooth.