2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport first drive (photos)

Mitsubishi's newest model is a compact crossover, a segment the company believes will grow substantially over the next few years. According to Mitsubishi, it launched the car globally, with versions for Japan, the U.S., and Europe.

The Outlander Sport gets the jet fighter grille that has become a standard feature on Mitsubishi models. Although the size of the intake has been mitigated by the wide bumper line.

All of Mitsubishi's Outlander Sport models in the U.S. come with this 2-liter four-cylinder engine. Using Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing, its engine produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, which proved to be little to get the car moving quickly.

Although it has the same wheelbase as the standard Outlander, the Sport model has shorter overhangs, reducing the overall length of the vehicle.

The high trim SE model can be had with this panoramic sunroof, which stretches over both rows of seats.

The Outlander Sport can be had with front- or all-wheel-drive. The all-wheel-drive uses Mitsubishi's considerable expertise to give the car excellent handling.

The cargo area is surprisingly sizable, given the overall small dimensions of the Outlander Sport.

Mitsubishi gives the interior some modern touches, including soft plastics over the dashboard. It is a step up from previous Mitsubishi interiors, but still reflects the car's low price point.

The middle of the second row seat can serve as a pass-through to the cargo area and is suitable for skis.

In the SE trim, buyers can opt to add a navigation package that includes a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.

The most refined element in the cabin is the instrument cluster display, which is a small full-color LCD showing fuel economy information.

Column-mounted paddle shifters come with the continuously variable transmission that has six virtual shift points.

A knob on the console switches the electronic all-wheel-drive system between two-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive, and a four-wheel lock setting.

The Outlander's stereo includes many audio sources. With Mitsubishi's Fuse system, it has iPod integration that not only shows the iPod library on screen, but also supports voice commands that lets the driver play music by saying an artist or album name.

Along with its 710-watt amp, the Rockford Fosgate audio system uses a 10-inch subwoofer to deliver ridiculously strong bass.