On the track, Sawase-San put the proof in the pud- ding. After getting into the car with him, he put the Outlander PHEV into Gravel mode, pressed a few other buttons, then gave a nod. Our White Diamond hybrid SUV leapt off the line like a rally car, and he slid it into corners as if he was out to win a race, all with precise control. We drifted around sweeping turns and made quick direction changes with skilled excellence. He truly knew how to get the most out of this all-wheel drive system. After all, he helped pioneer it. As we pulled into the paddock, I had a wide grin on my face; it was almost as wide as Sawase-San’s. It was clear Mitsubishi’s S-AWC system isn’t simply marketing hype. Rather, it’s a highly technical system with detailed computer-control that can be adapted to a variety of terrain. In a practical sense, S-AWC pro - vides increased confidence in foul weather, surefoot- edness on dirt or gravel, and helps keep drivers and occupants safe and comfortable in any terrain.
Admittedly, S-AWC also makes the twin-motor Outlander PHEV more fun to drive than one might expect. With immediate torque from the hybrid drivetrain and excellent driving dynamics thanks to thoughtful chassis tuning and the brilliance that is S-AWC, you have not only a versatile seven-seat PHEV crossover, but one that’s also entertaining to drive on just about any road surface. But it’s not just about entertainment; it’s about safety and confidence. And with seven different drive modes (Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Power, and Eco), there’s a setting for pretty much every situation. So, whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, or a week-long adventure, S-AWC helps to offer some of the best traction, stability, and handling of any all-wheel drive vehicle on the market today. Mi
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