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The assistance systems of the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid at a glance
And their function in detail
Modern vehicles are no longer conceivable without assistance systems. In addition to ABS and ESP, many other electronic helpers have sat in the virtual passenger seat and want to protect us from everyday accidents and their consequences. Or sometimes just make driving easier.
Our Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Durable test car brings with it a whole armada of security systems. This article is about the systems themselves and how they work.
Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid, basic version from 39.990 €
7 airbags, ABS and ESP are series. For every Outlander. But already the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid basic version is ready with other helpers. Thus, the rain sensor and the sensor for the driving light circuit already belong to the basic scope. Likewise the daytime running lights and the fog lights. All Outlander plug-in hybrids also have a traction control for all-wheel drive in series.
The PLUS equipment of the Plug-In Hybrid Outlander from 44.990 €
Practical aids such as the reversing camera are added to the Plus equipment. Xenon headlights with Mitsubishi Wide Vision technology will also be in series production. Light is just a view. And while the Light Wizard of the basic equipment prevents one from turning on the lights too late or completely forgetting, for example, during tunnel rides, the xenon headlights bring more visibility at night. I also see the hot water parking heater that comes with this equipment both as a comfort feature and in the area of security. Having a warm car right from the start in winter prevents you from driving in thick winter clothes. Winter boots and thick jackets interfere with driving. Windows cleared of ice and snow provide a clear view of the outside.
The TOP equipment of the Plug-In Hybrid Outlander from 49.990 €
Who is for the Top features of the Plug-In Hybrid Outlander decides who receives the driver assistance package in series. This includes an adaptive cruise control, a collision warning and a lane departure warning. In addition to the extra portion of safety, you will be pleased with the electrically adjustable driver's seat, the leather upholstery and the electric tailgate. But the heated seats are also extremely useful - especially now.
But let's take a look at the driver assistance systems
- ACC - adaptive cruise control
- FCM - collision warning system
- LDW - Lane Keeping Assist
Adaptive cruise control
The cruise control is operated using the steering wheel buttons and after a few days you can operate them blindly.
The left button in the middle row is for the cruise control, the right activates a speed limiter. While the cruise control is responsible for maintaining a “cruising speed”, the speed limiter is used, for example, in areas where you want to be sure not to exceed a maximum speed. The button in the bottom row is responsible for the distance radar. When cruise control is activated, you use this button to control the distance that the cruise control should maintain to the next vehicle in front. The options for maintaining distance are divided into three levels. On our highway I actually always use the “shortest” option.
The rocker button to the right of “Cancel” is used to set the speed, whether in cruise control mode or in the speed limiter. Pressing down “Set” activates the desired speed. As soon as the vehicle is in control mode, the rocker switch is also responsible for adjusting the speed being driven. If you press it up, the speed increases, if you press it down, the vehicle slows down.
As soon as the driver presses the brake pedal, the cruise control is switched off. Press the rocker button up “RES” and the vehicle accelerates back to the last set speed.
The great advantage of the proximity radar based cruise control is its ability to recognize the vehicles in front of the Outlander and to reduce the speed accordingly. For example, if you drive in the right lane at 130 km / h and approach slowly moving vehicles, the cruise control brakes down to the necessary speed. Indicator left and lane change and the ACC cruise control recognizes the free lane and accelerates again to the set speed. The ACC cruise control makes long journeys much more relaxed.
FCM - collision warning system
The same radar sensor that is also responsible for the adaptive cruise control constantly monitors the area in front of the vehicle.
If a dangerous situation is detected, the Outlander warns with a beep and a “BRAKE” display in the multifunction display. At the same time, the system increases the pressure in the brakes so that the entire braking power is available immediately in the event of an impending braking maneuver. If the system detects a dangerous situation and the driver does not react, FCM triggers emergency braking. Even if the accident can no longer be avoided, this system reduces the possible damage caused by the accident.
The FCM system is in principle always active, but can be switched off by the driver. Even if the system sometimes considers a situation as critical that you yourself did not see that way. So if a vehicle in front of you brakes to turn and you slow down less, you should leave this assistant switched on. If the worst comes to the worst, FCM can simply “save your ass”. This is something to always remember. You can also set the FCM's alarm time, i.e. the distance between your car and the obstacle at which it sounds the alarm. The manual helps on pages 7-68!
LDW - Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Assist is well meant. Is deactivated by me but at the start of the journey. The system recognizes the lane via the front camera and warns you that you are leaving it. Unfortunately, the system warns too often in everyday life. It's just too careful.
Conclusion: FCM like - LDW rather out!
The assistance systems and electronic helpers of the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid help in everyday life. So far the theory. After 10 weeks in the endurance test, only the LDW, i.e. the Lane Keeping Assistant, was not able to convince in practice. A revision would make sense here. Best then in the form of an active lane keeping assistant who does not just warn, but can also intervene via the power steering.