Mitsubishi hopes updated Outlander SUV fuels sales

Mitsubishi has gone from an afterthought in the U.S. market to a brand finally snagging a bit of notice, and that's largely due to two models: Mirage three-cylinder economy car and Outlander Sport compact SUV.

The midsize Outlander SUV, unrelated to the Sport version despite the similar names, has been an underperformer in a booming SUV market.

Mitsubishi hopes to address that with the re-done 2016 Outlander, shown in a teaser photo above.

Mitsubishi has gravitated lately to the New York show as a venue for key models and concepts. It's where the Mirage three-cylinder economy car first was shown, as well as a hybrid version of the Outlander.

And New York is where Mitsu promised a sequel to the Galant midsize sedan.

No real details about Outlander's fuel economy, launch date, price, power, and so forth. Those will come at the N.Y. debut.

Doesn't stop Mitsu form lots of tub-thumping, saying the 2016 Outlander "is a refined crossover utility vehicle that features over 100 engineering and design improvements including a new, powerful and dynamic appearance, enhanced road performance as the result of improvements to noise levels, ride, handling and throttle response, and a more eloquent yet functional interior space.

"The new 2016 Outlander demonstrates the brand's renewed emphasis on style, refinement and overall driving experience," the car company says.