MITSUBISHI'S multi-purpose Outlander has been kicking around in its current form since 2013 but still looks fresh and appealing.

It underwent a midlife makeover towards the end of 2015 which saw a leaner and greener diesel engine introduced, an upgraded cabin and technology improved.

Generally it is a vehicle that has aged well, which is perhaps down to its more traditional boxy SUV styling.

It strikes a decent design balance to be fair, managing to capture that rugged essence of an SUV without being overly utilitarian or old-fashioned.

Sticking to those principles means it is immensely practical to and has an open and roomy cabin and a huge boot.

The Outlander that has received most attention latterly is the PHEV, the plug-in hybrid version which can make a lot of sense as a company car.

It has also won lots of fans as Mitsubishi chose not to charge considerably more for it compared to the diesel.

However the diesel is far from falling out of favour and actually has a lot to recommend it.

Away from the PHEV the 2.2-litre diesel unit represents the only engine option.

Upgraded back in 2015 it might be lower powered than the previous generation 2.2-litre unit but is more refined, more economical and emits less CO2.

Add into the mix the fact the revised Outlander lost a few pounds in weight and it feels just as sprightly as its predecessor, if not more so.

The Outlander's interior is a clever mix of classy and rugged. Some elements of the dash and instrumentation have a bit of a basic feel but quality overall is good.

One advantage of the diesel over the hybrid is it comes with a third row of two seats which flip up and down quickly and easily.

Obviously they have their limitations but they're more than up to the mark for adults for short journeys or younger passengers for more regular use.

When they're folded down the Outlander offers an impressive 491 litres of luggage space.

As a mid-sized SUV the Outlander's on-road manners are acceptable, while the ride quality is excellent.

There's a touch of pitch and roll but it handles way better than its predecessors, thanks in part to the fact it sits a lot lower.

Off-road, should you wish to put it to the test, it is an extremely capable performer,

Its four-wheel drive system also adds something to the Outlander's driving character and offers plenty of reassurance in winter conditions or on slippery surfaces.

While there isn't a two-wheel drive facility there is an eco driving mode, which in effect sends most of the power to the front wheels to aid economy for everyday driving.

Price-wise the Outlander is pretty competitive and although this was a mid to high spec model all seem to come fairly generously equipped.

It also comes with a comprehensive range of safety features, which helped it achieve the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP ratings.