To engage the DS (Drive Sport) mode in the Mitsubishi Outlander, simply push the gear selector to the right from the 'D' position while driving. This mode alters the automatic transmission's shift logic for sportier performance, holding gears longer for increased acceleration response, making it ideal for overtaking on highways like the Dubai-Abu Dhabi E11 or climbing mountain roads like Jebel Jais. It is not a dedicated manual gearbox mode; manual control is typically achieved via paddle shifters or by moving the selector further into a separate +/- gate.
In the UAE context, using DS mode frequently in city traffic (e.g., Dubai-Sharjah commute) will noticeably increase fuel consumption. For a GCC-spec 2023 Outlander with the 2.5L engine running on Special 95, expect fuel economy to drop from an average of 11-12 km/l in 'D' to around 9-10 km/l with aggressive use of 'DS'.
RTA Dubai emphasizes safe overtaking practices on multi-lane roads, a scenario where DS mode's quicker responsiveness can be utilized effectively. The transmission's design and modes must comply with GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization) standards for vehicles sold in the region.
For a typical ownership period of 5 years in the UAE, the financial impact of primarily using Sport mode includes:
- Fuel economy: Approximately 10.5 km/l (DS mode) vs. 12 km/l (D mode) based on mixed UAE driving.
- Annual depreciation: ~15-18% for the first 3 years on a vehicle priced around 160,000 AED, as per general used-car market trends.
- Cost per km: Using DS mode extensively can increase the fuel cost component by about 0.05-0.08 AED/km, factoring in current Special 95 prices (approx. 3.15 AED/litre). Therefore, while DS mode enhances driving engagement, it is more cost-effective to use it selectively for specific situations rather than as a default setting.
