When an automaker face-lifts one of its models, may that be just a small cosmetic change, the previous edition is usually expelled from the range. Nobody will want it unless they get a lucrative deal, and the car dealers just want to let it go for good. This is like an unwritten rule in the auto industry. Well Mitsubishi is out to change that, with its Japanese domestic market Outlander model.

Mitsubishi has just released a new variant of the compact crossover, named Outlander Roadest. Based on the previous Outlander model, it features a new Evo-esque beak along with a stylish new body kit. Alongside the cosmetically aggressive model, the older, softer pre-facelift model will continue to be offered to the JDM buyers.

Outlander Roadest is released exclusively for the Japanese market. The special issue of Mitsubishi’s SUV stands out from the previous version; thanks to the new full body kit, which includes chromed mirror caps and a new front grille along with a set of 18-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels. Inside of the Roadest is furnished with dark-colored sport cloth seats and an attractive aluminum trim. Buyers have a choice of three different body colors, grey, white and black.

Basic aesthetic differences aside, under the hood, both models are matched equally. Both the variants come with a new entry-level 2.0L gasoline engine producing about 148HP at 6000 rpm and 20.1kgm of peak torque at 4200 rpm. The base Outlander 20E (pre-facelift body) is available with 2WD or AWD and costs about 1995000 Yen, which comes to about $21,800. Whereas the Outlander Roadest 2.0 with sporty aerodynamic parts, also offered with AWD or 2WD, costs about 2475900 Yen, or about $27,100. Well we have to say, Mitsubishi sure hopes its home-market will be kinder to the Outlander.