The Outlander PHEV is as unique as it is revolutionary- the first ever plug-in hybrid SUV on the market- promises to save owners thousands: it produces just 44g/km of CO2 so no road tax is payable, can achieve up to 32.5 miles on a single charge and, for company car users, attracts a benefit-in-kind tariff of just five per cent (even the cleanest diesel cars are charged at 13% and similar sized SUV's are closer to 25%).
The new model is powered by both a 2.0 litre petrol engine and two electric motors which- when required- can produce around 200bhp and you can keep tabs on everything from economy to which power source the vehicle is running on through the infotainment screen-original to the PHEV- while it flits imperceptibly between petrol and electric power. Official figures state that it can achieve 148mpg and, while it goes without saying that the potential range and economy will vary depending on the types of roads and driving style, it will be a money saver for most and- for those doing less than the 32-mile electric range- fuel station visits will become a rare occurrence.
Those familiar with the Mitsubishi Outlander will notice little difference from the outside- the only slight tweaks are a minor increase in weight, a reduction in boot space of just 14 litres and a marginally higher floor in the rear to accommodate the batteries. It is still a remarkable off-roader, still a marvel at towing (with a capacity of 1,500kg) and continues to offer a favourable driving position and a user-friendly interior.
Utilising a powerful twin-motor four wheel drive system, the Outlander PHEV is integrated with Mitsubishi's proven S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system for added traction, the same system found on the legendary Lancer Evolution X.
And it isn't only economical: Autocar rave about the PHEV's "impressively refined drive" and its secure and dependable feel in their latest review, while What Car? praise it for everything from stability to handling. Little wonder that European orders reached in excess of 12,000 in the latter part of 2013.
Smartphone users will love the additional functionality on offer through Mitsubishi's technologically advanced app: owners can view the charge level of their vehicle, control when the vehicle charges and even operate the climate control remotely: No more early mornings de-icing the windscreen. With so many outstanding positives, many people will be waiting for the 'but', but there just isn't one: Mitsubishi have teamed up with British Gas to fit home charging kits at owners homes for free, the manufacturer have taken the unheard-of decision to charge exactly the same as a similarly equipped Diesel-powered version for the hybrid-starting from £28,249 (inc. £5,000 plug-in car grant) and, while it can reach 80% charge in a mere 30 minutes, a full 5 hour charge will cost under £2 on the average household electricity tariff.
For any further information on what is a completely unique introduction to the motoring industry, or to arrange a test drive please contact us on 01271 342600. Pop in to our showroom in Pottington, Barnstaple or email sales@devonshire-motors.co.uk.
