Game-changing Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid SUV can deliver 148mpg and CO2 emissions of just 44g/km
Verdict: 4 stars
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a refined SUV with some impressive economy figures that cars of a similar size simply cannot match. It’s not a particularly scintillating drive and the ride is a bit unsettled, but Mitsubishi have built something worth looking at if you’re after a 4×4 with plenty of space and ultra-low running costs.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV became the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV when it went on sale early in 2014. With a high-tech powertrain and headline economy figures of 148mpg and 44g/km of CO2, it’s made a big impact on the UK car market, particularly among company car drivers.
Thanks to the £5,000 Government plug-in car grant, the Outlander PHEV prices range from just over £28,000 for an Outlander GX3h to £40,000 for the top-spec GX5hs. With the GX4h and GX4hs in the middle of the line-up, overall prices for the PHEV are largely the same as for the equivalent diesel Outlanders, giving buyers an interesting decision.
Further efficiency and economy benefits from owning an Outlander PHEV include exemption from road tax and the London Congestion Charge. Although, electric cars have previously enjoyed a zero per cent Benefit in Kind (BIK) company car tax rate, as of April 2015 rates are going up. Owners of cars such as the Outlander PHEV will still only be liable for the five per cent tax bracket.
On the road, it’s no surprise that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is much quieter than the regular diesel Outlander, no matter which mode the car is operating in. Be it petrol engine and electric motors working in sync, or as a pure EV, the PHEV is extremely hushed.
The impressive refinement of this Mitsubishi hybrid is due to enhanced sound deadening throughout the car, but also thanks to the hybrid powertrain, which favours running in all-electric mode. The petrol engine is noticeable when you start the car up, but it’s never overly loud or intrusive.
Read more: Auto Express