Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Driving a hybrid vehicle – an electrically powered vehicle assisted by a conventional engine – can be a strange experience. And the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid is no exception writes Motoring Editor Ian Strachan.
And in the not too distant future, we’ll all be driving vehicles like this. The PHEV is powered by two electric motors powering the front and rear axles. But it also has a 2.4 litre petrol engine to take over when needed, and also to put charge into the electric battery. You can charge the battery in about five hours from a standard electric socket or use a quick charge terminal which will top the battery up in around 25 minutes, Either way there’s no way you’ll be left stranded.
You have to remember that electric motors don’t make any noise, so initially you think you’ve stalled. And when you start the car, you may not feel it’s actually running. Only the lights on the dash tell you that all is OK. So you get out of the habit of driving by sound, and concentrate on the dashboard lights instead.
It all seems a bit strange at first, but once you’re used to it, you start to appreciate the advantages – like staggering fuel economy and far less CO2 going into the atmosphere.
As well as having environmental credentials not shared by its conventionally powered rivals, this Mitsubishi is an excellent SUV. It’s an attractive, solid-looking, practical car which performs faultlessly, is well-specified and pleasurable to drive.
It’s also impressively frugal, delivering an excellent combined mpg pf 166.2 in mixed driving in automatic spec, providing you are fully charged. You can certainly drive this Mitsubishi with a clear conscience.
I test drove the PHEV in 2.4 litre 4h automatic 4wd spec which comes in at £39,500 on the road. Not cheap but you get a lot of car for your money on top of its very low running costs, minimal emissions, no congestion charge and no first-year excise duty.
The Outlander has smooth, confident, distinctive styling. Cleverly this is a car that looks at home on a motorway or crossing a mountain range.
The Outlander also handles remarkably well for its size. Cornering is sure footed with little or no body roll, and a sensible suspension set up ensures a comfortable ride.
The 135 bhp petrol engine feels more than adequate throughout the speed range, delivering power smoothly but with plenty of mid-range pull. It’s also very quiet even with the petrol engine running. The automatic transmission is smooth and stepless.
Equipment levels are generous. Standard features include automatic dual-zone climate control, DAB radio with MP3 compatibility and Bliuetooth with music streaming, keyless entry, locking and ignition, lane departure warning, electronic parking brake, blind spot monitoring, 360 degree rear parking aids with cameras, leather upholstery with eight-way electric driver’s seat, electric windows and mirrors, auto-hold, all-round airbags and heated, multi-function steering wheel. It also comes with powered tailgate, paddle gear change on the steering wheel and smart 18 inch alloy wheels. Surprisingly it doesn’t come with satellite navigation. It does, however, have a five year warranty.
This is a solid off-roader that doesn’t look out of place on a suburban driveway and can give you impressively low running costs.
