Outlandishly complete
Road Test
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the most successful plug-in hybrid vehicle in the UK, but not resting on its laurels, the Japanese manufacturer has launched a new and improved version. Richard Gooding finds out if the changes are more than skin deep.
Few GreenFleet readers will need an introduction to Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV. The biggest-selling plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV) in 2015, the four-wheel drive Mitsubishi leads the market with a 41 per cent share. It led to the Japanese car maker being named the GreenFleet PHEV Manufacturer of the Year in 2014, and win the GreenFleet Outstanding Achievement prize in 2015. Launched in 2014, the Outlander PHEV was a surprise – but entirely logical – move from a manufacturer which had a reputation for four-wheel drive vehicles and rally‑inspired saloon cars, and it quickly gained a stronghold on the market. Keen pricing no doubt helped, with the PHEV version the same price as the diesel.
‘Dynamic Shield’
Now, two years later, and buoyed by the success of the previous model, there’s a new version of the world’s first 4WD plug-in hybrid SUV. Launched late last year, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV looks different to its successful predecessor, but the changes are more than skin deep. So what exactly has changed?
Externally, the silhouette of the Mitsubishi 4x4 is much the same, but upfront, the company’s new SUV design direction makes an appearance. The ‘Dynamic Shield’ features a central gloss back ‘grille’ panel flanked by chrome accent strips, and the overall look is much more in keeping with the nature of an SUV than the previous car’s. Reshaped bumpers, gloss back fog lamp surrounds, 18-inch black and silver twin-spoke alloy wheels, silver roof rails, chrome sill accents and updated rear lamp units also contribute to the smart appearance, while three new colours enhance the new car’s visual features.
Mitsubishi states that the new Outlander PHEV’s interior is its most ‘European’ yet. Black leather upholstery with silver stitching gives an impression of quality, and along with lots of ambient lighting and gloss black/chrome finishing on key dashboard surfaces, makes the Outlander PHEV’s cabin a comfortable and very pleasant place to be.
Wealth of equipment
The almost-top range GX4h features a wealth of standard equipment. Technological highlights include a 360-degree camera, auto-dimming rear view mirror, dual‑zone climate control, electric sunroof, HD seven‑inch Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) DAB/Bluetooth infotainment system with satellite navigation, heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats, wide-range LED headlamps, as well as auto wipers and keyless go for added practicality. Speaking of which, open up the Outlander PHEV’s powered tailgate and there is 436 litres of boot space to play with. However, if you’re after a seven‑seat SUV, the Outlander PHEV only has five places for bodies due to the drive battery intruding into the cargo area. Plump for the diesel version if people carrying is a priority.
60kW electric motors
As with the previous model (GreenFleet issue 73), a 119bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine provides the conventionally-fuelled motive power for the Outlander PHEV. Paired with two 60kW electric motors – one front, one rear – combined system output is around 200bhp, with up to 248lb ft of torque available.
Of course, the stats that matter to most people are g/km of CO2 and EV-only range, and on these fronts, the Outlander PHEV’s combined powertrain system scores highly. Emissions of just 42g/km (an improvement of 2g/km over the old model’s) mean the big Mitsubishi still qualifies for VED Band A road tax, while an electric range of 32 miles should see most urban journeys completed in full EV mode. While the range is not as high as a pure electric car, the Mitsubishi makes up for it in other ways – the Outlander PHEV can travel up to 74mph in full electric mode. To drive, the Outlander PHEV marries the best of both the EV and hybrid worlds. If you’re not yet ready to take the full EV route, the Outlander PHEV offers added security thanks to its petrol engine, while also allowing the full EV experience when the situation dictates and when the driver is ready for it. Our experience was mirrored in what Mitsubishi believes will make up the driving patterns of most owners, namely to use the Outlander PHEV as a mainly petrol-powered car on long journeys and motorways, with the EV mode saved for weaving silently through city streets. A ‘Save’ function holds the battery charge for exactly this reason, while a ‘Charge’ mode activates an on-board generator which feeds electricity gained through motive power from the engine and stores it in the drive battery. Clever stuff.
Three driving modes
A trio of driving modes are fitted to the Outlander PHEV to ensure the driver gets the best performance and efficiency out of it. EV Drive Mode lets the two motors use electricity from the 12kWh drive battery to power the car and is the greenest, zero‑emission way to drive it. In Series Hybrid Mode, the petrol engine operates as a generator and supplies electricity to the pair of motors, and is used when the battery’s charge falls below a predetermined level or when more performance is needed.
At high speeds, the car switches into Parallel Hybrid Mode, with the petrol engine providing almost all of the motive power, only assisted by the electric motors when required. A highly-effective regenerative braking system during deceleration offers six strengths, while Mitsubishi’s twin-motor 4WD system offers both two and four-wheel drive options. A Lock Mode is available for ultimate all-terrain performance. After all, while the Outlander PHEV is a hybrid, it’s still an off-road vehicle.
It sounds very technological, but it all works terribly well. The Outlander PHEV feels quite light on its feet for a large SUV, with light‑but‑not-too-light steering and a nice feel to the controls. There’s little body roll for such a sizeable car and a comfortable ride should keep passengers happy, while tauter responses than the old car make for a more pleasant driving experience. An Eco Mode also controls electricity and fuel usage, and is the setting we mostly drove the car in during our 375-mile test.
Performance is more than acceptable, too – the 1,845kg 4x4 reaches 62mph in 11.0 seconds, with the 0-25mph time down over two seconds from the previous car. Mitsubishi quotes an official 156mpg on the combined cycle, but though careful use and recharging when we could, we achieved an average of 178mpg,
3.25m/kWh and a gain of 118 miles over the car’s stated arrival range. Easy charging helps the car’s usability, with a five-hour time on a domestic 13A supply, while rapid charging to 80 per cent takes just 30 minutes.
Redefined the plug-in hybrid
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has found many homes in Europe: reports indicate that 50,000 examples of the eco-4x4 have been sold since its 2014 launch, with over 10,000 of those in the UK alone. It’s not hard to see why it’s been so successful – it’s very competitively priced, highly specified and well built with low tax costs when compared with cars of a similar size. Throw in a five-year warranty and the big four‑wheel drive Mitsubishi offers an even more compelling argument for the amount of space and value it offers at its price point.
Over the past two years, the Outlander PHEV has redefined what a plug-in hybrid can be and this latest version can only continue the success story. We’re going to find out if that’s true by running one for the next six months. Join us in the next issue for the start of our Outlander PHEV journey.
