There's a new Outlander on the scene but before we faint at the thought of replacing the lovely Jamie Fraser (Outlander), let me make it clear, this big boy’s a car. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Maggie Barry is taken with the New 2019 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV from Mitsubishi
It’s Mitsubishi’s latest weapon in the SUV/alternative fuel war currently being waged in the ranks of the motoring industry and while many manufacturers are concentrating on getting just one right, Mitsubishi has given us a double whammy with their latest model PHEV.
Retaining its strong SUV looks, designers have added a new grille, an integrated rear spoiler and some very sporty 18ins alloys for striking road presence. Inside it feels very premium with tactile materials, not too much clutter and some easily read screens.
But that’s not what this latest version of the Outlander PHEV is all about. Drive the previous version, as I did, and then step into this new model and there is an immediate and noticeable difference.
The response through the steering is better and quicker, the handling is more nimble and the ride more comfortable. It has an added SPORT mode which makes the steering even more vital and at the same time sharpens the throttle.
I drove it in EV mode recharging the battery as I went by coasting and regenerative braking and got about 28 miles out of it before the petrol engine seamlessly kicked in. The average mpg for this car using both powertrains is an amazing 139mpg.
Then we pushed it, driving it hard along some winding country roads and it did not put a wheel wrong. On track at Enstone Airfield the site of the Grand Tour filming it behaved impeccably through a series of chicanes and rather nasty hairpins.
It remains four-wheel drive at all times too, which is great on corners, whether you are in all-electric mode or not, and in EV mode the new Outlander can hit speeds of 84mph.
The hybrid powertrain has been with us for some time but in this latest iteration of the Outlander, not only have Mitsubishi raised the battery capacity by 15 per cent to 13.8kW they have mated it with a 2.4-litre petrol engine instead of the previous 2.0-litre. This, in turn, raises the power from 121hp to 135hp. Truly this is a win-win situation with the New Outlander PHEV.
Its time travelling is not bad for a big beast either 0-62 in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 106mph and with only 46g/km of CO2.
And it’s not just all about power and performance. There are some very good safety systems as standard on the Outlander PHEV and as you go up the range there is very little you would want for.
The entry-level Outlander Juro has a reverse camera and cruise control as well as a smartphone app to allow you to access the car remotely in the morning when you want to warm it up. The 4h and 5h sport a 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and a power tailgate while the hs models leave you wanting for nothing. They come with adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning among others.
Mention the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to people and this big capable 4x4 might not be the first thing that pops into their minds. Give this car a second glance though and it might well woo you as easily as Jamie – and then like Claire perhaps you’ll find you’re completely smitten.
The new 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts from £34,255 including the £2500 plug-in government grant and rises to £43,100 for the 5hs version.
Car reviewed: 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 5hs - Outlander prices start at £34,255 on the road, model tested 5hs £43,100 0-62mph 10.5 secs Top speed 106mph, top EV speed 84mph Fuel Economy combined 139mpg WLTP. EV range 28miles CO2 emissions 46g/km Engine 2360cc 2.4L unleaded 4-cylinder EU6 Max Power 135PS@3500rpm Torque 211Nm@4500rpm Transmission 4WD Auto Super-All Wheel Control system with SNOW and SPORT drive modes
A big capable Hybrid SUV
Striking road presence
Well specced with good safety systems
None to think of as long as your driving requirements suit the PHEV
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