The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is by far and away the UK’s best-selling plug-in vehicle, so there’s a lot riding on its follow-up which has just gone on sale.
Visually, it doesn’t look like much has changed with the second-gen SUV, and you’d be right for thinking that.
Many of the exterior cosmetic changes require a keen eye to spot but there are new headlights and a redesigned front grille, as well as a new rear lower bumper extension and a large roof spoiler and two-tone contrasted 18-inch multi-spoke alloys.
Inside, you’ll find more comfortable and supportive front seats, new switchgear, a revised instrument cluster, the addition of rear ventilation vents and more convenient USB ports.
The original Outlander PHEV looked great already so it’s a relief that Mitsubishi’s designers have applied a light touch for the new model.
New engine, new efficiency
Indeed, the biggest changes are to be found beneath the surface, with the introduction of a new 133bhp 2.4-litre petrol engine, which works with an 81bhp electric motor that helps to drive the front wheels and a 94bhp electric motor doing the same at the back.
This results in a more powerful yet efficient drive, and strong fuel economy has been key to the Outlander PHEV’s appeal so far.
On the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) cycle, it reports 139mpg combined, growing to 159.5mpg when tested on the older NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) like its predecessor.
Carbon output remains strong too, with the exhaust emitting 46g/km of CO2 (NEDC: 40g/km).
Just like the first Outlander PHEV, the new model can be driven on just electric power, and it’ll travel for around 28 miles before using a drop of petrol.
Price and spec
Prices begin at £34,255 on the road for the entry-level Juro model.
For your £34k, you get heated front seats, heated windscreen, dual-zone climate control, electronic parking brake with brake auto hold, keyless operation system with start/stop button, front fog lamps, LED daytime running lamps, a remote smartphone app compatibility and smartphone link display audio which unlocks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Mid-spec 4h models (£37,000) add an all-round camera, blind-spot warning and rear-cross traffic alert, an eight-way electric-powered driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, power tailgate and LED headlamps.
Topping the range is the 4hs (£39,100) which throws in even more safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning, as well as front and rear parking sensors, auto high beam and an unintended acceleration mitigation system.
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