The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) was first seen at the Paris motor show nearly 18 months ago, it's now ready for Australian buyers.
The medium-sized SUV market has been given a huge shake-up by the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV which can cover 52km under electric power and a further 600km using the petrol engine, for a combined range of 650km.
By sticking a 87kW 2-litre petrol engine alongside two 60kW electric motors in the Outlander, Mitsubishi are claiming the Outlander PHEV uses only 1.9l / 100km fuel - in a real sized SUV!
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a three-mode hybrid. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can be in zero emissions electric driving, ‘Series Hybrid’ where the petrol engine acts as a generator when the battery is low (just like the Holden Volt) or ‘Parallel Hybrid’ where the petrol engine works in connection with electric motors to propel the car.
On sale from March 31st the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will be sold in two models the PHEV and the PHEV Aspire.
Entry is via the PHEV which has standard features that include dual zone climate control, review camera, 7 airbags, Bluetooth and 7' Multifunction screen with Sat-Nav
The PHEV Aspire gets forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, a power tailgate and heated front leather seats over the entry level PHEV.
Driving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 52 kilometres on electric power only will cost you about $3.00 when charged using off-peak nighttime power rates. In comparison the Toyota Prius would cost you about $3.20 in fuel to cover the same distance, but with a lot less practicality than PHEV.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Prices:
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - $47,490
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Aspire - $52,490
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Executive Director of Marketing Tony Principe said the Outlander PHEV is perfect for Australians who are interested in electric vehicle technology.
“Mitsubishi has a long-standing reputation for pioneering durable, go-anywhere, family-friendly four- wheel drives and SUVs that have been embraced by everyday Australians, and the Outlander PHEV upholds this 30-year tradition” he said.
“Outlander PHEV introduces a new era for Mitsubishi SUVs. It’s clever, seamless PHEV plug-in hybrid system is a window into our company’s future and the first example of a new generation of SUVs Mitsubishi will roll out globally in the next few years.
“The beauty of Outlander PHEV is that it’s a no compromise electric vehicle – it costs as little as $3.60 for an overnight recharge. It’s versatile, well-equipped and robust enough to tackle most of Australia’s rough roads, all while helping owners to spend less money on fuel and reduce their environmental impact.
“It’s no secret that Australians love SUVs and the PHEV, with its 52-kilometre EV range, seamless operation, official 1.9-litre/100km ADR fuel consumption and sub-$50,000 starting price, will challenge Australian car buyers to re-consider the value of sustainable motoring.
“For the first time, Australia has an affordable, practical electric vehicle solution with genuine appeal for the mainstream car buyer.”
