The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was launched in the UK in 2014 and made an immediate impact – in 2013 fewer than 1,000 plug-in hybrids were sold in the UK but by the end of 2014 Mitsubishi had sold more than 10,000 Outlander PHEVs, driven by the public’s desire to drive greener vehicles as well as the increasing appetite for SUV and 4X4 vehicles.
By November 2015 the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV had amassed 50,000 sales across Europe and by January 2018 it passed the 100,000 milestone. In fact, despite a growing number of competitors it was Europe’s best selling plug-in hybrid vehicle three years in a row from 2015 – 2017 and it also remains the best-selling plug-in vehicle – hybrid or electric – in the UK.
Key to the success of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is that it doesn’t ask its owners to make any compromises. For people wanting an SUV, it offers the same space and practicality, as well as the all-important elevated driving position, as any of its competitors. The battery pack doesn’t eat up boot space or compromise the dynamics – it is integrated into the floor, keeping the centre of gravity low and ensuring that the Outlander PHEV retains the practical advantages of a large boot and fold-flat rear seats. For those looking for a four-wheel drive vehicle, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers the unique solution of having an electric motor for each axle which means that even in EV mode, the Outlander PHEV remains a true 4X4 at all times.
2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Since its launch in 2014, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has continuously evolved to ensure it remains at the cutting edge of the plug-in hybrid segment. Whereas its 2016 redesign focused on giving the vehicle the upmarket look and feel its advanced architecture and technology warranted, the changes made for the 2019 Outlander PHEV are predominantly technical, ensuring it remains a leader in terms of efficiency and performance while also improving every aspect of the driving experience in response to customer feedback.
Other features, such as the paddle-adjustable, six-setting regenerative braking system, remain key to the unique Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV driving experience and are therefore retained as before. Additional notable changes include the addition of rear ventilation vents, more convenient USB ports and new interior accent trim.
In terms of exterior style, the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV benefits from a new front end with a redesigned grille, new bumper extension, new fog lamp bezels and all-new “technical look” LED headlamps. The rear is enhanced with a redesigned rear bumper extension and a large roof spoiler while new, two-tone contrasted 18-inch multi-spoke alloys complete the exterior revisions.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV goes on sale in the UK in September with pricing and UK specifications announced closer to its launch.