Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV revived

Mitsubishi has launched its 2017 model of the Outlander PHEV, featuring updated styling, a stronger body, tweaks to the suspension and steering, added noise countermeasures and improved power delivery.

There's a price increase to go with those changes, adding $3000 at entry level to the Outlander PHEV LS, now priced at $50,490. For that price increase the Outlander PHEV gains the structural and running gear changes, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

The flagship model, the Outlander PHEV Exceed is priced $5000 higher still, at $55,490. But the higher-spec trim level comes equipped with leather trim, sunroof, power tailgate and a host of driver-assist features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation with human detection, 360-degree cameras, Auto High Beam, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and an Ultrasonic Mis-acceleration Mitigation System. This last item reduces the likelihood of the vehicle butting a wall due to misapplication of the accelerator instead of the brake.

Mechanically, the stronger Outlander PHEV rides on new front struts, and the rear suspension spring rates have been revised, complemented by a thicker anti-roll bar. The electrically-assisted steering has been recalibrated and the front brakes now feature a twin-piston set-up. Mitsubishi has revised the mapping for the Outlander PHEV's power delivery, providing sharper 'tip in' acceleration. According to the company, fuel consumption has also been reduced from 1.9L/100km for the old car to 1.7L/100km.

These changes aside, the Outlander PHEV continues much as it was: an electric motor for each axle and a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder mounted across the nose, driving through a single reduction gear supplying motive power to the drive wheels in parallel mode, or recharging the battery pack in series mode. The Outlander PHEV also runs in EV mode, when it's propelled by the electric motors alone. Two energy control switches (Charge and Save) use the petrol engine either to boost battery energy if the driver anticipates a need for longer EV range, or maintain battery charge level.

The electric motors each develop 60kW, but the front motor's torque output is 137Nm versus 195Nm for the rear motor. When emergency acceleration is required, the petrol engine restarts to supply additional performance – 89kW and 190Nm. The lithium-ion battery pack is mounted under the floor and provides a nominal EV range of 54km.

The new Outlander PHEV is significantly quieter than before, due to detail refinement measures, including improved mounts for the rear electric motor.

Colours available for the Outlander PHEV are Ruby Black, Starlight, Red and Titanium. The Outlander PHEV has been rated five-star safe by NCAP, will tow up to 1500kg and is sold with a five-year/100,000km warranty and four-year capped price servicing.

A new development for the Outlander PHEV is the EV Priority mode switch, which overrides the petrol engine start-up unless the battery is severely depleted. Mitsubishi is also offering a fast-charge facility to bring the battery charge back up to 80 per cent within 25 minutes. And the plug-in SUV can also recharge fully in 6.5 hours from a standard 10-Amp power outlet in the garage. When first released the Outlander PHEV required the installation of a 15-Amp outlet for recharging at home.

"The Outlander PHEV is now more stylish, refined and has increased practicality with the addition of a DC fast charge socket capable of recharging the battery to 80% capacity in around 25 minutes," said Tony Principe, Mitsubishi Australia's Executive Director of Marketing.

"Of course, if owners can't find a recharging station, they don't have to change their plans as the Outlander PHEV is not limited by the availability of recharging infrastructure."