The new Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) due on sale from August 15 starts from $54,590.
The new range begins with the ES variant, progressing through Aspire, Exceed and flagship Exceed Tourer grades, all offering up to 84km (NEDC) of electric driving.
“With the all-new Outlander signifying a significant shift in Mitsubishi’s design philosophy, it’s the perfect vehicle with which to showcase our continued leadership in the PHEV drivetrain space,” says Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief executive Shaun Westcott.
Available in five and seven seat configurations, the latest Outlander PHEV range will be available from dealers in August priced from $54,590 for the ES five-seater, $60,990 for the Aspire five-seater, $65,990 for the Exceed seven-seater, and $68,490 for the Exceed Tourer “5+2” seater.
A new PHEV powertrain offers a smoother, more responsive and quieter drive, with sharper acceleration and longer EV-only driving range, says Mitsubishi Australia.
The PHEV features a new-generation 20.0kWh lithium-ion battery pack, twin electric motors, and a revised, specifically tuned Atkinson cycle 2.4-litre combustion engine generating 98kW of peak power (up from 94kW), acting mainly as a generator (or range extender).
The combined cycle fuel consumption is 1.5L/100km (NEDC), and the combined maximum power and torque outputs are 185kW and 450Nm respectively, a larger fuel tank (up from 45 to 56 litres) making a 900km plus combined driving range possible.
The new Outlander PHEV has front- and rear-mounted electric motors providing all-wheel drive.
The front axle motor generates 85kW, up from 60kW, while taking up a similar space within the vehicle. The rear motor hits 100kW, up from 70kW previously, and features a new, integrated motor control unit occupying a smaller space than before, enabling the new Outlander PHEV to offer a three-row, “5+2” seating configuration for the first time (on Exceed and Exceed Tourer).
The new drive battery sits low in the chassis, its 20kWh capacity 45% larger than the previous version’s 13.8kWh system and incorporates a new battery cooling system.
The upgraded power drive unit is equipped with a voltage boost function bolstering front e-motor performance, while simultaneously reducing power consumption through improved efficiency.
A reinforced differential employs a thicker carrier and stronger shaft and pinion, allowing the new Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV to turn up its regenerative braking capability which has six adjustable levels.
Acceleration and deceleration can be controlled by the accelerator pedal.
Multiple charging modes are supported and two cables are supplied as standard.
An AC connector supports Mode 2 (standard 240V AC) providing a full charge in 12 hours and Mode 3 (fast 240V AC, with dedicated Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment charging) charging in 6.5 hours, while a Chademo port enables Mode 4 DC rapid charging (zero to 80% in 38 minutes).
Bi-directional charging allows the PHEV to act as a mobile energy store, able to do vehicle-to-grid (V2G), power a home or do “islanding” by powering other property not grid connected.
In Aspire and above, there are two on-board 1500W, 240V AC three-pin power points that provide Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, powering a range of camping equipment or domestic appliances.
The vehicle’s bold exterior proportions, muscular fenders and the use of strong horizontal design lines emphasise width, with specially designed 18-inch (on ES) and 20-inch (on Aspire and above) alloy road wheels.
High-quality interior appointments don’t sacrifice practicality and include improved seat comfort
The ES and Aspire both deploy a two-row, five-seat layout with 40/20/40 split-fold capability.
Wireless Apple CarPlay 2 and Android Auto (wired) are featured, along with Qi wireless smartphone charging on the Aspire grade and above.
A 9.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen is standard range-wide and all models feature a 12.3-inch colour digital instrument cluster which includes an energy flow meter, kWh consumption information and total EV driving time calculator.
Aspire models and above deploy a 10.8-inch colour windscreen projection head up display (HUD).
The PHEV has a five-star ANCAP safety rating and includes a raft of driver aids and safety suites.
A 10-year/200,000km manufacturer’s warranty, with 10-year capped price servicing is available, Diamond Advantage also offering up to four years complimentary roadside assist, while the drive battery is covered by an eight-year, 160,000km warranty.
Check with your local Mitsubishi dealer.
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