Mitsubishi’s award-winning Outlander PHEV has powered past its previous sales record by 15%
In a market increasingly focused on low-emission technology, Mitsubishi Motors’ new 20MY Outlander PHEV offers a compelling package of premium yet affordable style and flexible hybrid technology.
Testament to its ongoing appeal is last month’s milestone of 75 units sold – the highest-ever monthly sales figure for Outlander PHEV, just six months after the latest model’s release. “The new 20MY Outlander PHEV expands the horizons of adventure-loving families looking to embrace this alternative technology,” said Reece Congdon, MMNZ Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs.
“Boasting an improved EV range, a more powerful and efficient 2.4L engine and enhanced off-road capability, it’s better equipped to deliver the performance levels that discerning SUV fans demand.”
Mr Congdon attributes the result to an increasing share of household incomes being spent on petrol1, an expanding national network of charging stations and an overall increased interest in EVs across the country.
“More and more Kiwis are considering the switch and, when they look at the options available, they realise a PHEV SUV offers the best of both worlds – EV-only around-town driving and a combined range of over 600km forfamily road trips.”
Alternative technology trend continues Wellington business owner Simon Werry (Managing Director of Light House Cinema and Limelight Distribution) became the 1,000th PHEV owner in the country in late 2018. The move saw him become a brand ambassador overnight, and he believes the benefits increase as time goes on.
“I originally switched to the Outlander PHEV, as I wanted a more sustainable vehicle that was big enough to fit the family and could still be used for long road trips,” said Simon. “I saw it as a win-win – reducing my environmental impact and supporting a company that’s investing in more sustainable technology.
“Now I see it as a win-win-win, because it’s also saved us an incredible amount of money over the past few years – running costs around town are pretty much non-existent!” Simon says there have been some unexpected benefits of owning an Outlander PHEV – he believes it hasmade him a better driver, as he’s more conscious of maximising mileage and battery life, and he also values the number of safety features on the vehicle.
Fast charge Mitsubishi Motors has been invested in offering New Zealanders a plug-in electric vehicle option since Outlander PHEV arrived in 2014. Since then, improvements to New Zealand’s charging infrastructure – alongside vehicle upgrades – have broadened the possibilities for PHEV owners looking to go further in pure EV mode.
Boasting an improved 55km EV range, the 20MY Outlander PHEV comes with a more powerful and efficient 2.4L engine that sees it better equipped to deliver the performance levels that discerning SUV fans demand.
This development has seen it become the top-selling vehicle of its kind across Europe. Add in a higher output rear electric motor, a larger battery pack and new Sport driving mode – this is a PHEV built for families who want thatlittle bit extra on their road trips.
Starting at $52,990 (plus ORC) for the XLS and $57,990 (plus ORC) for the VRX, MMNZ is confident that Outlander PHEV will continue to better its records as the year goes on.
Outlander PHEV quick facts
• More than 200,000 sold globally.
• In 2015, Outlander PHEV became the first-ever plug-in hybrid in NZ to be included in the ‘All of Government’ purchasing catalogue.
• Notable fleet customers include Air New Zealand, TVNZ, NZ Lotteries Commission, Contact Energy, Fulton Hogan, Genesis Energy, Hertz New Zealand, Mercury Energy, NZ Steel Ltd.
• Drivetrain features two electric motors and one 2.4L petrol engine.
• EV priority mode.
• EV range of up to 55 km and combined range of over 600km.
• 8yr/160,000km drive battery warranty and a comprehensive 5yr/100,000km mechanical warranty.
• Combined fuel consumption of 1.9L/100 km.
• Charge from a standard household plug in 6.5 hours.
• DC fast charge in approximately 20 mins (to 80%).
• Super All Wheel Control.
• Regenerative braking.
• 5-star safety including Forward Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Misacceleration Mitigation System (VRX) and Blind Sport Warning (VRX).
• 1 tonne towing capacity
