PHEV goes back to the future!
In our latest video Damien O’Carroll takes a look at the upgraded and improved Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid.
The refreshed Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV now boasts the same aggressive "Dynamic Shield" grille as the standard models, along with gloss black inserts and the sharp chrome highlights that underscore the headlights and runs down through the bumper and around the fog lights.
On the outside the Outlander PHEV also gains LED headlights, daytime running lamps and tail lights, as well as 18-inch machine finished alloy wheels.
Inside upgrades include soft-feel leather seats in the VRX, while front seat heating is now available in both the VRX and the entry-level XLS.
Mitsubishi has installed 20 percent larger rear shocks and stiffened up the body to achieve a better ride and improve ride comfort. The company also claims it has made the PHEV even quieter, with around 37 improvements to noise, vibration and harshness, including thicker door glass and increased damping the battery pack.
Previously only available on the VRX, the PHEV's smartphone app is now also available on the XLS model.
In a “Back to the Future” or “Star Trek” move, this app allows the driver extensive control over the car's functions from afar, letting the operator do such things as setting the batteries to charge at the most cost-effective time of day, switching on the cars HVAC system to remotely warm or cool the car, turn on the headlights from a distance or remotely monitor the car’s alarm system.
But it won’t beam you up, Scottie!
Like its predecessor, the Outlander PHEV is powered by two electric motors – one on each axle – and a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that mainly generates electricity to recharge the batteries, but can on occasion drive the front wheels directly.
This means if you’re mainly doing short journeys, up to about 50km, you might be able to run on electric power alone, reducing your motoring costs considerably, while for longer journeys the combination of petrol power and electric result in fantastic overall fuel economy. For more information including latest pricing, go to www.mmnz.co.nz/plug-in-hybrid
John Oxley, managing editor Company Vehicle.
