Mitsubishi Releases UK Pricing for New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, Matches Diesel Model OTRs

Just ahead of its UK launch in showrooms this May, Mitsubishi has placed a price tag on the new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that starts from £28,249 for the base GX3h trim, including a £5,000 government subsidy.

Mitsubishi is keen to point out that the entry price is the same as the Outlander diesel GX3 auto adding that, with CO2 emissions of 44g/km, the PHEV is exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

The Japanese firm offers two more trim grades for the Outlander PHEV, the GX4h priced at £32,899 and GX4hs which is £34,999 (after the grant). Mitsubishi says that both models demand a £1,000 premium over than their diesel equivalents, not because of their hybrid powertrain, but due to added specification.

Power for the Outlander PHEV comes from a hybrid system that includes a 2.0-liter petrol engine up front along with a pair of 80hp electric motors (one for each axle) and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The combined output is around 220-horses with the system offering three drive modes, dubbed EV (pure electric drive), Series Hybrid (the petrol unit powers the electric motors) and Parallel Hybrid (the petrol engine provides most of the motive power).

Mitsubishi says that in pure electric mode, the Outlander PHEV can travel up to 32.5 miles (52 km) at speeds of up to 75mph (121 km/h). With the combined use of the internal combustion engine and the electric motors, the PHEV returns up to 148mpg UK (123.2 mpg US or 1.9l/100km).

However, Mitsubishi states: “Unlike non-hybrid vehicles, it is hard to predict what MPG the vehicle will return in real life. A lot depends on journey length and speed – for instance, for the average daily commute of 25 miles most people will achieve much higher than 148mpg. For longer journeys at higher speeds it may achieve less than 148mpg.”

In base GX3h trim, the Outlander comes equipped with 7 airbags, 18-inch wheels, cruise control, dual-zone a/c, leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, and electric folding and heater mirrors.

The GX4h adds a sat-nav with a 7-inch display, heated front seats, leather upholstery, parking camera, DAB radio, power tailgate and electric sunroof, while the top GX4hs gains Adaptive cruise control, Forward collision mitigation system and Lane departure warning.

By John Halas

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