MITSUBISHI’S OUTLANDER plug-in hybrid has proven that Australians will embrace electric vehicle technology, as long as they can avoid the bugbear of range anxiety.
The PHEV offers a real-world EV driving range that suits the kind of use that most family cars are put to: short city and suburban drives in stop-go traffic (where internal combustion engines are at their least efficient). And, thanks to the seamless integration of the petrol engine, there is no range anxiety (or need for a second vehicle) for longer drives.
For owners who value the space, practicality and high ride-height of an SUV, it has the same SUV size as its Outlander petrol CVT sibling. The battery pack doesn’t devour boot space or compromise the dynamics – it is integrated into the floor, keeping the centre of gravity low and ensuring that the Outlander PHEV retains the practical advantages of a large boot and fold-flat rear seats.
For those looking for the improved handling on-road, offered by S-AWC, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a unique solution of having an electric motor for each axle which means that even in EV mode, the Outlander PHEV doesn’t compromise drivability and safety.
More on-road presence
New for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a very smart Red Diamond premium metallic paint, originally developed for the Eclipse Cross, has been made available. This new paint is applied – amongst other steps –using a semi-transparent red coating incorporating mica flakes applied over several other layers before being itself covered by a final clear coating. This process involves a succession of two baking stages while specially-developed programs ensure a high quality finish.
An enhanced driving experience
Since its launch in 2013, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has continuously evolved to ensure it meets owner’s needs. This year it has adopted the 94kW/199Nm 2.4-litre petrol engine used in the Outlander to improve overall performance and on-road handling.
Senior Manager of Product Strategy Owen Thomson said “Since its introduction, the Outlander PHEV has retained its DNA as the first PHEV to market, but it has improved a number of safety and technical features, as well as a number of efficiency and performance measures, all in response to customer feedback. It doesn’t hold owners back, or ask them to buy a second family car; it enhances the overall driving experience and improves their fuel expenditure, without them having to worry about driving range.”
The 2.4-litre petrol engine uses its MIVEC variable-valve timing system to switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles depending on the driving situation. The larger capacity means the engine produces 195Nm torque across a wider rev range, when operating in moderate-to-high load situations such as inclines and rapid acceleration. At the same time, the petrol engine also manages to be more efficient because it can switch to the Atkinson cycle – where the inlet valve remains open for longer, effectively reducing the compression stroke, thereby decreasing its capacity and consequently burning less fuel – under light load conditions such as freeway cruising.
Not only does the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s dual powertrain increase efficiency, but also offers an improved driving experience. The Outlander PHEV’s approximate pure EV range is more than enough for most daily commutes: 54kms.
Three drive modes
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers three Drive Modes, all automatically activated by the PHEV Operating System:
EV Priority Mode
- Car powered by the front & rear motors
- Energy sourced from the battery
Series Hybrid Mode
- Car still powered by the front & rear motors
- Engine engaged to run the generator to charge the battery while driving
- Mode automatically activated for sudden acceleration, driving uphill or when the state of battery charge is too low
- System switches back to EV Priority mode as much as possible
Parallel Hybrid Mode
- Engine powers front wheels (via Multimode front transaxle*)
- Front electric motor assists engine, rear motor drives rear wheels
- Mode automatically activated at high speed
- System switches to Series Hybrid/ EV Priority mode as much as possible
Improved driver comfort
Inside, power lumber adjustment has improved driver comfort across the range. Redesigned second-row seats have improved cushioning for a more comfortable driving experience for passengers. Passengers also benefit from the introduction of an additional rear USB charging ports (x2), and improved HVAC controls.
A new overhead console, which incorporates sunglasses holder, seatbelt reminder and passenger airbag cut-off indicator gives the driver quick access to frequently used functions. Thanks to its sunroof, the Exceed misses out on the sunglasses holder in the overhead console in order to accommodate the sunroof.
The convenient new 8-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio infotainment system allows drivers to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to access navigation directions optimised for traffic conditions, make and receive calls, access text messages and listen to music, all in a way that allows them to stay focused on the road. Other features, such as the paddle-adjustable regenerative braking system, continue in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, with the recently revised instrument cluster providing the driver with more information about the operation of the various drive systems.
Enhanced safety technology
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV benefits from the latest in MMC safety technology, with advanced features working to protect occupants, other road users and pedestrians, both in determining the risk of an impending accident and in the event of a collision.
The SUV has a comprehensive passive safety architecture based on Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) impact safety body and seven SRS airbag arrangement. This includes airbags fitted in front driver and passenger, side and side curtain areas. The Dynamic Safety model benefits from additional active safety equipment including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and now Forward Collision Mitigation as standard (providing a visible and audible warning if a collision risk has been identified, escalating to autonomous braking if a high risk of collision has been determined).
The Outlander PHEV also has Unintended Acceleration Mitigation System (Exceed model) in case the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator when stationary or at speeds of up to 10km/h). Rear parking sensors to improve safety at low speeds are standard on all models.
Colours
All models are available in:
- Starlight
- Titanium
- Ruby Black
- Red Diamond
New features, new prices for 2020
New to the ES model PHEV for 2020 are forward collision mitigation, sport drive mode, snow drive mode, black cloth seat trim with seat stitching, front seat heaters, power adjustable lumbar support for the driver, piano black dash and door trims,8-inch touchscreen, two USB outlets in the second row and electrochromatic rear vision mirror.
The $1000 ADAS pack for the ES adds lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and auto high beam. These are also standard on the top-line Exceed model, which also gets the ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system, multi around monitor, blind spot warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, sat nav (new for 2020), speed limit information display (new for 2020), eight-speaker Mitsubishi power sound system (new for 2020), electric heater for the air conditioner, EV remote system with charging timer cancel on the key fob, power tailgate, electric sunroof, LED self-levelling headlamps, LED front fog lights, heated electric folding door mirrors, chrome belt line moulding, chrome outer door handles, leather seats, powered driver’s seat, a seat back pocket on the driver’s seat, leather-look door trim inserts, black headlining, carbon fibre design door trim, outer scuff plate, cargo blind and (new for 2020), EVPS auxiliary power supply.
Unsurprisingly, prices for the PHEV have risen, but only slightly. The official price for the ES is $46,990, a rise of just $1000 over the outgoing 20-litre model. The ADAS pack (which we’d recommend if you’re buying the ES model) is a very reasonable $1000 (down from $1500 previously). The Range-topping Exceed model has risen by $2000 from $53,990 to $55,990, which considering the extra standard equipment and larger engine, seems like remarkably good value.
Making the argument even stronger is driveaway pricing of $50,990 for the ES and $59,990 for the Exceed.
Performance:
- 2.4-Litre petrol engine 94kW @ 4,500rpm and 199Nm at 4,500rpm (up from the 2.0-litre’s 87kW/186Nm)
- Maximum power output, front motor 60kW, rear motor 70kW
- Maximum torque front 137Nm, rear 195Nm
- Increased maximum generator output 80kW
- Increased drive battery capacity 13.8kWh from 12kWh.
- Potential electric driving range up to 54km (approx. 7 hours charge time (type 1), 3 hours (type 2) or 25 mins on DC fast charger)
Pricing:
| Version | RRP (Nov 2019) | Drive Away (Nov 2019) |
| Outlander PHEV ES | $46,990 | $50,990 |
| + ADAS pack | + $1000 | + $1000 |
| Outlander PHEV Exceed | $55,990 | $59,990 |
Technical Specification:
| Outlander PHEV | Auto |
| Dimensions (mm) | L 4695 / W 1800 / H 1710 / WB 2670 |
| Boot Space (Litres) | 463 (+35L under floor cargo box) |
| Track F/R (mm) | 1540 / 1540 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 190 |
| Towing Capacity (kg) | 1,500 (braked trailer) |
| Engine* | 2,360cc petrol 4 cylinder |
| Max Output (ps) | 128 |
| Torque (Nm) | 199 |
| Charging | Standard Australian wall socket, AC240V/8A – 7 hours/CHADeMO~80% in 25 mins |
| Battery Storage | 300V Lithium ion battery pack, 13.8kWh capacity |
| EV range (NEDC) | 54km |
| Combined Cycle (L/100km) | 1.9 |
| CO2 Emissions (g/km) | 43 |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 1880 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 litres |
| Suspension F/R | McPherson Struts / Multi-Link |
| Brakes F/R | Ventilated Discs / Solid discs |
| Turning Circle | 10.6m |
| Service Intervals | 15,000km / 12 months |
| Warranty | 5 Years / 100,000km
Traction battery: 8 Years / 160,000km |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 Year Car Club coverage, if the owner utilizes Mitsubishi’s capped price service at the dealership |
*Not CVT- Multimode eTransmission with Hydraulic Clutch
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.