The new Mitsubishi Outlander was launched in Thailand in PHEV plug-in hybrid form at the ongoing Thai Motor Expo, making the Land of Smiles the third Southeast Asia to receive the petrol-electric SUV after Indonesia and the Philippines.
Unlike in those markets, the PHEV is being
sold in Thailand as a locally-assembled model, with the first units set to roll
out of the Laem Chabang plant next month, according to the Bangkok Post. Even
so, it’s quite a pricey proposition, with prices ranging from 1,640,000 baht for the GT variant to 1,749,000 baht for the GT
Premium.
For that money, you get an electric motor
on each axle – the one at the front makes 60 kW (82 PS) and 137 Nm of torque,
while the rear motor churns out 95 PS and 195 Nm. This system provides
all-wheel drive and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control technology, and with a
13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, the PHEV has an all-electric range of 55 km.
Extending this range is a new 2.4 litre
MIVEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. Larger than the old 2.0
litre mill, it makes 128 PS and 199 Nm at 4,500 rpm, helping to juice the battery
in most driving situations. It’s also capable of providing direct drive at
higher speeds, thanks to a lock-up clutch. This setup is very similar to the
new Honda City e:HEV, except that the Mitsubishi has a much larger battery. The
company is claiming a combined fuel consumption figure of an impressive 52.6 km
per litre.
On the outside, the Thai-market PHEV comes
in the latest facelifted form, with a revised two-bar grille design and chrome
centre air intake trim. Distinguishing features over the petrol-powered
Outlander include body-coloured cladding, blue PHEV badging and 18-inch
multi-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the PHEV gets a very unique-looking
electronic gearlever. Standard equipment is fairly high, with all models
getting LED daytime running lights and taillights, keyless entry, push-button
start, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, powered front seats, leather
upholstery, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto compatibility, six speakers and the remote operation of vehicular
functions using a smartphone app.
The GT Premium adds self-levelling LED
headlights, quilted leather trim and a powered tailgate, along with a slew of
driver assistance systems. The latter include autonomous emergency braking,
adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross
traffic alert, pedal misoperation control and automatic high beam.
