The 2017MY Mitsubishi Outlander
PHEV goes on sale locally today, with the same two-model grade range as the
outgoing PHEV, but with prices rising for both grades in line with more
standard equipment and tech inclusions.
The entry grade changes from PHEV to PHEV LS, while
the range topper switches from PHEV Aspire to PHEV Exceed. Previously, the
entry grade started from AUD 47,490 and the Aspire from AUD 52,490. Those price
points have jumped to AUD 50,490 for the LS and AUD 55,490 for the Exceed.The new Outlander PHEV adopts the styling changes we’ve seen on the
MY17 Outlander range, while also introducing new tech and increased driver
convenience.
According to Mitsubishi Australia, ‘the Outlander
PHEV was developed from the ground up to be driven by either an internal
combustion engine or hybrid technology and as a result there are no compromises
in terms of packaging, practicality or driving dynamics’.
Mitsubishi introduces a
new EV Priority Mode across both grades. The EV switch is located next to the
4WD button in the console, and once activated allows the driver to use the
vehicle in EV mode without the engine running, provided there is sufficient
charge in the battery.
There’s an upgraded interior, which gets a new
steering wheel, revised accent trim, improved seat design (improved lateral
support and stiffer side bolsters) and comfort, premium finishes and materials
all designed to deliver a more high-end experience.
The cabin promises to be a much more enjoyable
environment thanks to reduced noise levels, increased insulation and sound
deadening material. Soft touch materials have been used throughout, while new
accent trim has been applied to the doors, dashboard and centre console
surfaces. The headlining is a new material with highlight stitching for the
instrument panel and a soft centre armrest.
There have also been significant improvements to
on-road performance with sharper throttle response delivering more rapid off
the mark acceleration. A more rigid chassis, tweaked suspension components, and
a new calibration for the electric power steering system promise to change the
way the Outlander PHEV feels from behind the wheel.
Mitsubishi quotes a combined power figure of 163 Hp for the new Outlander PHEV (including the 2.0-litre internal combustion
engine), but despite that the ADR fuel figure has dropped from 1.9 L/100km to
1.7 L/100km for the new model.
At the front, the new Outlander PHEV gets the
‘Dynamic Shield’ frontal design you’re familiar with from the new Outlander
range, dark chrome and silver trim, silver skid plates, LED headlights, LED
DRLs and LED foglights with chrome bezels.
At the rear, there’s sharper styling too, with a new
bumper design, silver skid plate, shark fin antenna, chrome tailgate trim, LED
combination lights and an LED foglight. There’s also revised wheel arch
mouldings, silver roof rails and chrome door sill trim as well as 18-inch black/polished
alloy wheels.
Both grades get a full five-star ANCAP rating, and
like all Mitsubishis, the Outlander PHEV is backed by a five-year/100,000 km
warranty. The Outlander PHEV also benefits from Mitsubishi’s four-year capped
price servicing plan, which is scheduled for every 15,000 km or 12 months
whichever comes first.