Mitsubishi has significantly updated the Outlander
PHEV for the 2019MY, with emphasis on both the mechanical parts as well as the
design.
The 2.4-liter petrol engine is now more powerful
than before:135 PS and 211 Nm of torque, instead of
121 PS and 190 Nm of torque. And that’s not all,
because the electric motor that powers the rear axles makes 95 PS.
The battery output has increased by 10
percent, and its overall capacity is 13.8 kWh, thanks to the addition of new
cells. These changes allow the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to reach an
electric top speed of 135 km/h, up from 125 km/h. The 0-100 km/h acceleration takes 0.5 sec less, to 10.5 sec, and the automaker
claims a top speed of 170 km/h.
At the same time, the zero-emission range of the
plug-in hybrid SUV is 45 kilometers, as per the WLTP tests, to go
with an average of 141 UK mpg (117.4 US mpg / 2 l/100 km), and 46 g/km of CO2
emitted.
Other mechanical changes include the revised front
and rear shock absorbers, retuned steering ratio and power steering ECU
remapping, updated traction control system, and the installation of larger
front brake discs.
Mitsubishi has also added two new driving modes,
called ‘Snow’ and ‘Sport’. The first one improves low-grip launching and
cornering ability on slippery surfaces, and the other promises sharper throttle
response and more grip.
On the outside, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
sports two-tone 18-inch multi-spoke alloys, a new front end, with a redesigned
grille, bumper extension, new fog lamp bezels and tweaked LED headlights. At
the rear, it features a larger roof spoiler and redesigned bumper extension.
Changes performed inside include the introduction of
new front seats with improved comfort and lateral support, overhauled
instrument cluster, new toggle switch for the Super-All Wheel Control system
and dedicated ‘Sport’ mode switch, along with the relocation of most of the
switchgear.
Mitsubishi will launch the facelifted Outlander PHEV
in the United Kingdom and other European markets this September. Pricing and
specifications will be announced closer to its launch.