Mitsubishi reveals the new Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi has premiered the new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

The new PHEV model of the Mitsubishi Outlander brings together the firm's expertise in electrification and all-wheel control technology.

Mitsubishi states the Outlander PHEV will offer the powerful ride, roomy interior space and wide-ranging functionalities of an SUV, but combined with smooth yet powerful acceleration, capable all-wheel control technology, and the environmentally conscious efficiency unique to an electric vehicle.

The power output of the front and rear motors now stand at 114bhp and 134bhp respectively, and combine with a 20kWh battery to allow the Outlander PHEV to utilise more electric power, even during hard acceleration.

The new drivetrain will also allow the Mitsubishi Outlander to deliver up to 87km of all-electric range, according to the WLTC test cycle. Mitsubishi has also increased the capacity of the gas tank for a higher total possible range when combining EV driving with hybrid driving.

Mitsubishi states the Outlander PHEV will reach a fuel economy of 16.6km/L when driven in hybrid mode. Power in this mode is provided by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder producing 131bhp and 195Nm.

Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control all-wheel drive system is also now upgraded with a new brake Active Yaw Control function for the rear wheels.

The new systems mean the Outlander PHEV is able to distribute driving force to the front and rear wheels optimally according to road and driving conditions, while torque vectoring by controlling the brakes on the left and right wheels is also possible for the front and rear wheels.

The firm states the new technology makes it possible to extract the maximum performance from all four tyres in a more balanced manner, delivering handling that stays true to the driver's intention and high operating stability. Seven drive modes can be selected depending on road surface conditions and driving style.

Sales of the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will commence in Japan on 16 December 2021, while the car will arrive in the showrooms of Australia and New Zealand in the first half of 2022.