Mitsubishi's big petrol price beater
When Ingham Mitsubishi hosted the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander launch in December we were treated to the bold new design and feature packed big SUV at the top of the Mitsubishi range.
I liked everything about the new Outlander, from the bold looks, to the quality materials, to the drive quality.
Now, as petrol prices are going through the roof, it is great news that the Outlander PHEV is available.
I drove the top of the range VRX and base model LS and it is clear this is a great option for those who need the size and/or seats.
The PHEV has Mitsubishi's 2.4 litre DOHC MIVEC petrol engine. Power and torque isn't remarkable, but it is the electric motors that provide the real motivation.
The Outlander PHEV is all wheel drive, with an electric motor for each axle.
The front motor makes 85kW of power and 255Nm of torque, the rear 100kW and 195Nm.
It can run in all electric mode, up to 85km on a full charge and series or parallel hybrid mode.
To be fair I'm not even sure what that means, but driving both models it was clear there was plenty of power and range on electric only for many of the daily trips we make in our cars, but when the petrol engine fired up it was seamless.
In fact it was only when I was keeping an eye on the gauges that I knew I was using petrol — especially when I was enjoying the superb Bose system in the VRX.
The good news is the big five or seven seater uses just a dribble of liquid gold, a claimed 1.6l/100km.
Think how smug you would feel when everyone else is pulling in to fill up.
It has a 56 litre tank and uses 91 octane — so a $150-$160
fill up should keep you going for well over 3000km.
Of course there is a cost to charging at home, but it would be fairly minimal, and of course the battery is staying charged during driving through regeneration as well, such as braking and downhill runs.
Free power!
Then there are the features — infotainment and connectivity is excellent, the suite of safety features across the range is exactly what is expected in this age and the combinations of seating and storage is extensive.
All models have keyless entry and stop/start button and options that can be tailored to suit the owner/ driver.
The XLS runs on beautiful 20” wheels and offers the extra two seats, to make a seven seater.
It also adds a triple zone climate control system.
The VRX has panoramic sun roof, heated front seats, bird’s eye vision, head’s up display, that premium Bose sound system and leather seats... plus much more.
There is truly a lot to discover, and I suspect it is part of the joy of the Outlander that owners will find something new for months.
The drive matches the promise of the design and features.
Effortless and comfortable is the best description.
It is big and relatively tall, so doesn’t inspire sport-like driving on the open road, but it is also capable and precise, so it can handle a bit of exuberance.
Then in town it feels light and reasonably manoeuvrable, with systems in place to help you place and park a big car in tight places.
We know we have to do something about our carbon footprint, but not everyone can afford an EV — or find one that serves their purpose and satisfies any range anxiety.
Hybrids are well entrenched in our fleet nowdays, but the plug in electric hybrid is not quite so common.
But maybe it is a very good step in the right direction when you need a big daily commuter, and occasional long distance cruiser.
There are some compelling reasons to check out the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV — find them out in person from the team at Ingham Mitsubishi.