In the end, Mitsubishi has lastly unveiled the brand new Outlander PHEV, which can go on sale in Japan from December 16 this 12 months. Australia and New Zealand will observe after within the first half of subsequent 12 months, whereas the plug-in hybrid SUV can be launched in North America throughout the second half of 2022.
As we discovered earlier this month, the Outlander PHEV appears just about equivalent to the petrol-powered mannequin that was first revealed in February, with only some distinctive cues to mark it out because the Earth-friendly model.
These embody a charging door on the appropriate facet of the car in addition to the addition of outstanding “Plug-in Hybrid EV” and “PHEV” badges on the entrance doorways and tailgate. Mitsubishi says there are a complete of 10 physique finishes to select from, together with two two-tone choices and eight monotone ones – the latter consists of the Diamond Color collection of Crimson Diamond, White Diamond and Black Diamond.
Inside, there are new buttons on the centre console have interaction the one-pedal driving and EV-only modes, whereas the gear selector will get a “B” mode to regulate the depth of regenerative braking. Additionally on this space is the rotary dial that enables drivers to cycle by means of seven drive modes, with Energy becoming a member of the prevailing Regular, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud and Eco.
As with the outside, there are a couple of seat supplies accessible too, together with semi-aniline leather-based in a black and saddle tan theme, two real leather-based choices (black and light-weight gray), black mixture leather-based and two material choices (black and light-weight gray).
One other facet that’s acquainted is Mi-Pilot Help, which mixes adaptive cruise management with cease and go and lane centring help to maintain it a set distance from the automobile in entrance and within the centre of its personal lane. Fashions fitted with the navigation system can set the velocity utilizing site visitors signal recognition and gradual the automobile down for corners and freeway exits.
So, loads of acquainted issues then. Nevertheless, the primary draw right here is the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which Mitsubishi says is a serious enchancment over the previous Outlander PHEV. The idea is identical as earlier than, with electrical motors on each axles offering propulsion in a majority of driving eventualities, whereas an inner combustion engine acts as a generator for the battery, however also can present direct drive at larger speeds through a lock-up clutch.
One key distinction with the brand new mannequin is the electrical motors are extra highly effective than earlier than, with the one on the entrance now rated at 116 PS (85 kW) and 255 Nm of torque in comparison with 82 PS (60 kW) and 137 Nm beforehand.
As for the rear electrical motor, it now gives 136 PS (100 kW), which is greater than the 95 PS (70 kW) of the previous Outlander PHEV, though max torque is identical at 195 Nm. The dual-motor setup is a part of the S-AWC (Tremendous-All Wheel Management) system, which now advantages from a brand new brake-based brake AYC (Lively Yaw Management) operate for the rear wheels.
Mitsubishi additionally identified that the rear electrical motor is now unified with the management unit to permit for sufficient ground area to put in a 3rd row of seats, so there’s no compromise on the subject of seating capability in comparison with the petrol-powered mannequin.
The lithium-ion battery continues to take a seat on the car ground, however now has larger vitality capability of 20 kWh from 13.8 kWh, which raises the electrical driving vary to 87 km from 55 km following the WLTP customary.
Mitsubishi didn’t present charging instances in its launch, however based mostly on the photographs, the Outlander PHEV will proceed to help each AC and DC charging – the earlier mannequin’s specs have been 3.7 kW for the previous and 50 kW for the latter. Just like the Eclipse PHEV, there’s additionally an onboard AC outlet within the boot that may ship as much as 1,500 watts to energy digital and home equipment.
In the meantime, the ICE is identical 4B12 2.4 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder MIVEC unit that’s now tuned to 133 PS at 5,000 rpm and 195 Nm at 4,300 rpm. As talked about earlier, this acts as a generator for the battery more often than not, though it might probably instantly drive the wheels through a single 3.431 gear ratio at larger speeds when it’s much less environment friendly to run solely on the electrical motors.
Mitsubishi didn’t disclose the max high velocity in EV-only mode, however it was 135 km/h with the older mannequin. There’s additionally a bigger gasoline tank – 56 litres from 45 litres – which is claimed to supply extra general vary, whereas the rated gasoline consumption is 16.6 km per litre in hybrid mode.
