Radical technology usually means a radical looking vehicle. So why does the thoroughly new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle look just like an SUV? Well, because it is one. It's a practical, reliable, shove a dog in the back family SUV. It's the first time plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicle technology have ever come together in an SUV, but it's done so in a vehicle you can live with very comfortably. No awkward styling, no compromises. It's that simple.
The story of the technology, however, takes a bit more explaining. Let's start with the drive modes. In full Electric Vehicle mode, you can glide around quietly for up to 52km(1) using no fuel and producing no emissions from the tail pipe. You can charge it from any internal household power point and it's full after about 6.5 hours(3). That'll cost about $1.41(2). In Series Hybrid mode, the two 60kW electric motors run the wheels and the petrol engine charges the state-of-the-art Lithium-Ion battery. In Parallel Hybrid mode, which kicks in at higher speeds, the petrol engine helps to drive the wheels. The modes are selected for you. Then, there are the economy figures to get your head around. Never before has an SUV done 1.9L/100km(1).
It's not only miserly with fuel; it uses regenerative braking to conserve even more energy. The other surprise is the way it drives. Thanks to the use of electric motors, torque is right there when you want it. Little wonder Mitsubishi has positioned it as the performance model of the Outlander stable. And it's quiet, so quiet; in fact, it has an alarm that warns pedestrians of its approach when it's in Electric Vehicle mode. Its cruise control adapts to the vehicle you're following and it will even stop you to mitigate a collision if its radar detects a hazard but no brake input. These are just some of the features that contribute to the 5-Star ANCAP safety rating.
As you can see, it's bursting with new technology and smart features. Mitsubishi are the first to acknowledge there's more to it than the nicely designed (and highly aerodynamic) bodywork. So they've made a range of videos that explore many facets of the vehicle's operation and features. With prices starting at $59,990+ORC (4) for the XLS, little wonder they're saying it's just better.
