Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV range has been extensively revised with a new six-variant line up comprised of Verve, Design, Dynamic, Dynamic Safety, Exceed and Exceed Safety trim levels replacing the previous confusing range on 3, 4 Juro, H and HS.
All new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models feature revised seating with electronic lumbar support as standard on all models and re-contoured rear seats for more comfort and support. The dashboard has also been revised to accommodate new climate controls and a larger infotainment systems.
The new, entry-level Verve trim offers many luxury features including DAB radio, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless operation, rear parking sensors, a rear spoiler, cruise control, electric folding door mirrors, LED DRLs, headlamps washers, automatic headlamps, rains sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a programmable climate control system which can warm or cool the car in advance of a journey. Prices for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Verve start at £35,455 OTR.
The new Design trim, priced from £36,455 OTR, adds 18-inch alloy wheels, Mitsubishi’s new eight-inch Smartphone Line Display Audio (SDA) system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a more intuitive interface than the outgoing version and integrated reversing camera display.
The Dynamic, priced from £38,555 OTR, adds leather upholstery with an eight-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, black headlining, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, while the top Exceed variant, priced from £40,955 OTR, adds integrated TomTom satellite navigation, diamond quilted leather upholstery, LED headlights with LED high beam, LED front fog lights, 360-degree camera, heated steering wheel, power tailgate and twin rear USB sockets.
The Dynamic Safety (£41,055 0TR) and Exceed Safety (£43,455 OTR) add Forward Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Ultrasonic Misacceleration mitigation System, automatic high-beam and front and rear parking sensors to their respective specifications.
With close to 50,000 registered in the UK since 2014, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV remains the UK’s most popular plug-in vehicle with a real-world EV range of 28 miles, emissions of 46g/km and an official fuel economy figure of 139.7 mpg (WLTP).
This are strong sales and some what surprising as the tax benefit of the Outlander has been clobbered by our Government and criticised by Mitsubishi as being incomprehensible.
For example The Outlander PHEV (at least those optioned to more than £40,000 before incentives) is taxed like the Range Rover SDV8, a vehicle which has five times higher CO2 emission.
After Plug-In Car grant was lowered from £5,000 to £4,500 (BEVs) and £2,500 (PHEV with prce tag below £60,000), the new VED taxes deteriorate the environment for plug-in hybrid vehicle adoption.
From April 1, 2017 only BEVs (and other zero emission cars) keep the current tax relief at £0.
The plug-in hybrids (emissions: 1-50 g/km of CO2) are counted at £130 annual, but if their price exceeds £40,000 there is £310 annual supplement for five years from the second year of registration.
“The Mitsubishi had a VED rate of £10 in the first year of ownership, compared with the Range Rover’s £1200. However, for the ensuing five years, both vehicles will attract a £310 supplement on top of their VED rates because they cost more than £40,000.
An Outlander PHEV owner will pay £130 in VED, plus the £310 supplement, making £440 per year. The Range Rover will attract £140 in VED, making £450 when the £310 supplement is added.”
A recent survey of Outlander PHEV customers reveals that half their average weekly mileage is driven in electric mode, with 68% charging at least once per day and 90% charging several times (2-3 times or more) per week. 83% would recommend an Outlander PHEV to family and friends and 25% say they are considering a pure electric vehicle for the next vehicle, making it a true gateway vehicle towards an all-EV future and an important step on the road to zero carbon.