Frugal Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV introduced from $47,490

Mitsubishi has introduced its Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) in Australia. Set to go on sale on 31 March 2014, the Outlander PHEV is said to be the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV.

Based on the Mitsubishi Outlander, the PHEV comes with all the practicality of the Outlander, including its five seat interior, 1,500kg braked towing capacity and four-wheel drive system.

Priced from $47,490 for the LS, it is equipped with a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre internal combustion petrol engine, generator, power and motor control units with a high capacity lithium-ion drive battery and front and rear electric motors.

It will consume just 1.9L/100km of fuel – the lowest official ADR fuel consumption figure of any SUV in Australia – and emits just 44g/km of CO₂. Using a dedicated 15A power outlet and based on an electricity supply rate of 30 cents per kilowatt hour, the PHEV costs approximately $3.60 and take up to five hours to fully charge.

With a fully charged, the PHEV has an official electric only range of up to 52km. the battery range is further supplemented by the plug-in hybrid system, which automatically operates in Series and Parallel modes to extend the cruising range.

The PHEV has three different modes of operation – EV Drive Mode, Series and Parallel modes.  EV Mode refers to PHEV’s all-electric operation where the wheels are driven by the front and rear electric motors using only drive battery power.

In PHEV’s two hybrid modes – Series and Parallel – the 2.0-litre petrol engine is activated to increase power to either the drive battery or directly to the wheels, depending on driving conditions.

Despite carrying the lithium-ion battery pack under floor, the Outlander PHEV’s boot space is virtually unchanged at 463-litres.

The PHEV is equipped with standard features including 18-inch machine faced alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, satellite navigation with 3D mapping, 7-inch colour touch screen, hands free Bluetooth® with steering wheel controls and voice control, smart key operation, dual zone climate control, dusk sensing HID headlights, reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

At $52,490, the PHEV Aspire gains a full array of luxury and technology appointments such as leather interior trim with heated front seats, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, electric sliding sunroof, power tailgate with remote operation, chrome detailing, Forward Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control and Wi-Fi based EV remote system via a smart phone App.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Executive Director of Marketing Tony Principe said the plug-in hybrid Outlander PHEV is the perfect no compromise package to re-introduce Australians to electric vehicle technology.

“Mitsubishi has a long-standing reputation for pioneering durable, go-anywhere, family-friendly four-wheel drives and SUVs that have been embraced by everyday Australians, and the Outlander PHEV upholds this 30-year tradition” he said.

“Outlander PHEV introduces a new era for Mitsubishi SUVs.  It’s clever, seamless PHEV plug-in hybrid system is a window into our company’s future and the first example of a new generation of SUVs Mitsubishi will roll out globally in the next few years.

“The beauty of Outlander PHEV is that it’s a no compromise electric vehicle – it costs as little as $3.60 for an overnight recharge.  It’s versatile, well-equipped and robust enough to tackle most of Australia’s rough roads, all while helping owners to spend less money on fuel and reduce their environmental impact.

“It’s no secret that Australians love SUVs and the PHEV, with its 52-kilometre EV range, seamless operation, official 1.9-litre/100km ADR fuel consumption and sub-$50,000 starting price, will challenge Australian car buyers to re-consider the value of sustainable motoring.

“For the first time, Australia has an affordable, practical electric vehicle solution with genuine appeal for the mainstream car buyer.”

The PHEV benefits from Mitsubishi’s five-year/100,000km new car warranty inclusive of the lithium ion drive battery.

PHEV also qualifies for Mitsubishi’s four-year Capped Price Servicing, which is $360.00 RRP for the first service and $470.00 RRP for the second, third and fourth services, which are scheduled every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

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