2019 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV: ELECTRIC AND MORE

In Brief:

• New 2.4-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine – more power and torque
• Increased EV motor, generator and battery capacity
• Overall greater efficiency as well as improved driving performance
• Steering, chassis, brakes tuned for more driver appeal
• Enhanced S-AWC system with new Sport and Snow modes
• Exterior styling and interior cabin enhancements
• Quietness, refinement and ride quality also improved

Background:

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was launched in the UK in 2014 and made an immediate impact – in 2013 fewer than 1,000 plug-in hybrids were sold in the UK but by the end of 2014 Mitsubishi had sold more than 10,000 Outlander PHEVs, driven by the public’s desire to drive greener vehicles as well as the increasing appetite for SUV and 4X4 vehicles. By November 2015 the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV had amassed 50,000 sales across Europe and by January 2018 it passed the 100,000 milestone. In fact, despite a growing number of competitors it was Europe’s best selling plug-in hybrid vehicle three years in a row from 2015 – 2017* and it also remains the best-selling plug-in vehicle – hybrid or electric – in the UK.

Key to the success of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is that it doesn’t ask its owners to make any compromises. For people wanting an SUV, it offers the same space and practicality, as well as the all-important elevated driving position, as any of its competitors. The battery pack doesn’t eat up boot space or compromise the dynamics – it is integrated into the floor, keeping the centre of gravity low and ensuring that the Outlander PHEV retains the practical advantages of a large boot and fold-flat rear seats. For those looking for a four-wheel drive vehicle, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers the unique solution of having an electric motor for each axle which means that even in EV mode, the Outlander PHEV remains a true 4X4 at all times.

For the growing number of people looking to drive more sustainable vehicles, the Outlander PHEV offers a real-world EV driving range far in excess of the average daily commute and ideally suited to the kind of use most family cars are put to: Short drives, often in urban or suburban stop-go traffic (i.e. the kind of motoring where internal combustion engines are often at their least efficient). And yet, thanks to the seamless integration of a powerful petrol engine, there is no range anxiety and no need for a second vehicle for longer drives – the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can genuinely assume the role of primary vehicle for any family.

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Since its launch in 2014, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has continuously evolved to ensure it remains at the cutting edge of the plug-in hybrid segment. Whereas its 2016 redesign focused on giving the vehicle the upmarket look and feel its advanced architecture and technology warranted, the changes made for the 2019 Outlander PHEV are predominantly technical, ensuring it remains a leader in terms of efficiency and performance while also improving every aspect of the driving experience in response to customer feedback.

Unsurprisingly, the powertrain received the most extensive engineering focus with the development of a new “4B12” 2.4-litre petrol engine, which uses its MIVEC variable-valve timing system to seamlessly switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles depending on the driving situation. The larger capacity means the engine produces more power (135hp vs 121hp) and more torque across a wider rev range (211Nm vs 190Nm) when operating in the familiar Otto cycle mode, which is ideal for moderate-to-high load situations such as inclines and rapid acceleration. At the same time, the petrol engine also manages to be more efficient than before because it can switch to the Atkinson cycle – where the inlet valve remains open for longer, effectively reducing the compression stroke, thereby decreasing its capacity and consequently burning less fuel – under light load conditions such as motorway cruising.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s electric powertrain has also received some engineering attention. Improvements include a 10% increase in the generator output and an increase in the rear electric motor output to 95hp. The drive battery has also had its output increased by 10% and its overall capacity increased to 13.8kWh thanks to new battery cells. From the driver’s perspective, one of the biggest changes is the increase to Outlander PHEV’s top speed in Electric Vehicle mode, up from approximately 78mph (125km/h) to 84mph (135km/h) where legally permitted.

This combination of improvements to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s dual powertrains means that it’s not only more efficient than before, it also offers better driving performance. The 0-62mph acceleration benchmark is dispatched in 10.5 seconds, some 0.5 seconds faster than before, while its overtaking acceleration is also improved by a similar margin (e.g. 50mph-62mph is reduced by 0.6 seconds to 3.7 seconds).

At the same time, the Outlander PHEV’s pure EV range is more than enough for the average daily UK commute: An impressive 28 miles according to the new, more stringent real-world WLTP tests. The WLTP average fuel economy figure for the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 141mpg and its WLTP CO2 emissions are just 46g/km (40g/km NEDC).

To complement the drivetrain enhancements, a number of other changes ensure the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is even more pleasurable to drive. The front and rear shock absorbers have been revised to improve its low-speed ride while retaining its high-speed and cornering composure and a new “Sport Mode” brings with it sharper throttle responsiveness and more grip via the Super All-Wheel Control system during high lateral-load cornering. The steering ratio has also been revised and the power steering ECU re-mapped to offer more responsiveness and feel, while the brake power has been improved with the introduction of larger front brake discs. There’s also a new SNOW mode to improve low-grip launching and cornering abilities on slippery surfaces, while the traction control system has been revised to improve hill-climbing performance by using sufficient rear motor torque without compromising stability.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is also quieter and more refined, particularly in terms of the petrol engine which has had several inlet and exhaust system enhancements, as well as of the overall body shell which now benefits from structural adhesive welding, which increases body rigidity and therefore dynamics and refinement. The front seats, too, have been redesigned for comfort and improved lateral support, while the driver has a new toggle switch for the Super-All Wheel Control system as well as dedicated SPORT mode switch. Indeed, much of the switchgear has been relocated for ease of use, while the instrument cluster has been completely overhauled to better inform the driver as to how the various systems are operating.

Other features, such as the paddle-adjustable, six-setting regenerative braking system, remain key to the unique Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV driving experience and are therefore retained as before. Additional notable changes include the addition of rear ventilation vents, more convenient USB ports and new interior accent trim.

In terms of exterior style, the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV benefits from a new front end with a redesigned grille, new bumper extension, new fog lamp bezels and all-new “technical look” LED headlamps. The rear is enhanced with a redesigned rear bumper extension and a large roof spoiler while new, two-tone contrasted 18-inch multi-spoke alloys complete the exterior revisions.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV goes on sale in the UK in September with pricing and UK specifications announced closer to its launch.

Technical Specification: