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Unique plug-in hybrid SUV scores a price cut to go with MY19 updates.
Mitsubishi has rolled out a model year 2019 version of its plug-in hybrid Outlander PHEV to face up alongside the regular petrol and diesel versions first announced in August this year.
A range restructure sees the previous Outlander PHEV LS model de-specced and rebranded as a new ES variant to line up with newly introduced price leading versions of the ASX and Eclipse Cross.
As a result, pricing now starts from $45,990 plus on road costs for the Outlander PHEV ES, a $4500 price trim compared to the older LS version.
In order to pass on those savings Mitsubishi has stripped out some safety equipment like forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam and a self-dimming interior mirror, instead bundling them into a $1500 advanced driver assist system (or ADAS) package.
Standard Outlander PHEV ES equipment still includes auto lights and wipers, reverse camera, rear park sensors, seven airbags, 18-inch alloy wheels (in a new design), power adjustable front seats, microsuede and leatherette seat trim, and push-button entry and start.
Along with a new alloy wheel design the updated Outlander PHEV can be picked from earlier versions thanks to new front and rear bumpers, while inside rear passengers (finally) get air con vents in the back of the centre console.
Other changes include improved seat cushions, auto up/down windows on all doors (with illuminated switches), a faster steering rack ratio, increased diameter dampers and body bonding improvements aimed at improving refinement.
No changes have been made to the PHEV’s powertrain which retains a pair of 60kW electric motors (one for each axle) able to run for a claimed maximum of 54 kilometers off a full charge when locked into EV mode, as well as being capable of running as a series or parallel hybrid with the batteries topped up by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Alongside the ES the Outlander PHEV will be joined by the top-spec Exceed from $53,990 plus on-road costs with added equipment including LED headlights and fog lights, leather seat trim, heated front seats, sunroof, and a powered tailgate.
Safety equipment also steps up with the ADAS suite plus surround-view camera, blind spot warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, and ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation – to minimise the chances of danger should the driver get the pedals mixed up.
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