insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 11 - January 2016 | Page 88

MOTORS the mitsubishi OUTLANDER PHEV cont. areas of the body, engine and suspension, tyres and wheels. Thicker ‘soundproof’ glazing has been incorporated into the car’s design, dynamic damping has been fitted to specific areas and components, and a revised door-sealing system has been introduced that traps noise by using Thinsulate, a material taken from the garment industry. The result is a much quieter cabin environment and supremely smooth ride. Fuel economy is improved, up from 148 mpg to 156 mpg, and CO2 emissions are down from 44 g/km to 42 g/km. GX3h, the entry-level model, now has features such as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, chrome beltline moulding, high-tech seat fabrics (C-Tec), LED daytime running lights, a luggage compartment with a 12V socket and LED footwell illumination. Another useful addition is a sunglasses pocket. The price (after receipt of the Government’s plugin car grant) is £29,249 – the same price as the GX3 diesel. In other words, there is still no premium placed on the hybrid technology. There is a new variant in the range – GX3h+ – which adds the pre-heater, Mitsubishi PHEV app and heated front seats. The price of this car is £30,249 (post-grant). The GX4h now features an impressive array of extra equipment. It takes the GX3h’s autodimming rear-view mirror, LED daytime running lights, 12V luggage compartment socket and footwell illumination. Also included are the 360degree camera with steering wheel switch, steering wheel heater and super-wide LED headlamps with auto levelling. The price of this car is £33,899 (post-grant). Top of the range is the GX4hs, which has all the benefits of the GX4h, front and rear parking sensors, plus Mitsubishi’s Unintended Acceleration Mitigation System. All models in the range are covered by a five-year warranty. The traction battery in the new Outlander PHEV has an eight-year warranty. NO COMPROMISES For those unfamiliar with Outlander PHEV and the philosophy behind its design and production, let’s look at a few basics. Outlander PHEV is a five-seater, full-size SUV with ultra-low emissions and high MPG. Smooth & Refined Drive Low centre of gravity and excellent weight distribution give great driving dynamics. The Outlander PHEV offers an ultra-smooth driving experience, with seamless transition between three driving modes (EV, series hybrid, parallel hybrid), which combine to deliver optimum performance dependent on driving conditions. No Compromise on 4WD Ability Ground clearance of 190mm, adaptive four-wheel drive, with twin electric motors driving the wheels. No Compromise on Performance 0-62mph in 11 seconds – a package which generates up to 244lb/ft of torque. It has 1,500kg towing capacity – ideal for a medium-weight caravan. CO2 from 42g/km, and high mpg of 156mpg based on standards set by EU law and based on the EU drive cycle. No Compromise on Space Large cargo area – 463-litre volume (1,603 litres for commercial variants). Masses of interior cabin space with ample head room. MAIN FEATURES Put simply, Outlander PHEV offers environmentally friendly all-electric operation for everyday use and mainly motor powered hybrid operation for longer journeys. 90 The Outlander PHEV’s unique combination of electric motors and a petrol engine give it amazing flexibility in optimising fuel efficiency and environmental performance while providing a long cruising range. For example, the Outlander PHEV has a cruising range of up to 32.5 miles in pure EV mode, enabling it to function entirely as an electric vehicle in most everyday situations. That mileage is more than enough for the average daily commute. Drivers who cover fewer than 32.5 miles on a daily basis will rarely visit the petrol pump! Using both battery and petrol modes, it has a cruising range of approximately 541 miles, which is on a par with non-hybrid vehicles. The optimum drive mode for comfortable and fuel-efficient driving is automatically selected depending on driving conditions and remaining level of battery charge. Petrol consumption is minimised by actively using electric power, keeping the petrol engine in its most efficient range, and by recovering energy used during deceleration from regenerative braking. Commercial versions of PHEV are available – making PHEV the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to be available as a commercial variant. So what are you waiting for? The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV could be the answer you’ve been looking for! To arrange an “electrifying” test drive and explore the world of PHEV simply contact Canterbury Mitsubishi. Birchwood Mitsubishi 1 Hawthorn Road, Eastbourne, BN23 6QA 01323 407355 www.birchwoodmitsubishi.co.uk