MMNZ's new Outlander PHEV
Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) has revised the price point for the 2019 Outlander, bringing the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in line with many of its petrol and diesel SUV competitors.
At $55,990, the new Outlander PHEV is available for $8,000 less than the previous top-of-the-range model.
With stock arriving later this month, the wait for some Kiwis looking to get a SUV with EV capability may soon be over.
“We don’t want price to be a barrier to people deciding to join the move towards EV motoring,” said Reece Congdon, MMNZ Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs.
“By bringing the cost of the new PHEV VRX in line with a number of petrol and diesel equivalents on the market, we are offering real choice to our customers.
“Kiwis have a longstanding affection for the Outlander badge; the PHEV model was the first hybrid SUV in New Zealand and, ever since its launch in 2014, it has remained the most popular vehicle in its class.”
MMNZ are offering two models in the 2019 Outlander range, the XLS and VRX, with both having an electric range of 54km and a combined range of over 600km.
The drivetrain features two electric motors and one 2.0-litre petrol engine with fuel-economy figures of 1.7l/100km.
You can expect a full charge from a standard household plug in 6.5 hours and an 80 per cent charge from a DC fast charge in approximately 20 minutes.
“EV infrastructure has come a long way since we originally launched Outlander PHEV,” said Congdon.
“By the same stroke, the vehicle itself has undergone continued development to improve its EV range and performance.
“In 2017, we extended the battery range to 54km, enabled EV priority mode and added DC Fast Charge capability, which recharges the battery from 0 to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes. At that time, there were less than 50 Fast Charge stations around the country.
“There are now more than 100, with more in the pipeline,4 allowing for longer, more convenient journeys on battery power alone.”
The Mitsubishi EV remote control app also allows drivers to remotely set charging times.
To reduce the engine noise, a double layer cover has been added to the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter and muffler, as well as a mass plate on the main muffler.
Improvements to the air cleaner and resonator also help reduce the engine noise level.
On the VRX, hill climbing performance has been boosted by improvements to the traction control system. LED high beams and fog lamp bezels have also been added.
