Mitsubishi Releases UK Pricing for New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, Matches Diesel Model OTRs

Just ahead of its UK launch in showrooms this May, Mitsubishi has placed a price tag on thenew Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that starts from £28,249 for the base GX3h trim, including a £5,000 government subsidy.

Mitsubishi is keen to point out that the entry price is the same as the Outlander diesel GX3 auto adding that, with CO2 emissions of 44g/km, the PHEV is exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

The Japanese firm offers two more trim grades for the Outlander PHEV, the GX4h priced at £32,899 and GX4hs which is £34,999 (after the grant). Mitsubishi says that both models demand a £1,000 premium over than their diesel equivalents, not because of their hybrid powertrain, but due to added specification.

Power for the Outlander PHEV comes from a hybrid system that includes a 2.0-liter petrol engine up front along with a pair of 80hp electric motors (one for each axle) and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The combined output is around 220-horses with the system offering three drive modes, dubbed EV (pure electric drive), Series Hybrid (the petrol unit powers the electric motors) and Parallel Hybrid (the petrol engine provides most of the motive power).

Mitsubishi says that in pure electric mode, the Outlander PHEV can travel up to 32.5 miles (52 km) at speeds of up to 75mph (121 km/h). With the combined use of the internal combustion engine and the electric motors, the PHEV returns up to 148mpg UK (123.2 mpg US or 1.9l/100km).

However, Mitsubishi states: "Unlike non-hybrid vehicles, it is hard to predict what MPG the vehicle will return in real life. A lot depends on journey length and speed – for instance, for the average daily commute of 25 miles most people will achieve much higher than 148mpg. For longer journeys at higher speeds it may achieve less than 148mpg."

In base GX3h trim, the Outlander comes equipped with 7 airbags, 18-inch wheels, cruise control, dual-zone a/c, leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, and electric folding and heater mirrors.

The GX4h adds a sat-nav with a 7-inch display, heated front seats, leather upholstery, parking camera, DAB radio, power tailgate and electric sunroof, while the top GX4hs gains Adaptive cruise control, Forward collision mitigation system and Lane departure warning.

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VW Golf Plug-In Hybrid to Become Sporty GTE Model

If you thought the choice between the three hot VW Golfs currently on offer was decent (GTI,GTD and R) then we need to tell you that there may be a fourth one added to the list, and it promises to be even greener than the diesel…

Believed to gain the GTE designation, it will share its powertrain with the Audi A3 e-tron, which marries a 148 hp turbo petrol engine with a 107 hp electric motor – when working in tandem, they make a maximum output of 201hp.

What remains unclear is when it will be built and for which markets it will be addressed. The plug-in A3 is coming to market later this year, so according to Car&Driver and Autocar, it would be fair to assume that its launch could happen one year later.

However, despite the US’ affinity with all things hybrid and especially plug-ins, plus the positive reviews of the Jetta Hybrid that’s already on sale, it’s not seen as a sure thing for the GTE to make it into Stateside showrooms when it does get launched.

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Cadillac Sweetens Up ELR's $75,995 Bitter Pill with Free Home Charger

Whichever way you see, with a $75,995 starting price before the available federal tax credit of up to $7,500, the new Cadillac ELR extended range hybrid coupe is one very expensive ride. I mean, with the same money you can buy the technologically identical Chevy Volt ($35k) and a base Cadillac CTS Coupe ($40k MSRP or less if you push your dealer) and call it a day.

Perhaps that's why Cadillac is trying to kick-startsales of the ELR by announcing that it will offer a complimentary 240-volt home charging station and installation to early buyers of the ELR.

"Professional installation of the fastest home-charging unit is a natural way to mark the introduction of ELR to the luxury market," said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer at Cadillac.

The crest (the wreath will soon be gone from the ELR too) brand did not say how much the fast-charging system and the installation will save prospective buyers.

It did add, though, that it is offering the ELR on an "ultra-low-mileage, 39-month lease for qualified lessees at $699 per month with $5,999 due at signing after all offers".

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