52 motoring
In tune on Electric Avenue ...
If you are going to rock down to Electric Avenue, there’s probably no better choice than the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid – the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, writes David Murray
It sounds odd but one of the best things about this classy SUV is that you can forget it’s got a battery installed. While the fact it’s a hybrid is in many ways its main selling point, the car performs just like any petrol 4WD. The Outlander is responsive and rides well, looks stylish, has a comfortable, spacious interior, and has the practicality you would expect from any SUV.
But of course the PHEV is not like any other car. This is how it works:
You charge the battery – this will take about three hours at home or just 30-minutes at a public rapid-charge station. Then you set off, and at speeds up to 75mph, the twin electric motors provide the power for the first 32 miles. After that, the 2-litre petrol engine kicks in, delivering direct power to the wheels.
However – and this does take some getting used to – you can partially recharge the battery as you go along by using the paddles on the steering wheel. Don’t think these are F1-style paddle shifts; they’re not. They control the regenerative braking.
There are five levels of retardation – and you can go to level five when coming down a steep hill, or stick to levels two or three for everyday driving. Use it as you approach a roundabout or a corner and with a mix of braking and coasting, you can boost the battery pack.
If it wasn’t for the fact that you are cosseted in a nice comfy driving position, the experience of regenerative braking might seem a little exhausting. But you do (sort of) get the hang of it, and it does improve the range of the PHEV.
In fact, this car is all about range. If you drive with your brain rather than just your right foot, you can get 156.9mpg from this not-so-small SUV. That’s remarkable. And that can give you a range of 541 miles before you need to find a petrol station.
With London Congestion Charge being precisely zero, Vehicle Excise Duty also nil, and Benefit in Kind Tax Rate just 5%, this is being touted as a very affordable company car. And why not?
www.businessmag.co.uk
THE UK’S #1 SELLING PLUG-IN HYBRID. NUMBERS NEVER LOOKED THIS GOOD.
UP TO 32 MILES EV RANGE
5 YEAR WARRANTY1
156 MPG COMBINED2
COMPANY CAR TAX
FROM £29,249 - £35,999 INCLUDING £5,000 GOVERNMENT PLUG-IN CAR GRANT3
MITSUBISHI MOTORS READING
Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 5AB 01189 784888
www.coltcarretail-mitsubishi.co.uk
Book a test drive
1. All new Outlander PHEV variants come with a 5 year/62,500 mile warranty (whichever occurs first) and an 8 year/100,000 mile traction battery warranty. For more information please visit
www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/warranty. 2. Official EU MPG test figure shown as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. 3. Prices shown include the Government Plug-in Car Grant and VAT (at 20%), but exclude First Registration Fee. Model shown is an Outlander PHEV GX4hs at £36,499 including the Government Plug-in Car Grant and metallic paint. On The Road prices range from £29,304 to £36,054 and include VED, First Registration Fee and the Government Plug-in Car Grant. Metallic/ pearlescent paint extra. Prices correct at time of going to print. For more information about the Government Plug-in Car Grant please visit
www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants. The Government Plug-in Car Grant is subject to change at any time, without prior notice.
Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: no fuel used, Depleted Battery Charge: 51.4mpg (5.5), Weighted Average: 156.9mpg (1.8), CO2
emissions: 42 g/km. THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – DECEMBER 15/JANUARY 16 ULTRA-LOW
From about £30k on the road (after government grant reduction) the new- spec 2016 Outlander PHEV is a hybrid that’s charged up and ready to do battle as your next business vehicle.
Details: 0118-9784888
www.ccrmotorco.co.uk
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