Test Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the apt pupil

This week we test the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, one of those precursors that paved the way some years ago. And why do we say this? Because this model was one of the first SUV plug-in hybrid that came on the market. The Current Engine we had the opportunity to try it before the face wash, but now after its renovation, we wanted to to check if everything was in order.

The Outlander premiere image abroad, and technological developments, but its essence remains the same. An SUV of considerable dimensions, which combines the virtues of an electric vehicle with one propulsion traditional. In addition, this exemplary features four wheel drive, which will give you an added value. And all this for a price is quite attractive, how you can find the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for a place in the market?

Imposing

In the previous test of this vehicle, my partner Eduardo tried an Outlander quite different to this, cosmetically. Of a look more rounded and somewhat coarse, we went to a pretty picture more dynamic and attractive. In my humble opinion, the face wash will favor the SUV nippon. Although its silhouette is maintained to a certain extent, we see that premiered language of designor has also grown in dimensions.

The front section is the area in which we noticed a further evolution. It is thanks to the “Dynamic Shield” (shield dynamic), name with which was baptized to the front of the SUV. Stands out for some more dynamic forms, and by the blacked-out grille in Piano black, which comes accompanied by a chrome trim. Are located to the sides, forming a kind of ‘X’ and cover the headlights and the antinieblas.

The headlamps have LED technology and the antinieblas are circular in shape and are located at the bottom, inserted in a trim black. The lower area is protected by a moulding plated, which will help in case you want to get out of the asphalt. Your side view will highlight the wheels of 18 inches bittern, that are specific to this version. You will also find chrome details throughout your body, for example in the lower part of the doors, the frames of the windows or the roof bars.

On the roof we look at a small antenna, with the form of shark fin. If we continue to lag behind we also see a bezel chrome handles join the pilots on the rear, that are LED and premiered design. This part of the vehicle seems to have passed by the gym, as it is quite muscular and widens in both, and in the lower part. In the bottom of the central area we find other protection silver.

we Finished the review of the exterior saying that this Outlander PHEV measured 4,695 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.71 meters high. This represents a growth of a few centimeters and will result in a remarkable habitability interior as we will see now. The wheelbase is 2.67 meters and the angle of entry is 21 degrees and the output of 22.5 degrees, correct to a off-road-moderate.

spacious interiors and quality

There are who say that since its renovation, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is only sold with the finish higher, the Kaiteki. This means that it will come loaded with equipment and with elements to be distinguished. The first thing we noticed when entering the cabin is that the quality has improved considerably. We have used a series of hard plastics and soft in general have good presence, are pleasant to touch and well finished off. Even appears a wood insert.

The front seats are one of the highlights. Are lined by a upholstery mixed, are heated and are very spacious and comfortable. As a good SUV, these seats are situated in a somewhat high and with them it is easy to find a good posture for driving. The multifunction steering wheel receives leather upholstery and also heated. Its shape want to remember the “Dynamic Shield” on the front. The only downside that I put is that you may have too many buttons (17 in total). We can see a maximum torque of silver of great size that will be used to control the level of retention, as we will see later.

After the steering wheel, an instrumentation something different. Is the area of the speedometer but, logically, not the revolutions. In its place a indicator of use of energy with three levels: Charge, Eco and Power. Between both areas there is a 4.2-inch display that will show us information and will be very useful. In the center of the dashboard we find the 7-inch touch screen, which controls the multimedia system. Has numerous functions, but found it somewhat complicated to use.

The centre console is finished off with wood hosts the gearshift lever, a small joystick which, to use, works like an automatic change normal, although as we will see later it is a CVT. We will also look at the buttons CHRG and SAVE to change the driving mode, and further back another button into action the system of all-wheel drive S-AWC. In this area you will also find the hand brake lever and the buttons to control the heating of our seats.

would say that the squares front stood out for their spaciousness and comfort, but the rear also not be left behind. By the shapes of the seats will be more comfortable to the sides, even so the central will have the advantage of a tunnel of transmission almost non-existent. We have to comment that this hybrid version plug-in, you can only have capacity for 5 passengers, while the Outlander diesel can accommodate 7 passengers. This is because one of the electric motors placed above the rear axle.

In the trunk will pass something similar and in this version PHEVS will lose some capacity compared to the conventional. Get 498 litres, which is not bad but is a bit far from the 519-litre of the normal. The gate is electrically driven, the mouth load is a bit high but is very wide and comfortable. Under the floor we found a couple of compartments, one of them is the charger with the that enchufaremos to the current and in the other a kit, flat-free, since we have no spare wheel.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

We turn to speak of the hybrid system that uses our Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It is the same as before the restyling, a combination of an engine gasoline 2.0-liter, 121 HP with other two electric motors, located one on each axis and with 60 kW each. Under the floor of the vehicle is the package of lithium-ion batteries 300 V and 12 Kwh of capacity. Full the system a generator which may transform the power of the gasoline engine into electricity to recharge the battery.

With all this promises a electric range of 52 kilometers, distance will be reduced if our driving is not at all efficient. In the same way the Outlander PHEV approves a consumption of 1.8 l/100km and CO2 emissions of only 42 g/km, figures surprisingly low, but now we see that to achieve that consumption will be somewhat difficult in normal situations. The benefits are less in this type of vehicle, but I must say that speeds of 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds and that its maximum speed is 170 km/h.

There are several modes of driving in this SUV. In the first place 100% power, where only come into play such engines and it will be our best ally in urban tours and as long as we have enough charge in the battery and not for us to spend with the right foot. There will also be a hybrid mode in series, which means that the gasoline engine turns on to power the battery or to deliver greater power. The electric motors will continue to be the protagonists but will count with the support of the gasoline.

The third and last is the hybrid mode in parallel. We will serve to the situations in which we need higher performance, in ways faster or when you want to roll to a speed of 120 km/h. In this case the engine gasoline itself that will drive the wheels of the Outlander, becoming protagonista. The electric motors will remain in the background providing support when needed. In this mode consumption will increase considerably.

how to charge the batteries of the Outlander PHEV?

When we spend the battery after a few kilometers of electric driving we will have several options. While we are in motion we can use the So SAVE in the case that you want to reserve the battery for later, with this saving mode will get to keep the load level. Although if we have already been without it, it will be more interesting to use the Mode CHRG, which uses the gasoline engine to charge the battery, very useful, since with the vehicle at standstill we will be able to load a large part of the battery in just over half an hour.

Also will be topping up in running with the regenerative braking, and with the B-mode change CVT. It has five levels that you can go on changing with the cams of the steering wheel and that retain more or less of the vehicle in function of our needs. Is plug-in hybrid and therefore will allow us to plug in the power. In a plug-conventional one full charge takes about 5 hours and assumes an approximate cost of little more than 2 euros. Optionally, the brand offers a “wallbox” 16 it reduces the time until 3 and a half hours. We can also load it on a post of the quick recharge system, with its type CHAdeMO recharge the 80% of the battery in 30 minutes.

Sensations at the wheel

I admit that I don’t have extensive experience with plug-in hybrids, so I faced this week alongside the Outlander PHEV as if it were a new client, which introduces a mount. Already knowing all the theoretical part, I put myself behind the wheel of the SUV, I push the starter button and gives me a silent greeting. It is a delight to view as a vehicle of nearly two tons (1.845 kg in vacuum) moves without making a single noise.

not for the buzz generated artificially (on / off switchable) pedestrians do not notice our presence. In fact, many look somewhat puzzled to see as we move with total stealth. The city is our ally, driving in electric-only mode, we will move in a satisfactory manner and with a consumption of 0.0 litre. In an urban environment highlighted by a accelerations intense and silent that will bring us a traffic light to another with a speed and efficiency unusual.

Their shortcomings come to the fore when we take the highway and we have to make a longer trip. Not by refinement, as its isolation has been improved up to 100 points and even with the gasoline engine turned on to us will arrive a little noise in the passenger compartment. Rather, what we say, for consumption. In the case of the city and even on secondary roads, we will achieve good figures for under 4 l/100km. Even at 120 km/h on the highway, we can get consumption worthy, as long as we have battery.

When we will run out of electric charge it is when it appears the ‘problem’. With the gasoline engine to full performance, our consumption will fall between 9 and 10 litres. Logical on the one hand, taking into account the size and weight of this vehicle. Will increase a little more if you decide to use the mode CHRG while we are in motion, as it dedicates more power to charge the battery. This added to a fuel tank of 45 litres, it assumes that the total autonomy to be something more reduced in other rivals.

In general, we find a the quality of rolling interesting in any type of situation. We find a suspensions pretty soft, making it clear that premium comfort. However, they are not too fluffy and we find a good step by curve, despite rolling an existing vehicle of these dimensions. The direction is quite accurate and balanced the same as the brakes, which have a touch right and come to stop nearly two tons.

is Also out of the asphalt?

Well, yes, why not? Mitsubishi has thought of everything and its plug-in hybrid will benefit from the system all-wheel drive Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC). Is achieved thanks to the electric motors are independent and each is mounted on a shaft. In this way, the system is able to to send the shaft power required at every moment. Is in charge of controlling both the traction control as the brake, so that the driving is uniform and linear in any kind of terrain.

In normal situations, the vehicle will be a front-wheel drive and will behave as such. Only in low-grip situations it will send torque to the rear wheels, thus improving our security from the inclemency of the weather and the asphalt is in bad conditions. Although we also leaves it to our choice, because pressing the button 4WD Lock, we will have all-wheel drive permanent with the advantages of a couple electric almost instantaneous. We cannot say that the Outlander PHEV is an expert off-roader, but you may be able to get us out of awkward situations and will allow us to roll on roads without problems.

Doing balance

If you’re thinking of getting a plug-in hybrid, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a very good. Completely renovated externally and the interior is quality, also stand out for their refinement and smoothness in motion. Its features make it a vehicle most profitable in urban environments, and its main lack is the consumption once you deplete the battery. Of course you will need access to a charging point daily.

if that weren’t enough it comes with a attractive price and a complete equipment, that make it not much more expensive than a diesel. In addition to plug-in hybrids now have the blue label of the DGT, which will result in some administrative advantages. With the Outlander PHEV you will not need to pay in parking areas regulated in some cities, the movement permitted by the BUS lanes-HOV and in the case of Madrid, we will be able to access the centre even though it has restraint of traffic by high levels of pollution.

Equipment Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Kaiteki

• alloy Wheels 18” tyres 225/55R18)
• multifunction steering Wheel heated-adjustable in height and depth
• burglar Alarm
• heated front Seats
• drive System Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
• Headlights LED autonivelables and with headlight cleaning
• LED daytime running Lights integrated in the headlights
• speed Control of adaptive cruise (ACC)
• mitigation System frontal collision (FCM)
• System of mitigation of unintended acceleration (UMS)
• System lane departure warning (LDW)
• Multi-Around Monitor System (assistance system parking – view camera 360°)
• navigation System multi-function CMMS with touch screen of 7”
• Application Mitsubishi Remote Control (timer charging, heating, etc)
• Tailgate electric (opening and closing)
• 7 airbags including knee for the driver

Prices Mitsubishi Outlander 2016

the Opinion of the editor

photo Gallery Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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