Owning New Zealand's most popular hybrid SUV just got easier, thanks to a revised price point that brings the cost of MMNZ’s top-spec'd 2019 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)in line with many of its petrol and diesel SUV competitors.
At $55,990 (plus On-Road Costs), the new Outlander PHEV VRX is available for $8,000 less than the previous top-of-the-range model, making it the most luxurious and affordable PHEV Mitsubishi Motors NZ (MMNZ) has ever released. With stock arriving later this month, the wait for some Kiwis looking to get into an SUV with EV capability may soon be over.
“Mitsubishi Motors is a pioneer in hybrid EV technology and, as much as possible, 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. “At $55,990 (plus On-Road Costs), the new Outlander PHEV VRX is available for $8,000 less than the previous top-of-the-range model, making it the most luxurious and affordable PHEV Mitsubishi Motors NZ (MMNZ) has ever released. With stock arriving later this month, the wait for some Kiwis looking to get into an SUV with EV capability may soon be over.
“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 class1.”
Congdon said MMNZ is confident the new model upgrades and lower price point will keep Outlander PHEV top of mind for motorists looking for the fuel-efficiency and low-emission performance of an EV with the convenience and range of a regular SUV.
“There are currently almost 1,000 Outlander PHEVs on New Zealand roads – more than any other new hybrid SUV or pure EV on the market – and we believe our latest model will encourage even more Kiwis to get on board.”
More luxury for less
Both 19MY Outlander PHEV models – XLS and VRX – have been upgraded to deliver a smoother, quieter ride.
A revision of the front and rear suspension and increased use of structural adhesives provides improved comfort and stability, while steering responsiveness has also been enhanced through increased stroke ratio and a revised steering control programme.
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.
A sophisticated exterior facelift includes high contrast two-tone alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a sleek new front and rear design. Inside, a new dynamic front seat design features added bolstering for greater support. Both models gain rear air conditioner vents and one-touch window control from the driver’s seat.
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.
Quietly confident
At the core of the new 19MY Outlander PHEV remains the same class-leading EV technology that has made Mitsubishi’s hybrid SUV such a well-proven performer, with an electric range of 54km and a combined range of over 600km.
Congdon highlighted how key upgrades to previous editions alongside improvements to New Zealand’s charging infrastructure are broadening the possibilities for PHEV owners looking to go further in pure EV mode.
“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 Charge2 capability, which recharges the battery from 0 to 80%3 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.”
Featuring both a CHADeMO5 DC Fast Charge socket and the AC charging socket, Outlander PHEV offers drivers the best of both worlds – the ability to charge overnight (6.5hrs from empty) from a standard power socket and power up on longer road trips in the time it takes for a quick stretch, coffee and a muffin.
To make life even easier, the Mitsubishi EV remote control app allows drivers to remotely set charging times and climate mode, while Smartphone Link Display Audio within the vehicle allows seamless connectivity out on the road.
Other critical carryovers in the 19MY models include the 8yr / 160,000km drive battery warranty and a comprehensive 5yr/100,000km mechanical warranty.
Outlander PHEV quick facts
More than 150,000 sold globally.
In 2015, Outlander PHEV became the first-ever plug-in hybrid in NZ to be included in the ‘All of Government’ purchasing catalogue.
Notable fleet customers include Air New Zealand, TVNZ, NZ Lotteries Commission, Contact Energy, Fulton Hogan, Genesis Energy, Hertz New Zealand, Mercury Energy, NZ Steel Ltd, Powerco Ltd, Transpower New Zealand.
Drivetrain features two electric motors and one 2.0L petrol engine.
EV priority mode.
EV range of 54 km.
Combined range of over 600km.
Combined fuel consumption of 1.7L/100 km.
Charge from a standard household plug in 6.5 hours.
Using a residential off-peak electricity rate means you can charge your EV for the equivalent of 30c a litre6
DC fast charge in approximately 20 mins (to 80%).
Super All Wheel Control.
Regenerative braking.
5-star safety including Forward Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Misacceleration Mitigation System (VRX) and Blind Sport Warning (VRX)
1 tonne towing capacity.
Notes
1 Outlander PHEV is New Zealand’s best-selling new EV/PHEV vehicle, with 34.8% market share in 2017.
2 DC Fast Charging converts AC mains power to DC power at very high currents. This is directly
coupled to the vehicle’s traction battery.
3 Fast chargers are not designed to charge the battery fully to 100% charge.
4 ChargeNet NZ is installing new sites at a rate of one every two weeks, with the aim of establishing a national network of Fast Charge stations. For a detailed map of current sites, see
5 CHAdeMO is proposed as a global industry standard. 33% of all EVs globally are equipped with a
CHAdeMO inlet.
6 Source EECA. Estimate based on a residential off-peak charge rate and will vary.