The commercial version of the outgoing Outlander sold larely to specialist fleets such as the Environment Agency and telecoms companies who needed its four-wheel drive capability. As a diesel, the new version will still offer a 705kg payload and will still be converted inhouse in the UK to include a flat load area with bulkhead and windows either coated or replaced with metal panels.

Lance Bradley, managing director of Mitsubishi UK, said the Outlander PHEV will be a strong proposition for fleets due to the low tax considerations for company and driver. He added that the company is aiming for TCO parity with the diesel, making this a vehicle that fleets choose based on their requirements, not the cost – a factor the company admits has limited sales of its i-MiEV EV.

In addition the vehicle will also be able to drive for up to 32.5 miles on electric power only, making it capable of commutes that rivals can’t, and will offer electric four-wheel drive at up to 75mph, contributing to its 147.9mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 44g/km. The company will also have two Outlander PHEVs arriving in the UK for a week soon to promote to fleet decision-makers, particularly the leasing market.

Speaking at the Geneva motor show, Bradley said he’s positive about new Outlander’s eco credentials but added: ‘That’s a challenge because we’re not famous in the fleet market, so we’re not necessarily the first port of call for a tax-efficient vehicle. We’re working now on promoting that to the fleet market to show them how good it is.’

Further ahead, Mitsubish has said that the Concept GR-HEV diesel-hybrid pickup shown at Geneva previews some of the L200’s styling, with a possible diesel hybrid 4×4 system on the cards as well. As the L200 is Mitsubishi’s biggest seller and the carmaker has plans for 20% of its UK sales to be plug-in, the move makes sense.