Priced from £28,249 for the entry-level GX3h after the Government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant, the Outlander PHEV costs the same as the Outlander diesel GX3 auto, making it the only plug-in hybrid in the UK market that does not carry a price premium for its hybrid technology.

The Outlander PHEV combines a 94bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors on the front and rear axles, giving a cruising range of 512 miles whilst it can travel up to 32.5 miles on electric power only. The official fuel consumption figure for PHEV is 148mpg whilst emissions are 44g/km, making it particularly suitable for fleet drivers. Attracting a BiK rate of 5%, a 40% taxpayer will pay just £665 in this tax year, less than some of the smallest cars in the market.

Lance Bradley, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: ‘Having the first SUV plug-in hybrid in the UK market that has no premium over its diesel equivalent, has 4×4 capability with an EV range of 32.5 miles, can achieve 148mpg under the right circumstances and has emissions as low as 44g/km, puts Mitsubishi at the forefront of a new era in the automotive industry.

‘This vehicle is extraordinary and very different to other hybrids in the market and we are delighted that the range starts from £28,249 but the vehicle has also met the high levels of criteria required to qualify for the Government Plug-in Car Grant. With such low CO2 from 44g/km the Outlander PHEV also benefits from £0 VED.

‘And if you are a company car driver, the BIK is just 5%, which is a virtual pay-rise of hundreds of pounds per year.

‘Therefore, it will appeal to a wide cross section of private individual and business users, with its exciting combination of innovation, style and technology. It truly is a car without compromise.’ 

The three-trim line-up kicks off with entry-level GX3h specification, which includes 18-inch alloys, cruise control, dual-zone climate control air con, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth hands-free.

There are two other Outlander PHEV variants, GX4h priced at £32,899 and GX4hs which is £34,999 (after the grant). There is no charge for the PHEV equipment, but these two variants are £1,000 more than their diesel equivalent due to added specification. Kit on the mid-range GX4h includes seven-inch sat-nav, reversing camera, leather, sunroof and a powered tailgate whilst the range-topping GX4hs adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision-reduction system and lane-departure warning.