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  • In a country familiar with sports utility vehicles, but not plug-in hybrid technology,

  • the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a puzzleand it's a puzzle that has just been upgraded.

  • A larger 2.4-litre engine replaces the previous powerplant and provides added power and torque

  • for overtaking performance or towing.

  • According to Mitsubishi, the combined-cycle fuel consumption figure for the Outlander

  • PHEV has barely shifted from the previous figure of 1.7L/100km.

  • The plug-in Outlander's electric driving range remains 54km, despite improved battery capacity.

  • Two electric motors collectively deliver all-wheel drive traction and provide enough performance

  • to stay ahead of traffic without cranking over the petrol engine.

  • In addition to the mechanical changes, the Outlander PHEV offers a new paint colourRed

  • Diamond metallicand extra equipment.

  • The cabin of the upgraded Outlander PHEV has been carefully updatedwith new upholstery

  • on the seats and doors, and a revised centre stack, including this eight-inch display for

  • the infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

  • New equipment includes power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, two USB ports

  • in the rear of the centre console and forward collision alert at entry level.

  • On the move, the Outlander is actually enjoyable to driveas much as a petrol/electric

  • SUV can beand the steering is light enough for easy parking.

  • The ride comfort is a fine match for the cornering ability and the Outlander PHEV is very quiet

  • all round.

  • It's also well packaged, although the front passenger will slide forward under heavier

  • braking.

  • The running changes to the Outlander PHEV are accompanied by price increases.

  • That doesn't help the plug-in Outlander's total cost of ownershipanother factor

  • for committed consumers to balance against environmental impact.

  • Whether the numbers add up for buyers depends on individual cases.

  • Owners of the Outlander PHEV spending the bulk of their driving time in urban traffic

  • and travelling no more than 20km each way between recharging will reap the benefits.

  • But the upgrade itself hits the target, scoring a point in the value column.

  • So if you're a buyer in that situation, the Outlander PHEV remains a commonsense choice

  • for consumers seeking a sensible, eco-friendly family wagon.

In a country familiar with sports utility vehicles, but not plug-in hybrid technology,

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