Partially electric Mitsubishi Outlander gets gen-next updates

KUALA LUMPUR: With the Geneva International Motor Show just around the corner, automakers are preparing hard to put up a pleasing display for the crowd. In this list of hard-working brands is present Mitsubishi that apart from bringing the awaited e-Evolution Concept has announced its plan to unveil the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

For those of you who are new to the auto area, PHEV stands for -plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The said hybrid SUV from Mitsubishi has been around since 2013 and is one of the best selling cars in the segment in the European continent.

Giving it a new mill and significant exterior modification, the 2019 Outlander PHEV is sure a treat for both EV and rugged SUV lovers. Discussing the most considerable changes first, Mitsubishi has opted out from the Otto-cycle 2.0-litre petrol engine and instead fitted new Outlander with a powerful Atkinson-cycle 2.4-litre unit. Though Mitsubishi has not revealed the improved power and torque figures, we are sure to see these specs getting a substantial hike. The company further promises smoother operation, and higher efficiency along with an improvement in earlier generated 119 PS and 186 Nm performance figures.

Another set of prominent changes can be seen in the hybrid zone. The 2019 Outlander PHEV now sports a 10% hike in lithium-ion drive battery output, rear motor output, and generator output, also the battery capacity will increase by 15%. Going by the Mitsubishi Cars website, the rear motor will go up to 66 kWh, and the battery capacity would jump from 12 to 13.8 kWh.

Staying true to its SUV core, the 2019 Outlander now features two additional driving modes against the standard NORMAL and 4WD Lock. Enhancing the capabilities further, the previous two will be joined by the new SPORT and SNOW modes.  Pressing the sport mode button will provide the driver with greater power control while the snow option will give excellent traction on difficult winter road conditions.

Moving ahead the unseen under the hood changes, Mitsubishi has infused the new Outlander with some visible rugged SUV styling. Most of these design changes rest on the front fascia like the redesigned LED headlamps, new dimensional fog lamp casing, prominent skid plate, and Dynamic Shield grill.

Part of the revised design language are new multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and enlarged rear roof-mounted spoiler. As for the cabin modifications, no information is released or leaked, and we are only down with the update that Geneva scheduled Outlander will sport “new quilted fine leather upholstery, all-new hip-hugging front seats, revised switchgear, a new instrument panel, new trimming, rear A/C outlets, and more.”

Until the Geneva International Show next month, we have to fill our appetite with the aforementioned information and only have the choice to wait for the d-day when 2018 Outlander PHEV officially unveils.