The upcoming Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating this week, ahead of its sales launch during the third quarter of 2022.
Independent crash-testing firm ANCAP awarded it the score after conducting “two additional crash tests on PHEV variants” of the new-generation Outlander, which “confirmed comparable levels of safety performance” to its petrol equivalent.
“This is an important rating for fleets and the market more generally. Alternative-powered models and variants are growing in popularity – particularly given the recent rise in fuel prices,” said Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP CEO.
Outlander petrol shown
“There are an increasing number of alternative-powered models which hold a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and the Outlander PHEV now adds to that list as a safer and greener choice. Consumers and fleet buyers should not compromise on safety when considering these vehicles,” she said.
ANCAP’s five-star rating for the Outlander and Outlander PHEV is based on category scores of 83 per cent for adult occupant protection, 92 per cent for child occupant protection, 81 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 83 per cent for safety assist.
The 2022 date stamp also signifies assessment against the latest, most stringent ANCAP and Euro NCAP protocols.
All Outlander models feature:
- AEB with pedestrian/cyclist/junction assist
- Blind-spot assist
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Driver attention monitoring
- Emergency lane-change warning w/ auto braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Traffic sign recognition
Mitsubishi Australia has indicated the Outlander PHEV is now due in the third quarter of 2022, after initially being promised in “early 2022”, then “the first half of 2022”, and finally the “second quarter 2022”.
Headlining the changes to the all-new SUV is a much larger 20kWh battery pack good for up to 87 kilometres of electric range on the stricter WLTP test cycle, as well as three rows of seating for the first time.
It’s still powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 98kW of power and 195Nm of torque, mated with two electric motors: one with 85kW/255Nm, the other with 100kW/195Nm. No system figures are quoted as yet.
In addition to making the Outlander PHEV last longer on electric power, Mitsubishi has increased driving range for the petrol engine through the use of a larger fuel tank.
Earlier this month the new Outlander PHEV went on sale in New Zealand, giving insight into what’s in store for the Australian market in the coming months.
As with its predecessor, we’re expecting multiple variants to be offered and a starting price in the low- to mid-$50,000 bracket.
Outlander petrol shown
