Mitsubishi readies Outlander plug-in hybrid (2012)

Mitsubishi is set to pull the wraps off the plug-in hybrid version of its Outlander SUV at the 2012 Paris motor show.

As CAR previously reported back in February, Mitsubishi is continuing its commitment to electrify its range, with the Outlander PHEV incorporating lesson's learned from the brand's fully electric iMiEV city car.

Yes, we know, another motoring acronym. This one stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, mating the Outlander PHEV's conventional petrol engine (chosen due to some markets' long-held aversion to diesel power), teamed with front and rear-mounted electric motors.

The Outlander PHEV will be the world's first full-time all-wheel-drive hybrid vehicle, says Mitsubishi, with driving modes being switched between three tailored options.

It all depends on how you want to power your wheels. In 'Pure' mode, drive is supplied from just the front and rear electric motors, draining power from the mains-charged batteries.

'Series' mode supports the electric motor's with the car's on-board generator, while 'Parrallel' mode switches responsibility to the internal combustion engine - with the electric motors providing supplementary support for low-grip or acceleration-demanding situations.

The overall effect is a maximum range of almost 500 miles, with aggregate C02 emissions a paltry 50g/km.

Yes, though not until next year. The conventionally powered Outlander will begin sales in the autumn of 2012, with PHEV versions following up in 2013.

By Ollie Kew