Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV adds sporty GSR to revised MY21 lineup
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV lineup has expanded to include a sporty new GSR model as part of a mild MY21 model update.
The GSR version of the plug-in hybrid Outlander mid-sized SUV slots between the entry-level ES – now with more safety equipment – and top-of-the-range Exceed.
The Outlander PHEV GSR is priced from $56,490 drive-away, versus $51,990 for the ES and $60,990 for the Exceed. Like all PHEV versions of the Outlander there are only five seats.
Rather than purely visual changes – the Outlander PHEV GSR gets unique alloy wheels and a black grille and roof, among other black highlights – the GSR gets a new Bilstein suspension system to differentiate it from others in the range.
The revised suspension includes Bilstein shock absorbers and springs that are 11 percent stiffer up front and 5 percent stiffer at the rear.
It’s all about improving the cornering dynamics of the Outlander PHEV, a car that’s long had decent environmental cred but never been particularly sharp through corners.
Mitsubishi Australia points out that the PHEV is the most powerful of the Outlanders and has the lowest centre of gravity due to the two electric motors and batteries positioned relatively low in the vehicle.
There are no changes to the PHEV drivetrain of the Outlander, which underwent a major change (with a bigger engine) late in 2019.
That means the Outlander PHEV GSR gets the unchanged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors, one to drive the front wheels and one the rears. The front motor makes 60kW and the rear 70kW, teaming to provide an all-wheel drive system that gives the Outlander PHEV light-duty off-road ability.
Combined outputs are 157kW of power and 332Nm of torque – if you’re using the engine and electric motors simultaneously.
In EV-only mode the 94kW/199Nm of the petrol engine is not utilised, instead leaving owners with the 60kW front motor and 70kW rear motor.
A 13.8kWh battery pack provides up to 54km of electric range before reverting to the motor.
The lithium-ion battery can be charged in about 6.5 hours from a regular powerpoint or 3.5 hours using a wallbox supplying 3.7kW.
The Outlander PHEV can also be fast charged using its CHAdeMO port to accept up to 50kW. An 80 percent charge takes about 25 minutes.
The Outlander PHEV will also soon be capable of vehicle to grid charging.
The Outlander PHEV ES now gets forward collision warning with auto braking as well as adaptive cruise control. At $51,990 the price has risen by $1000 and the ES now misses out on roof rails.
Jumping into the $56,490 GSR brings more active safety gear, including blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert. The roof rails also return.
There are also some unique finishes, a powered tailgate, unique 18-inch alloy wheels and heated and folding exterior mirrors.
The GSR also gets a powered driver’s seat and eight-speaker audio system (two more than the ES) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
At $60,990, the Outlander PHEV Exceed gets leather, satellite-navigation, 360-degree camera, sunroof and app connectivity that allows you to monitor charge and ventilation via a smartphone.
