Mitsubishi Outlander Sport hybrid priced from $39,990
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Mitsubishi’s new Outlander Sport HEV will arrive in New Zealand dealerships at the start of December, with a special introductory price of $39,990 plus on-road costs.
The compact five-seat SUV will be offered in two grades. The entry-level XLS launches at $39,990 +ORC for a limited time, while the more generously equipped VRX costs $46,990 +ORC. A two-tone version of the VRX is priced at $48,490 +ORC.
Unlike Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV, the new Outlander Sport is a conventional hybrid that doesn’t need to be plugged in. Its second-generation hybrid system combines a 1.6-litre MIVEC petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor, automatically switching between petrol and electric power depending on driving conditions and the battery’s state of charge.
Regenerative braking recovers energy while the vehicle is slowing, contributing to claimed combined fuel consumption of 4.0L/100km. Mitsubishi also quotes WLTP CO₂ emissions of 95g/km for both grades.
Seven selectable drive modes are included. Normal is intended for everyday use, while Tarmac, Wet, Gravel and Mud adjust the vehicle’s behaviour for different surfaces. EV Priority favours electric running where possible, and Charge mode uses the petrol engine to replenish the hybrid battery while driving.
“At $39,990 plus on-road costs, Outlander Sport XLS offers Kiwi drivers an accessible way into an electrified SUV without having to plug in,” said Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand chief operating officer Tony Johnston.
“It’s also an SUV designed to fit the way New Zealanders live. It’s compact and easy to drive around town – but there’s plenty of room inside for passengers and gear, with the versatility for everything from the daily commute and school run to weekends away.”
At 4390mm long and 1810mm wide, the Outlander Sport is appreciably smaller than the regular Outlander. Its 2650mm wheelbase supports a five-seat cabin with a flat rear floor and rear seatbacks that can be reclined through eight positions.
The rear bench has a 40:20:40 split-folding arrangement, while the boot provides 329 litres of luggage capacity plus another 21 litres beneath the floor.
Both versions receive a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade. Standard XLS equipment also includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, Active Yaw Control, a reversing camera and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Stepping up to the VRX adds a Yamaha premium audio system, wireless phone charging, ambient cabin lighting, a surround-view camera, six-way powered driver’s seat and hands-free electric tailgate.
The exterior introduces another interpretation of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design, with louvre-style daytime running lights and horizontal T-shaped rear lights. Six colours will be offered: Rose Red, Volt Yellow, Graphite Grey, Aspiring White, Blade Silver and Pitch Black. Five black-roof combinations will also be available for the two-tone VRX.
The Outlander Sport will be the first of three new Mitsubishi models due in New Zealand before Christmas. It will be followed by the ASX VR-e and the new Pajero.
