Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV priced from 28,249

The plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will cost from just £28,249 after the £5k Government grant – the same price as the 2.2-litre diesel automatic.

The powertrain combines a 94bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors on the front and rear axles, effectively making the Outlander PHEV four-wheel drive.

On electric power alone, the Mitsubishi can travel up to 32.5 miles at speeds of up to 70mph. It also gives the driver the ability to use the 2.0-litre engine to charge the battery to 80% in just 40 minutes while driving. When the car is plugged in to the mains a full recharge takes five hours.

The official average fuel economy figure for the Outlander PHEV is 148mpg, and it produces just 44g/km of CO2. This means that the Outlander PHEV is the only SUV available with zero-rate road tax and is exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

There are three trims, starting with the GX3h; it includes 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-zone air-conditioning, privacy glass, electric heated door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth hands-free. Next up is GX4h, which adds seven-inch sat-nav, a reversing camera, leather, sunroof and a powered tailgate. Topping the range is the GX4hs, which comes with adaptive cruise control, forward collision-reduction system and lane-departure warning.

The Outlander PHEV has five seats, whereas its diesel sister car is a seven-seater, but boot space is a largely similar 463 litres.

All versions of the car are eligible for the £5000 Government grant, and once this is taken into account prices start from £28,249 and top out at £34,999.

The Outlander is on sale now, with the first cars being delivered in May.

By Phillip Morton