three motors, and has recently become the most popular alternative fuel car in the UK,

racking up more than 10,000 sales. This is the Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid,

which utilises a petrol engine, two electric motors and a large battery pack, which you

can charge up at home. Because of this, it has an official fuel consumption figure of

148mpg and offers company car drivers' great savings on their tax bill thanks to 44g/km

CO2 emissions. Press this start button, and a series of gauges

come to life, with a green 'Ready' indicator letting the driver know the Outlander is ready

to go. Squeeze the throttle and you can make smooth and near silent progress, which gives

the PHEV a rather premium feel. Depending which driving mode you're in, the electric

motor can power the front wheels right up to the national speed limit, for a maximum

of around 30 miles. Charging takes around 5 hours from a standard 13amp socket, 3.5

hours from a 16amp home charger or 30 minutes for an 80% fast charge at a services.

If you want to save the battery power for later in your journey, this button maintains

the battery charge until you need it. But, in normal driving, both the 2.0-litre petrol

and electric motors juggle power to optimum effect. The Outlander will accelerate from

0-62mph in 11.7 seconds, which is around a second slower than the equivalent diesel,

but a smooth automatic gearbox and reassuring surge of power, means it feels quick enough.

In terms of driving fun, the PHEV is definitely a cruiser, with a reasonably comfortable ride

and very quiet cabin. But, the steering has a springy feel off centre, and the Outlander

feels its weight in sharp corners, so it's not a car to relish driving enthusiastically.

Instead, it's more satisfying to try and beat your best economy run or use the six

levels of regenerative braking to slow the car and put charge in the battery, without

touching the brakes. Like most SUVs, the Outlander has good visibility

thanks to its high driving position and large windows. The front seats are comfortable,

but don't offer too much lateral support in corners. There's a mixture of materials

in here, from the plush leather steering wheel in the GX3, to the leather seats in the GX4

trim and extended leather trim in the range-topping GX5h, but the quality of the plastics and

controls around the cabin does fall short of the best rivals.

But, the infotainment system, while still a bit aftermarket looking, is the best we've

experienced in a Mitsubishi and provides reams of information about how the hybrid systems

are working and plenty of connectivity options. There's also plenty of space, with lots

of head room and keen room for front and rear passengers. The 463-litre boot is only slightly

smaller than the standard Outlander, but the rear electric motor does mean it's not available

with the optional third row of kids seats. And, if you're wondering where the charging

cable is, it lives tucked away in here. Mitsubishi has deservedly had great success

with the PHEV, because for the same price as a diesel, you can have a quiet, well-equipped

and potentially very cheap to run SUV. We also think the relaxed power delivery of a

plug-in hybrid works particularly well in this type of vehicle, which isn't trying

to be an eco warrior and sporty hatchback all at once.

Charged each night, the Outlander could see an average commuter's fuel bills slashed.

But, as Mitsubishi says, drive more than 106 miles each day, and the gains over a diesel

are lost. So, the Outlander PHEV suits those with a reasonable daily commute and access

to a socket, and business drivers looking for a large vehicle with a small tax bill.