Mitsubishi Outlander Sport HEV arrives in December from $39,990

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand has confirmed pricing and a December dealership arrival for the Outlander Sport HEV, the brand’s first hybrid electric vehicle for this market. The XLS 2WD has a limited-time introductory price of $39,990 plus on-road costs.

The two-grade range also includes the VRX at $46,990 plus ORC, or $48,490 plus ORC in two-tone form. Mitsubishi says the hybrid system pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor and automatically chooses how to combine petrol and electric power. The battery is charged through the system and regenerative braking, so owners do not plug it in.

Official combined fuel consumption is 4.0 litres per 100km, with CO2 emissions of 95g/km on the WLTP cycle. Those are test-cycle figures; fuel use in everyday New Zealand driving will vary. The five-seat SUV measures 4,390mm long and has a 329-litre luggage compartment, plus underfloor storage.

Standard XLS equipment listed by Mitsubishi includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and 18-inch alloy wheels. The VRX adds features including a multi-view camera, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless phone charging and a hands-free tailgate.

The Outlander Sport HEV adds a conventional hybrid choice alongside Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid and electric models. The introductory XLS price is time-limited, so buyers should confirm the current offer, on-road costs and delivery availability with a dealer.