The Star: June 22, 2017

The Star 47
Driven
FREE WEEKLY MAGAZINE
in stands every Friday
Latest Christchurch news at www.
.kiwi
Thursday June 22 2017
OVER 1000
VEHICLES
FOR
SALE
Outstanding fuel
economy in Outlander
• By Ross Kiddie
WHEN Mitsubishi
launched its popular
Outlander sport utility
vehicle in hybrid form, it
was almost deemed revolutionary.
That was in 2014, and
since then the PHEV (plugin
electric vehicle) has sold
well in New Zealand –
globally too for that matter
– and is about to become
even more appealing for it
has just had a fairly hefty
makeover.
The concept, shape and
ease of use hasn’t changed
one bit, but the new
Outlander PHEV is fitted
out with a lot of new
kit, most of it is electronic
thereby enhancing the
infotainment and communication
systems, along
with the inclusion of an
ultra fast charge mechanism,
higher priority for
electric operation-only and
the inclusion of advanced
safety protocols.
Column space doesn’t
allow comprehensive detailing
of the new features but
I can say the Outlander in
this form is engineered with
a greater emphasis towards
propulsion through the
electric motors.
For that matter, the new
fast charge connection will
fit well with a comprehensive
project nationwide to
install fast charge stations.
Of course, the PHEV can
also be charged through a
household supply using a
separate connection.
However, there’s more to
PHEV than just plugging
in, charging and then driving
off, the hybrid system
is true hybrid. Under the
bonnet sits a four-cylinder,
2-litre engine which is
rated at 88kW. It’s there to
charge the batteries when
they run low, as well as
providing drive if there is
no charge available. On the
subject of drive, the PHEV
is true to the Outlander
concept, it gets four-wheeldrive
courtesy of a second
electric motor at the rear.
Amidst the complexity
of the hybrid system the
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER: Plug-in hybrid.
PHEV is capable of returning
some amazing fuel
usage statistics through
the varying drive modes,
although electric drive is
prioritised.
At best possible usage
Mitsubishi rate the PHEV
at an amazing 1.7-litres per
100km (166mpg). That,
of course, can only be
achieved under certain circumstances,
but on a daily
commute it can’t be ruled
out.
• Price – Mitsubishi
Outlander PHEV,
$67,990
• Dimensions –
Length, 4695mm;
width, 1800mm;
height, 1710mm
• Configuration
– Four-cylinder,
four-wheel-drive,
1998cc, 88kW,
189Nm, continuously
variable automatic
• Performance –
0-100km/h, 10sec
• Fuel usage –
1.7l/100km
An overnight charge (6.5
hours) will cost around $2
depending on your service
provider and it is good for
a 54km journey.
Fast charge rates at a pay
station will cost, on current
rates, 25c/minute plus
25c/kWh. A 20min time
frame should be expected
to charge from zero to 80
per cent.
Even though the
Outlander PHEV is a
complicated car and takes
some understanding, buyers
needn’t be put off by its
complexity. If you just get
POWER:
Plug in and
charge
up for an
electric
drive of
54km.
in and drive it, it quickly
becomes familiar and
drives little differently to
the standard vehicle it is
based on.
Also, if you are a technophile
there are a multitude
of information displays to
keep you happy, they indicate
the varying modes that
the vehicle is utilising at
any given time.
Even though I didn’t take
the PHEV off-road – only
for the sake I didn’t want to
get it dirty thanks to a wet
Queen’s Birthday weekend
making off-road conditions
muddy – you can drive the
PHEV with the mindset it is
a useful off-the-seal traveller
with suspension capable
of absorbing a bit of rough
stuff and ground clearance
which allows travel over
undulating ground.
The PHEV also has composure
on the highway, it
travels very quietly – no
surprise there – and it
steers and handles like an
SUV should. It feels quite
sprightly given the torque
generation of electric
power returning a 10sec
time to make 100km/h
from a standstill.
There’s been a common
misconception that you
have to drive hybrids long
distances to recapture the
cost of purchase.
That’s certainly not the
case with the Outlander
PHEV. It comes priced
realistically from $60,990.
The evaluation car was
VRX-specced which adds
$7000 and you get all the
Mitsubishi high-grade kit
– leather trim, heated front
seats, paddle gear shifters,
sat nav, Siri voice recognition
and a multitude of
other items. It’s fair to say
the VRX sits on the outer
periphery of the luxury car
market.
If you think that longevity
is a worry, take into
account that the hybrid/
electric componentry is
covered for an eight-year
period (or 160,000km) and
the engine/driveline is covered
for 10 years. Peace of
mind really.
Best
Motorbuys
TM
2016 FORD EVEREST ‘Trend’ 4WD
3.2T. Diesel, 6 spd Tiptronic, 20” Alloys,
7 Seater, Bluetooth Sync 3 GPS Sat/Nav,
Tints, Low km. ‘Impressive 4WD’
2012 FORD FOCUS ‘ST’
2.0 Litre Turbo, 6 speed, Recaro Race Seats,
Factory Bodykit Push Button Start, Rear Wing,
NZ New. “Rare Opportunity”
2013 FORD KUGA Trend ‘Ecoboost’
1.6litre Turbo, Multiple Airbags, Partial Leather,
ABS Brakes Bluetooth, Keyless Start.
“Latest Eco Boost Technology”
$60,990 WAS $30,990 SPECIAL $29,460 GREAT BUY $27,690
2005 TOYOTA RAV4
2.0 auto, alloys, ABS, twin airbags
Plus ORC $300
Cash Price $15,290
NZ NEW
SAVE $2000
2004 TOYOTA IST
1300cc, only 65,000kms,
arriving soon.
NOW $6,990
$14,990
2005 MINI COOPER
SAVE
$1,000
$58pw
NOW
$13,990
1998 MAZDA B2600 4X4
2.6 petrol injected, 5 speed, p/s, good tyres,
drives well, priced to sell.
2003 HOLDEN RODEO LT D/CAB 4WD
3.0 Turbo diesel, 5 spd, dual airbags, abs, side
opening canopy, nudge bar, steps, good km.
NZ NEW $19,995
www.tcm4wd.co.nz
Cnr Main South & Epsom Rd
www.avoncityford.co.nz Sockburn, Christchurch
0800 655 551
SAVE $2000
2006 TOYOTA VOXY
8 seater coach,factory alloys, spoilers,
UV tinted windows.
NOW $6,990
2002 BMW 318TI
Auto, alloys, ABS, twin airbags, low km.
$7,990
2007 HOLDEN COMMODORE
3.6, auto, alloys, ABS, twin airbags
$13,990
275 Colombo St, Christchurch.
Cnr Colombo & Milton Sts. Ph: 337 9629.
$8,999 $6,999
$12,999
1996 NISSAN DATSUN FLATDECK 2WD
2.7 litre diesel, 5 speed, new Blackwell’s flat deck,
148,000kms.
Christchurch Commercials & 4x4's MVT
20 Opawa Rd, Christchurch, Ph (03) 379 2675 • 361 Wilsons Rd, Christchurch, Ph (03) 982 8674
2011 HOLDEN COMMODORE
SERIES 2
$86pw
2004 FORD COURIER XLX D/CAB 2WD
2.5 Turbo diesel, 5 spd, dual airbags, abs, air cond,
side opening canopy, alarm, alloys, new timing belt.
NZ NEW $13,995
Below is a small
selection of our
great deals!
To advertise in Best Motorbuys, phone Lea Godfrey 021 277 3086
SAVE $2000
2005 TOYOTA KLUGER
2.4ltr tiptronic, great ground clearance,
excellent example, just arrived.
NOW $8,990
68 WILLIAMS 321 High STREET, Street, KAIAPOI Rangiora
- FREEPHONE mbmotors@vodafone.co.nz
(03) 420 4207
1055 Main North 03 Rd, 423 Chaney’s 3287 or 027 Cnr, 211 Belfast 1158
2000 FORD COURIER D/CAB 4X4
2.5 litre turbo diesel, 5 speed,
power steering, airbags.
1999 TOYOTA ALTEZZA
RS200
SAVE
$2,000
$9,995 $14,995 $5,995
$38pw
265 Colombo Street, Christchurch
(opposite Beckenham Mitre 10)
Phone 03 337 9933
2012 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA LTD
1 Owner NZ new, popular 2.4L auto, cruise control, 6
airbags, ESP, sunroof, high/low 4wd.
LEATHER $17,995
12/24/36 Month Protecta Warranties available.
113 Sherborne Street, Edgeware
Phone 03 377 8873