If for nothing else, the Outlander will be remembered as the first plug-in hybrid car to achieve something akin to mass acceptance, and kudos are due to Mitsubishi for (initially at least) making its half-electric model very close in price to a regular diesel.
There are downsides to the Outlander’s impressively green credentials, though. For a start, if you want the PHEV plug-in model, you really need to do all of your driving in town, as on the motorway an Outlander becomes seriously thirsty. Like 25mpg thirsty. You also have to live with a slightly dreary interior and less than enjoyable handling.
The diesel Outlander is actually better, and significantly so, to drive, and has the option of seven-seat layout.
Best model: Outlander PHEV
Prices start from: €32,50
Finance package from: €398
CO2 emissions: 42-154g/km
Sum-up: You need to have the right lifestyle to make the PHEV work properly, but it's still an impressive bit of engineering.