Petrol Mitsubishi Outlander is just as good as the electric PHEV and is £9,000 cheaper

MITSUBISHI has enjoyed phenomenal success with its Plug-In Hybrid Electric Outlander – the nation’s most popular PHEV for the past five years.

So much so that you’d be forgiven for thinking the PHEV was the only Outlander available.

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But there is an alternative to the battery-powered SUV smash hit.

Boasting the same sharp looks and all the four-wheel drive ability of the PHEV, the purely petrol-powered Outlander is not only £9,000 cheaper, but significantly more practical – stowing a third row of seats in the boot.

It’ll also tow nearly two tons, should you be so inclined. And you definitely don’t have to rough it inside. A neat 7-inch Smartphone-linked entertainment system, heated windscreen, reversing camera and dual climate control all come as standard in the roomy, family-friendly cabin.

Although naturally not quite as frugal as the diesel model it replaces, the old-school 150hp 2.0-litre engine returns a reasonable 37mpg, and possesses just enough poke to hustle along at pace in town as well as on the open road.

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While its steering feels pleasingly meatier than many overly electronic-assisted rivals do, the automatic CVT transmission it’s packing is somewhat less engaging.

With three driving modes available at the touch of a button – including Eco and 4WD Lock – it proved reassuringly capable during the recent snowy snap as many a faux-by-four’s limitations were exposed.

Tough, good-looking, capable and excellent value – this reassuringly conventional seven-seat SUV makes more sense than you would expect in these increasingly unpredictable times.

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