UK prices for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV – have been announced.

The PHEV range starts at £28,249 for the entry level GX3h, which is the same as the equivalent Outlander diesel GX3 auto.

Along with laying claim to being the only plug-in hybrid on the market not carrying a price premium for its hybrid technology, the Japanese firm also says that the Outlander PHEV is the most practical vehicle that qualifies for the Government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant, with 5 seats, 4WD and a large (463 litre) boot. The car’s ultra-low CO2 emissions of 44 g/km also means there’s no Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) payable.

Other more highly specified variants of the Outlander PHEV include the GX4h at £32,899 and the £34,999 GX4hs.

The hybrid system comprises a 2.0-litre petrol engine fitted with Mitsubishi’s Valve Timing Electronic Control and twin 80 bhp electric motors – one powering each axle – hooked up to a high-capacity 12.0 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This results in a claimed official economy figure of 148 mpg, with the PHEV able drive on electric-only propulsion for up to 32.5 miles.

Three different driving modes work to derive the most energy efficient propulsion of the Outlander PHEV. EV Drive Mode is an all-electric mode, in which the front and rear motors drive the vehicle using only electricity from the drive battery. Series Hybrid Mode sees the petrol engine operating as a generator, supplying electricity to the electric motors. At higher speeds the system switches to Parallel Hybrid Mode, where the petrol engine provides most of the motive power, assisted by the electric motors as required.

Regenerative Braking also plays its part in assisting efficiency of the hybrid drive train: during deceleration, the motors function as generators so that electricity can be created to charge the drive battery.

The combination of conventional combustion engine and electric operation allows the Outlander PHEV to be efficient on a range of both shorter daily commutes and longer, less frequent journeys.

The car’s exterior style is reflected in the cabin, with what Mitsubishi call a ‘simple yet tasteful design’, incorporating high-quality materials, giving the Outlander PHEV a rich, premium feel. The well-built dashboard offers an intuitively ergonomic layout with easy-to-read instrument displays, including a hi-definition LCD multi information display system which provides easy access to a range e-Assist and eco-driving support data, including vehicle energy flow.

The base model gets 18” alloy wheels and includes cruise control, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth, leather steering wheel, privacy glass and electric folding/heated mirrors. More premium models will boast extras such as powered tailgate, wide-beam HID headlamps, DAB Radio, heated front seats, electric sunroof, reversing camera and sat-nav with a seven-inch touchscreen. The GX4hs adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and forward collision mitigation system.

The all-new Outlander PHEV will make its entrance into Mitsubishi showrooms all across the UK in May.