The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a company car tax marvel. Although it’s based on the regular diesel-engined version of the Outlander, this PHEV model is a petrol-electric hybrid, which means ultra-low CO2 emissions and low benefit-in-kind car tax. Essentially it can be driven by either its naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine, or its electric motors powered by its batteries alone, or a combination of the two. Those batteries can be charged on the move, or the PHEV can be plugged into the mains. As a result, against conventionally powered rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail, the Outlander will potentially save company car taxpayers thousands of pounds in tax payments over their ownership. Because it can run on pure electric too, many people will be able to charge at home and travel to work and back using no fuel at all.
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been revised to provide better driveability, better handling, increased fuel efficiency and, with the high-grade Exceed, all the safety kit you need.
Pros Country ride and bump absorption is now excellent Cabin retains a premium, yet value-for-money feel Seamless transition between power modes under all driving conditions
Cons Urban ride can be a little sharp at times Price has crept up, putting it even further away from regular Outlander No seven-seat option is an opportunity missed
The Mitusbishi Outlander PHEV is more than just a flag waver for plug-in hybrid vehicles. It is a marker in the sand for the Japanese car maker. Though the on-road experience may not be thrilling, the Outlander PHEV is very much the equal of other medium SUVs: comfortable to ride in, quieter than most traditional internal combustion competitors, and missing none of the space and flexibility that make SUVs so popular. Day-to-day running powered by electricity and the freedom to venture well beyond city limits on petrol power make the Outlander PHEV a flexible family choice, and the lack of oddball aero styling means there's no chance of being branded a fanatical eco-warrior - all of which makes the Outlander PHEV an enticing, if slightly pricey, prospect.
The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace tackles the Tesla question with a direct challenge: It's a better-looking Model X rival with a more traditional kind of prestige attached.
Pros All-electric powertrain No interior gimmicks 240-mile range All the elements for good handling Spacious interior
Cons Unconventional shape Just one battery size Reliability is always a concern Will Tesla shoppers make the jump? Expensive first try
The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace ranked #1 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Jaguar I-Pace has a score of 9.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 12 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Bracing, near-silent acceleration Exhilarating driving dynamics Impressive all-electric range Spacious, elegant cabin
Cons Infotainment-related technology can be wonky and slow to respond
If you’re still anticipating that the arrival of any new electric vehicle will undo a 15-year-old car company, it’s time to let go of that fantasy. The Tesla killer is a myth. A phantom. A four-wheeled Chupacabra. That’s true even as the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace—a $70,495 five-seat crossover with an estimated 240 miles of range—establishes itself as the most complete electric vehicle yet. A Tesla competitor? Absolutely. Will it suck the life out of Tesla sales? Not a chance.
Pros Equal parts speed and serenity, luxe fit and finish.
Cons Slow-acting touchscreens, incomplete public charging network.
