It will be the first plug-in hybrid vehicle available for Irish motorists and will offer the environmental performance of an electric vehicle (EV), the cruising range of a conventional vehicle, and the on and off-road performance of an SUV. It will be powered by a 2.0 petrol engine outputting 121hp. 60kW electric motors are located on the front and rear axles. The vehicle will have a total combined range of 824km.
Two versions are offered: Intense+ and Instyle. Both are in Tax Band A1 of €170 per year in annual road tax. The Intense+ is priced from €41,950 with the Instyle from €47,450. The retail price includes the €5,000 SEAI grant and Government VRT relief for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (currently in place until 31 December 2014). The price is also inclusive of batteries.
Comparing favourably with the equivalent diesel version in the current Outlander line-up that retails at €39,950, the PHEV version presents an alternative for families and business users alike seeking to reduce the cost of motoring without compromising on performance or function.
For small business owners as well as commercial fleets the ultra-low running costs of the Outlander PHEV are a key advantage over traditional petrol and diesel cars. In addition, under the ACA scheme - Accelerated Capital Allowance - operated by the SEAI, companies can write off 100 percent of the purchase value of 'qualifying energy efficient equipment' including a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle against their profit in the year of purchase.Ownership benefits include €1.20 to charge the electric drive battery at home for a cruising range of 52km; the super low 1.9 L/100km combined fuel economy, a 5-year battery warranty, low service and maintenance costs, the low A1 tax band, zero exhaust emissions in EV mode, and free home charging point installation for the first 2,000 electric car owners.
The Outlander PHEV provides clean, highly efficient performance in a robust and spacious SUV body with advanced safety protection including 4WD control.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, front foglights with Daytime Running Lights, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, Navigation system including Rearview Camera for Reversing (Instyle), 7 airbags including a driver's knee one, cruise control, Bluetooth with voice control, parking sensors, electric sunroof (Instyle).
The Outlander PHEV has been awarded a maximum five star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
