The plug-in version of Mitsubishi’s Outlander, which debuted at this year’s Paris Motor Show, will go on sale at dealerships throughout Japan in January. The new crossover SUV incorporates technology that Mitsubishi developed for its i-MiEV pure electric vehicle, but this is obviously a much roomier and more robust ride.

The Outlander PHEV’s 4WD powertrain features a pair of smaller, lighter and higher-output versions of the permanent-magnet synchronous motors used in the i-MiEV – one for each axle. These have a maximum output of 60 kW each and maximum torque of 101 lb-ft (front) and 144 lb-ft (rear). A 2.0-liter inline four-cyllinder gas engine cranks out 117 hp and 137 lb-ft of torque, and a 12 kWh Li-ion battery pack rounds out the fun.

The new ‘bishi boasts an all-electric range of 60 km and fuel efficiency of 44 mpg in hybrid mode (that’s according to the Japanese JC08 test cycle, by the way). MSRP will be between 3,324,000 and 4,297,000 yen ($38,972 to $50,380).

Factory options include quick charging capability, which can deliver an 80% charge in about 30 minutes; and a 100 Volt, 1,500 Watt AC power supply that can be used as an external power source. Charging and other functions can be controlled remotely with a smartphone app.

Source: MITSUBISHI MOTORS