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.
Blending sport and utility like almost no other SUV, the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is impressive in any configuration. The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is offered in a quintet of models: SE, HSE, Supercharged, Autobiography, and SVR. Though its third-row seats are cramped and its prices are, as you might expect, as tall as its heritage, the Range Rover Sport rates an excellent 8.2 out of 10 overall.
Pros Serene and stately... ... but can perform when called upon, both on and off road Gorgeous interior "5+2" seating offers expanded utility
Cons Price climbs very, very fast "+2" seating is only for kids, only for very short trips We'll miss the HST
The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport ranks 11 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport features five potent engine choices and phenomenal off-road chops, as well as sumptuous leather seats and an ostentatious interior. But it also suffers from a dreadful predicted reliability score and one of the smallest cargo areas in the class.
Pros Lavish interior with high-quality materials Five powerful engines to pick from Optional fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine Superb off-road abilities
Cons Some infotainment functions can be slow and frustrating to use Poor predicted reliability rating Limited cargo space for the class
For 2017, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport gets a handful of useful new features, including a 10.2-inch touchscreen control for its electronics. A host of safety features are now standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning with lane keeping assist.
Pros Stylish appearance Composed handling Powerful supercharged V8 Fuel-efficient diesel option Available seven-passenger seating True off-road capability.
Cons Third-row seat just for kids Unimpressive fuel economy with gasoline engines Modest cargo capacity.
