GIVEN all the headlines about the plug-in hybrid version of Mitsubishi's Outlander it would be easy to forget the Japanese car-maker still makes more conventional models too.

The PHEV proved a groundbreaker in many respects and arguably has taken the mid-sized SUV market by storm but it's worth pointing out that a regular 2.2-litre diesel version of this perennially popular SUV also has a lot going for it.

Mitsubishi's SUVs tend to age well, the Shogun surviving several years with the odd tweak and tuck here and there and the Outlander is also a case in point.

In line with Mitsubishi's reputation for utilitarian ruggedness, the Outlander has always stuck to the traditional SUV design blueprint.

Boxy and basic rather than curvaceous and cutting edge it has always been a ‘does what it says on the tin' kind of vehicle.

Outside of the petrol/battery-powered PHEV there's just one engine option in the shape of the 2.2-litre diesel.

Lower powered than the previous generation 2.2-litre diesel unit it in truth it doesn't feel very different, given developments in engine technology and the fact the current Outlander really shed the pounds compared to the model it replaced.

It's also considerably more refined, more economical and emits less CO2.

On the inside the Outlander still has Mitsubishi's trademark rugged feel though at the same time it is not lacking in terms of luxury or refinement.

The cabin is open, spacious and comfortable, with well-thought out instrumentation that's clear and easy to use.

Like all good mid-sized SUVs or crossovers it comes with a third row of two seats which flip up and down quickly and easily.

They don't offer the kind of space and comfort to be found in the middle row but they serve their purpose well enough and are perfect for carrying additional younger passengers and when they're folded away the Outlander has a useful 491 litres of luggage space.

In terms of ride and handling the Outlander manages to combine more than acceptable on-road manners with the kind of off-road capability that, should you want to put it to the test, will not disappoint.

On the road there's an element of pitch and roll that you associate with high-sided SUVs but in fairness its on-road driveability has evolved considerably from Outlanders of old, something in part achieved by the fact it sits a lot lower.

Given its size it feels agile and sprightly enough and in automatic guise is an easy car to drive, particularly around town.

Its capable four-wheel drive system also adds much to the Outlander's driving character and gives it oodles of grip when the occasion demands it.

While there isn't a two-wheel drive facility there is an eco driving mode which in effect sends most of the power to the front wheels to aid economy for everyday driving.

The Outlander is competitively priced too. This GX5 automatic model sits near the top of the range and comes extensively equipped but a manual GX2 will set you back more than £8,000 less and isn't short on the equipment front either.

It also comes with a comprehensive range of safety features, which helped it achieve the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP ratings.