WHILE many car manufacturers are making strides in electric and hybrid technology, Mitsubishi has been at it virtually from the start.

First the i-MiEV city car and now the new Outlander, which is at the cutting edge with the new Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) variant.

Mitsubishi says the latest version, designed from the ground up to cater for hybrid technology, is the safest and most environmentally-friendly version produced to date.

This is quite something for a firm where 70 per cent of its products have all-wheel drive capability, which by their nature in the past have been gas guzzlers and produce higher levels of carbon dioxide. Things are changing.

The Outlander has always been a practical vehicle, a kind of SUV/MPV crossover.

It can be used as a people mover in five or seven-seat guise or as a workhorse used on off-road terrain, or large van style with the rear end devoted to cargo space.

But now its looks better than ever, really eye-catching and offering huge levels of practicality.

If the new hybrid is thrifty, the 2.2-litre diesel available in conventional models has the best economy figures in its class and as the latest model is 100kg lighter, it also emits the lowest amount of CO2 compared to rivals. That puts it in VED taxation band E - the same as a Volkswagen Polo 1.4 petrol. 

Economy is a claimed 48.7mpg, and it was certainly well into the 40s.

On the other hand good torque figures means it can tow up to two tonnes and the four wheel drive has a low-ratio option for the really claggy stuff, should you go off road.

It has a cleaner more streamlined, slightly curvaceous look to give less drag, with a narrow grille and deep air scoop which at first glance gives it the look of a Citroen. Either side of the grille are neat headlight clusters and it features prominent wheel arches and integrated roof rails.

The interior is practical with slightly dated, rather than inspired styling, although this car featured full leather trim, soft-touch finishes and gloss black touches.

Dials and switchgear are logically placed and totally legible and the centrepiece MCC communication system which controls functions like sat nav, sound, and communication system and rear view camera is clear, legible and easy to use.

The only problem is there are so many control features both on dash and steering wheel, especially on the range topper.

The seven seater features three rows of seats in a two, three and two set up.

The second is second row capable of sliding forward 250mm to provide more space for the third-row passengers. The second row also now features a sliding ‘walk-in' function for the rearmost passengers.

The 50/50 split sprung chairs in the third row rise from their flush position in the boot floor at the touch of a button. Legroom is decent if headroom is not quite so good.

The various folding combinations means all sorts of shapes and sizes can be transported, whether people or cargo. With the two rearmost rows folded flat, carrying capacity is a huge 1,609 litres.

It is well equipped with even the entry-level model includes electric windows and door mirrors, automatic lighting; cruise control; and single-zone air conditioning.

The range-topper adds adaptive cruise control, a forward collision mitigation system which can detect vehicles 200 metres away powered tailgate, lane-keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, a decent sat-nav, DAB radio, heated leather seats and more as standard.

That pushes the price up to nearly £34,000, but the loads of kit and all-wheel drive capability makes it a cheap option in its class, certainly at entry level.

Safety kit including lane departure warning and six airbags, plus traction and stability control, win it a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

On the road the refined diesel has plenty of pulling power and accelerates the vehicle from 0-62mph time in a respectable 11.7 seconds.

It is equally at home pottering around town or on the motorway, where it cruises effortlessly at higher speeds with little wind and noise intrusion.

Ride and handling are decent with the rear multi-link suspension giving a comfortable ride for all. But don't expect it to handle like a hot hatch.

It is what it is, a high-tech multi purpose vehicle that ticks more boxes than most. With a starting price of £23,699, you plenty for, admittedly, a fair amount of cash.