Mitsubishi has confirmed it will sell the Outlander plug-in hybrid SUV and L200 pick-up truck in the UK when it returns next summer.
The two models were key parts of the brand’s line-up before it exited the UK in 2021, and it will surely be hoping to rekindle their success with new generations of each car.
The Mk2 Outlander PHEV is a longer, wider and taller proposition than the original, allowing it to offer seven seats for the first time.
Mitsubishi has yet to confirm specifics, apart from its powertrain employing a 2.4-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, giving it four-wheel drive. In US-market cars, this provides a combined 248bhp and an electric-only range of 38 miles.
Mitsubishi doesn't publish an official 0-62mph dash time for the model, but it's expected to fall at around 7.0sec.
Prices have also yet to be confirmed, but the Outlander will face stiff competition from a wave of low-priced Chinese PHEVs that have quickly taken a significant share of the UK’s new car market.
For reference, the BYD Seal U is priced from £33,315 with an electric range of 43 miles or £35,315 with an EV range of 78 miles, while the Jaecoo 7 SHS is priced at £35,165 and offers 56 miles of EV range.
The Outlander is expected to be priced in the low-to-mid-£40,000s, however.
The new Mk6 L200, meanwhile, is a much sturdier proposition, aimed at stealing market share from the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max.
It's powered by a 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine that, in other markets, produces 201bhp and 347lb ft of torque.
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Especially in light of the EU's change of direction, the UK urgently needs to address its EV rules. At the moment, we are driving off a cliff.
A third (!) of Chinese cars shipped to Europe this year have been sold in the UK. This might look like we are reducing vehicle emissions on paper, but it's an accounting trick - in reality we are doing nothing for the environment while killing our industry.
Sticking a Mitsubishi badge on a Renault Scenic to satisfy these zero emission mandates just highlights the stupidity of the current rules. It doesn't offer the consumer any more real choice, but makes it look as if Mitsubishi is meeting the targets.
Meanwhile, I'm adding Chinese SUV drivers to the list of people I give a wide berth to while on the road. Honestly, it's becoming exhausting.
Dats uuuugly.
The problem with Outlander PHEV is its dire efficiency beyond its battery range. Where as the Toyotas like the RAV4 PHEV become really quite efficient hybrids when the traction battery is gone, capable of often 50mpg still, the Outlander becomes a 30mpg or less lump.