PHEV achieves improved electric-only ability, Aussies take credit for new suspension tune.

PRICE increases accompany updates to Mitsubishi Outlander that span from barely discernable visual changes to a implemention of a bigger battery in the plug-in hybrids.

The family runs to eight variants, four in front drive, four in all-wheel-drive, in five and seven seat formats, across LS, XLS, VRX and Exceed trims.

Petrol models have already started to arrive in dealerships, with PHEV variants due in September.

The two-wheel-drive VRX cops the largest increase, of $2500, to take its sticker to $55,490.

The 4WD Exceed feels the least change, with a $1000 lift taking it to $62,990.

With exception of the AWD VRX, which climbs $1500, all others adjust by $2000, meaning the cheapest ask, the front-drive LS, is now at $43,990, while the comparable format in AWD is $46,990.

Up from 20kWh to 22.7kWh, the new battery enhances the model’s fully electric range to a WLTP-rated 86km, with Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand also contending this drivetrain can lend up to 950km combined range.

The ICE editions continue on without revision to their 2.4-litre engine.

Visual changes are very mild. There’s a new front grille insert, fresh 20-inch alloy wheel design, clear lenses for the LED tail-lights, and a new Moonstone Grey hero paint finish.

Also included are improvements inside the cabin.

The car takes a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen from the related Nissan X-Trail that introduces wireless Android Auto alongside the existing CarPlay function.

Ventilated front seats, a new Brick Brown tone for the leather on high-grade models, a digital rear-view mirror and a new Yamaha sound system arrives.

The centre console has been given a fresh, with repositioned cupholders to unlock more space under the armrest.

There’s a suspension retune, dictated by feedback from owners in Australia, the background to which was explained just this week.

In reporting that Mitsubishi Australia will take on a much more important role within the brand’s global operations, with engineering resources dedicated to localising future models, media across the Tasman cited Outlander as the first example of that new spirit.

They said initial request for Australian steering and suspension input was not only recognised by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan, but after input from Australian and Japanese teams, the resulting suspension settings moved from a region-specific programme to the basis of the Outlander’s global tuning.

Mitsubishi Australia’s previous design and engineering work previously focused on Australian-built models, like the 380 sedan and Magna sedan and wagon, large cars produced until 2005.