The SUV, which features an electric motor at each axle, offers four-wheel drive up to 75mph using only battery power, but also features a small petrol engine to provide extra power and recharge the battery. Already popular in Japan, the Outlander PHEV is a key model in Mitsubishi's ambitions to have a 20% plug-in vehicle share of its global sales by 2020.

In Europe, Mitsubishi is claiming over 10,000 signed orders since last December, and the order of deliveries will be prioritised based on demand, starting with the Netherlands. Dutch incentives include exemption from registration fees and road taxes for vehicles emitting less than 95g/km CO2 – a threshold which the 44g/km, 147.9mpg Outlander PHEV easily slips underneath.

So with cost advantages for business use, Mitsubishi Motors Nederland has added two fleet-focused trim levels to the range. The Business and Executive Editions introduce a new entry price of €39,990 (£33,800), and both feature fast charging capability to allow as much battery-electric driving as possible.

The existing Instyle and Instyle+ trim levels have been retained, featuring heated leather seats, an electronically opening tailgate and remote control of vehicle functions via a smartphone app, with the latter adding accident avoidance systems and a DAB digital radio. 

Prices for the UK market, where the range is also likely to include a commercial vehicle, have not been announced yet but Mitsubishi UK has said it plans to offer total cost of ownership parity with a diesel Outlander.