THIS car is special, it's the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the world's first 4WD plug-in SUV.

It combines the four-wheel-drive practicality of the legendary shogun with the cutting edge performance technology of the Lancer Evolution, so this car has a lot to live up to, writes Louise Makey.

The figures from Mitsubishi give an official mpg of 148mpg.

We already know how good the Outlander is; the diesel is a great family car that delivers a good mpg figure, so the hybrid intrigues from the start.

The comfort inside is what you expect from a Mitsubishi and the amount of room inside is perfect for a family.

The PHEV comes with temperature control, sat nav, a power tailgate, rear parking cameras, Bluetooth and more.

I wasn't expecting the power the PHEV has. I'm a busy working mum who, after dropping kids at school and childminders, is on a tight timescale and the last thing you need is a car you know won't get you out in a gap in the traffic.

The PHEV doesn't let you down - I couldn't believe the power using the battery alone, the acceleration is as good as any non-hybrid.

Electric motor and the petrol engine combines puts out 200bhp and you can do 32 miles on battery alone, enough for most people's daily mileage.

There is regenerative braking controlled by paddles on the steering wheel, which enables recharging of the battery while decelerating.

It handles like a dream, with the position of the batteries giving a lower centre of gravity, making for a safe and stable car for the size.

It's easy to park, with the rear parking camera meaning you can get it into spaces smaller car owners would think twice at.

I felt very safe driving it and even safer for the children when they were in the car with me. I have two huskies too and there was more than enough room for them.

There are lots of charging points about town these days, including the fast charge where for 45 mins you can charge the battery to three-quarters full. To charge the battery fully costs around £1.

The benefits for company car driver are impressive, with just five per cent Benefit in Kind tax and it is also road tax exempt.

With all these facts in mind, the Outlander is the perfect car not just for families but for business users too.

Find out more at Poole Mitsubishi, Ringwood Road, Poole. Tel: 01202 243000 or visit poolemitsubishi.co.uk