If I was to ask the question ‘name the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the UK?’ what, I wonder, would most people’s answer be?

I suspect that, like me, both of you would be inclined to answer the Toyota Prius but, like me, you’d be wrong.

No, the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the UK is, in fact, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and it accounts for half of sales in the EV and PHEV sector.

The reason for the Outlander’s success could be pinned on the fact that it is, currently, the market’s only plug-in hybrid SUV so it qualifies for the government’s £5,000 ‘sweetener’ and, unlike some manufacturers, Mitsubishi sells its hybrid at the same price as its diesel-engined stablemates.

It also attracts a BIK rate of just 5% thanks to its excellent ‘quoted’ fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures.

The battery, when fully charged, offers a theoretical range of 32 miles which means that, if you’re daily commute is a short one, you could find avoiding garage forecourts becomes a welcome habit.

Mitsubishi have given the Outlander PHEV a facelift for 2016, introducing the new ‘Dynamic Shield’ front end that will eventually arrive on all the marque’s new cars. It brings LED daytime running lights, a 3D grille, new bumpers and subtle changes at the rear.

The new bumpers add 40mm to the length of the vehicle, creating a marginally sleeker, lower-looking profile.

Inside major changes have been made to the fascia. It’s now much simpler and classier although, it has to be said, the multimedia screen still resembles a 2-din installation. The graphics could be sharper too but despite its antiquated appearance it was easy to use and responsive.

The fit and finish has a robust quality that suggests the interior will cope with repeated use as well as the ravages of time.

There’s plenty of head and legroom for passengers in the front and back – the interior dimensions are unchanged – and the seats are very comfortable.

Equipment levels are generous across the range with climate control and cruise control fitted as standard. The GX4h model that I tested adds heated leather seats and steering wheel, DAB radio, self-levelling LED headlights and a 360 degree camera.

The hybrid system – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two battery-powered electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear – works autonomously, deciding the most appropriate combination to provide the most efficient progress.

There are console switches that provide manual control over the system so you can opt to charge the batteries, use electric power only or send drive to all four wheels.

Mitsubishi have tightened up the ride significantly. It has a much tauter, flatter quality that, while it’s a little fussy over sharp bumps, holds its line well in corners with minimal body roll. The steering has a nice weight to it, too, and there’s a decent amount of feedback.

I wouldn’t normally extol the virtues of a hybrid, given that modern diesels are at least as economical, but with a five-year warranty, excellent reputation for reliability and tax advantages, it’s difficult to see a downside in owning this one.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX4

Price: £36,399 (post-grant price)

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Max power: 119bhp

Max torque: 140lbft @ 4,500rpm

Motors: 2 x 60kw mounted front and rear

Max torque (front): 101lbft

Max torque (rear): 144lbft

Combined: 200bhp

Max speed: 106mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 11secs

Emissions (CO2): 42g/km

For more information visit www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk