The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was a trailblazer in the UK when it first launched, offering buyers their first chance to try a plug-in hybrid: a car with a battery and electric motor that could be charged like an electric car, yet still had an engine for longer trips., Fortunately, thanks to four-wheel drive and traction control, the Outlander PHEV is reassuring on poor or slippery road surfaces, which makes it an appealing all-year-round proposition. Families will also appreciate the fact that Euro NCAP awarded the Outlander PHEV the full five stars for crash protection. Silver, £15,599