What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

Mitsubishi’s UK boss Lance Bradley believes the Outlander 4Work PHEV’s time will come once the Government moves to link the rate of tax operators pay for light commercial vehicles to their emissions, as is already the case with cars.

But Bradley acknowledges it is a niche vehicle and will remain so, filling a specific need for customers who need some limited off-road ability. Last year Mitsubishi sold 105 4Work PHEVs, an almost identical tally to the diesel variant. If customers do want to drive it into London however, then they won’t have to pay the Congestion Charge and it also, of course, qualifies for the Plug-in Van Grant, giving it a still not insubstantial price tag of £23,132, excluding VAT, for the new higher trim GX3H+ 4Work model driven here.

But for florists or gardeners, for example, who need to venture off the tarmac and for whom a 500kg payload and 1.6m3 load volume is sufficient, it could make sense.

Facelifted in October 2015, the PHEV features new styling inside and out. The cabin now feels plusher and more comfortable and is also quieter due to improved sound-proofing. Surfaces are finished in understated black and chrome and the plastic is softer than before.

The level of specification is generous with a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, cruise control, dual-zone air-conditioning, parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity and protective rubber load area mat,

The exterior retains the 18-inch alloys of the pre-facelift van but these are now two-tone spoke design, there is a more prominent three diamond Mitsubishi badge with added chrome, slimmer wraparound headlamps and new bumpers to the front and rear.