Pity poor Mitsubishi, whose Outlander Plug-In Hybrid has been on sale in Europe and Asia for almost two years.

But the plug-in hybrid SUV's U.S. debut has been delayed several times, and now is set for the fall of 2015, likely as a 2016 model.

Now we can get a glimpse of what the revised plug-in hybrid 2016 Outlander will look like, courtesy of a "concept" that will be shown at next week's Paris Motor Show.

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The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S is a thinly disguised version of the updated Outlander, which will receive a mid-cycle refresh for its fourth year on the market.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S, 2014 Paris Auto Show

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S, 2014 Paris Auto Show

The most visible change is new frontal styling, with the rounded and grille-free aerodynamic nose of the current model replaced by a slatted grille and lower air inlet with wraparound headlights.

Mitsubishi says the grille is shaped like the three-diamond brand logo, though we see some influence from the current Lexus "spindle grille" design.

The goal of the concept is to add a degree of sportiness to what is presently one of the blandest mid-size utility designs on the market.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S, 2014 Paris Auto Show

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S, 2014 Paris Auto Show

To that end, the interior designers have added fine black woodgrain and silver accents to the dash, and soft, hand-stitched leather trim for the seats.

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The carefully executed detailing is intended to express precision, quality and craftsmanship.

The Concept-S powertrain remains largely that of the production Outlander PHEV, featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor attached, another electric motor on the rear axle, and a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The Outlander PHEV can operate in multiple driving modes, including electric-only four-wheel drive.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S, 2014 Paris Auto Show

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S, 2014 Paris Auto Show

Mitsubishi will officially unveil the Outlander PHEV Concept-S in Paris on October 2, although eager U.S. buyers will have to wait another year or so.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of several plug-in hybrid SUVs that will enter the market over the next three years.

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The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class will add a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the fall of 2015, while a plug-in hybrid BMW X5 will join that maker's lineup within 18 months.

For all the news from France on concepts and production cars unveiled, see our Paris Motor Show news page.

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