Mitsubishi announces a complete redesign of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross whose range will be expanded with a plug-in hybrid variant. The brand has retouched both the front and rear of this SUV with coupe-like shapes, has improved the equipment and has incorporated the new hybrid engine, similar to that mounted by its older brother, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (test of the current version of this model). Mitsubishi Spain has confirmed that this model will be on sale in Spain in March 2021.
The main aesthetic Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV is found on the front, with a new grille that grows in size and links the new LED headlights that are much finer than those of the previous model (video test of the diesel version of the current Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in this link). Also new are the complex dual-optics fog lamps. The grille and headlamps are enhanced by two large boomerang-shaped decorative inserts that link this area with the redesigned bumpers.
At the rear, the rear window has been retouched to eliminate one of the problems detected by the customers of this car, which was poor rearward visibility. Thus, the split bezel of the preceding model passes away. Also new are the wheel designs and some of the body colors to complete a more in-depth redesign than usual.
Inside, the new 8-inch central screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems and the touch trackpad that this model had until now has disappeared in favor of an additional space to leave objects in the console. The screen is now operated directly and this has made it possible to reverse the elements of the console, moving the gear lever away from the driver and moving the start button further to his side.
This car will be launched initially with the already known 1.5 Turbo engine with 150 CV of power and 250 Nm associated with the also well-known automatic CVT-type gearbox and four-wheel drive. The novelty, however, will come from the hand of the new PHEV version with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and two 82 and 95 hp electric motors, one on each axle.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. Plug-in hybrid version will arrive in the first quarter of 2021
The plug-in hybrid system selects the most suitable operating mode at all times to achieve maximum efficiency. This car also has all-wheel drive since each electric motor is capable of moving the axle on which it is located, but lacks a physical connection between both axles. The 13.8 kWh, 300 V battery powers both engines and allows the Eclipse Cross PHEV to announce a range in 100% electric mode of around 50 km in the absence of the final WLTP approval figure.
The brand, which some time ago announced its intention to leave the European market (more information in this link) has announced that it will offer the car based on the demand of the different markets and, in the case of Spain, the importer has confirmed the availability of this car in our market during the first quarter of 2021 ..