Mitsubishi details Eclipse Cross PHEV

Wednesday, 26 May 2021

Mitsubishi has given the Eclipse Cross a facelift for 2021, as well as jamming a lot of gear into the top spec VRX.

Ever fancied a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, but wished it was smaller? Or had a swoopy back end on it instead? Well, now you are in luck, because Mitsubishi New Zealand has just confirmed the plug-in hybrid Eclipse Cross is here.

The Eclipse Cross PHEV gets the same powertrain as the Outlander PHEV, which comprises a one front and one rear high-power electric motor, a large-capacity drive battery and a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single-speed planetary gearbox. The battery is the same 13.8kWh pack as the Outlander as well, good for 55km of electric range and up to 660km of total range.

The rear-mounted motor produces 70kW/195Nm, while the front-mounted motor develops 60kW/137Nm. The petrol engine makes 94kW/199Nm.

The newly-electrified Eclipse Cross PHEV is a fresh electrified arrival on our shores.

It all works together similarly to the new Honda Jazz, where the primary source of motivation is the motors while the engine acts as a generator most of the time.

**READ MORE:

The powertrain comes from the Outlander, which comprises two electric motors and a 2.4-litre petrol engine.

* MG gets even more plugged in

* Road test review: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross VRX

* Mitsubishi reportedly playing with four-motor plug-in hybrid

* New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross premiering first in New Zealand

The rest of the Eclipse Cross PHEV is similar to the existing combustion-only models.

There are a couple of drive modes; Series Hybrid Mode, where the engine is only used to generate electric power, while in Parallel Hybrid Mode it is assisted by the motor for greater fuel efficiency. The car automatically switches between these on the fly.

The PHEV powertrain can be had in VRX and XLS trim, with the former getting special bumpers, side skirts and a heated steering wheel. Both come standard with heated seats and a new high-grade fabric upholstery with leather trim.

MG gets even more plugged in

* Road test review: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross VRX

* Mitsubishi reportedly playing with four-motor plug-in hybrid

* New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross premiering first in New Zealand

At the rear Mitsubishi has redesigned the hatch and rear window, not only to enhance the design but also to provide improved rear visibility. The three-dimensional taillights extend upwards and inwards, and enhance the look with a stable and wide presence.

Updates for the cabin include a new black interior with silver accents and the door trims coordinate with the car seat colour.

A larger 8.0-inch smartphone-link display audio (SDA) system comes standard, giving the driver a better view of the information and easier operation.

The Eclipse Cross PHEV starts at a special launch price of $49,990, though there's no word on what the price will rise to later.