Geneva show: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross uncovered

MITSUBISHI has ripped the covers off its new Eclipse Cross SUV that is headed Down Under before the end of this year to join the Japanese car-maker’s expanding SUV line-up.

The Eclipse Cross will sit above the ageing ASX as a sportier alternative to the many crossovers in the sub-$40,000 small-SUV segment dominated by the Mazda CX-3 and the ASX.

At 4405mm long, 1805mm wide and 1685mm high, the Eclipse Cross is 50mm longer, 5mm wider and 45mm higher than the ASX, while its 2670mm wheelbase matches its stablemate.

As expected, the Eclipse Cross follows the design of the XR-PHEV II concept from 2015, although the road-going version has been toned down considerably.

Mitsubishi says the design of the new SUV “motivates the driver to get out and drive”, and it features the now familiar Dynamic Shield front end that connects the headlights and grille with the lower bumper, incorporating chrome flourishes.

This look is already found on the Pajero Sport, Outlander and the recently launched ASX facelift.

The Eclipse Cross has a wedge-like profile, thanks to the distinctive beltline and the high-set rear windows, with typical SUV cues such as bulging wheel arches and black plastic cladding running around the bottom of the car.

The rear windscreen is split in two by the high, horizontal LED tail-lights, with Mitsubishi describing the edgy look as “almost cubist”.

A new red hue – shown in the press images – that is layered with a semi-transparent and clear coating for greater intensity, will be offered when it is launched.

The Eclipse Cross has a cockpit-style interior with silver metal frames and a black and silver colour scheme.

Mitsubishi says that despite the sloping roofline, the Eclipse Cross has ample rear head and legroom. It also features a 60:40 split-fold rear seat backrest with slide and recline adjustment.

Tech wise, the new SUV features Mitsubishi’s Smartphone Link Display Audio system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a large touchscreen that sits atop the centre stack.

The system also uses a touchpad controller that operates audio and Apple CarPlay functions.

Mitsubishi is saving key details for the reveal at next week’s Geneva show, but the Eclipse Cross will also feature a head-up display.

Two powertrains will be offered, at least initially, starting with a new 1.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an eight-speed Sport Mode manual override.

Mitsubishi’s 2.2-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel engine has been modified for the Eclipse Sport, according to the car-maker, and it will use a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

No engine output, fuel economy or performance figures have yet been released, but under the bonnet of the ASX, the diesel engine delivers 110kW/360Nm and consumes an average of 6.0 litres per 100km.

There is no word on a hybrid variant yet, despite the concept’s plug-in hybrid powertrain and the company’s commitment to produce more electrified vehicles.

The Eclipse Cross uses an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system that sends an optimum amount of torque to the rear wheels as needed, and it is fitted with the company’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system with brake-activated Active Yaw Control.

It is unclear if the crossover will be offered in two-wheel-drive guise.