Sharp price for Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV

MITSUBISHI next month will launch Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid with three electrified versions of its Eclipse Cross small SUV now joining its mid-sized Outlander PHEV range.

Priced from $46,490 plus on-road costs, the Eclipse Cross PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) undercuts its larger Outlander PHEV sibling by $1500 and slips $100 under the Kia Niro PHEV with which it shares a segment.

The Chinese-made MG HS PHEV mid-size SUV is more expensive by $500 and Hyundai’s Ioniq PHEV small car opens $1460 higher than the electrified Eclipse Cross.

Mitsubishi’s second electrified model – third if the long-discontinued all-electric iMiEV is included – goes on sale mid August and like the Outlander, will be available in three variants.

The entry-level ES will be $46,490, the mid-spec Aspire at $49,990 and the flagship Exceed is $53,990 (all plus costs). This is $1500 less than the equivalent Outlander ES PHEV, down $2500 on the Outlander GSR and $2500 lower than the Outlander Exceed.

Like the Outlander PHEV, the new electrified Eclipse Cross is only a five-seater.

Mitsubishi’s expansion of its PHEV range reflects increasing buyer interest in hybrids, capped this week with Toyota announcing it has sold more than 200,000 hybrids in Australia since its first Prius of 2001.

However, Toyota doesn’t offer a plug-in hybrid in its model range. The advantages of plugging in are a greater battery storage for a longer electric-only range. Mitsubishi quotes an electric-only range of 55km for the Eclipse Cross PHEV (1km more than the Outlander PHEV).

The new Mitsubishi PHEV joins its recently updated petrol-fuelled siblings that underwent revisions including a 140mm longer body that enlarges the luggage space, more safety and convenience features, and a new tailgate design for better rear vision.

Its longer body, which remains on the same platform and 2670mm wheelbase (the same as the Outlander), has a 359-litre cargo area, reduced from the non-PHEV car’s 405 litres because of the battery pack.

The Eclipse Cross PHEV uses the same drivetrain as the Outlander, with a 94kW/199Nm 2.4-litre petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors (one 60kW front, one 70kW rear) operating in full EV, hybrid or petrol-only modes, driving through an automatic transmission.

It is an all-wheel drive or front-drive depending on the application of the rear-mounted electric motor.

Recharging takes as low as 25 minutes for an 80 per cent change on a rapid-charge outlet, and up to seven hours when hooked up to a standard household socket.

Like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the new model offers advanced Vehicle to Home (V2H) and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) capabilities that allows the car to power external infrastructure, including a house.

Mitsubishi said that the introduction of bi-directional chargers in the Australian market will unlock V2H/V2G capability for Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross PHEV drivers.

The company’s Dendo rooftop solar and battery system for homes can generate, store and transfer energy between the building and a Mitsubishi PHEV via a smart-energy management system.

Because a PHEV can generate its own power when fuelled, it is also a short-term “generator on wheels” in instances when power fails such as in natural disasters.

In announcing the new PHEV line up, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd CEO Shaun Westcott said: “The arrival of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid EV completes the renewal of the Eclipse Cross SUV range in Australia.

“It brings a proven and successful zero or low emission powertrain that will meet the real-world needs of Australian SUV buyers looking to reduce their environmental impact.

“With the new look, enhanced technological specifications and the new PHEV option, we have a vehicle that will be even more appealing to urban couples or families who want a car that fulfils a number of diverse needs.”

The Eclipse Cross PHEV ES comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital radio, four speakers and safety including AEB, lane-departure warning and seven airbags.

Up one notch is the Aspire with the addition of synthetic leather and micro-suede upholstery, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, eight-speaker and four-tweeter audio, 360-degree camera, front parking sensors and more safety features including blind-spot detection, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.

The Exceed flagship adds electric passenger seat adjustment, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, twin sunroof, head-up display and satellite navigation.

Mitsubishi offers the new Eclipse Cross with three option packages. The ‘Style Set’ ($3341) has front and rear silver valances, silver side skirts, bonnet emblem in silver or black, and side PHEV decals.

The ‘Adventure Kit’ is $2490 and includes a nudge bar (polished/black), headlight protector, bonnet protector, luggage tray and boot flap.

The ‘Protection Pack’ ($975) has headlight protector, bonnet protector (clear/tinted), side window deflector, floor mats, luggage tray, and luggage inner plate.

Metallic and pearlescent paint is $740 with a premium paint available for an extra $940.

The addition of the three PHEV variants takes the Eclipse Cross range to 12, priced from $30,290 plus costs.

Mitsubishi sold 3521 Eclipse Cross models to the six months to June this year. This was up 67.5 per cent on the same period in 2020.

The Eclipse Cross has a 5.2 per cent share of the sub-$40,000 small SUV sector.

2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs