Mitsubishi unveils Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid to join Outlander PHEV

Japanese car maker Mitsubishi has unveiled the Eclipse Cross PHEV (plug-in hybrid), that will join the Outlander PHEV when it launches in Australia in 2021.

The electrified drivetrain comes from the Outlander PHEV and is adapted for the Eclipse Cross. An electric motor works on both axes; a 2.4-litre petrol engine serves to power either in series by recharging the 13.8kWh battery or in parallel by driving the front wheels directly.

This is the first time the Eclipse Cross has been offered with the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, it will offer the same power output of 224 horsepower and the all-electric range is 57 kilometres.

Mitsubishi describes the handling and performance as “stable” and “precise”, using active yaw and stability control as well as electronically controlled twin independent motors to distribute torque  and reduce friction loss.

As with new model Outlanders, the Eclipse Cross battery has bidirectional power with a AC power point located in the luggage compartment that can be used to power household devices (the material provided by the car maker’s headquarters states Japanese specifications of 100 volts, so we can expect this to be updated to 240 volts).

This vehicle-to-home capability can also be used to power the home, syas Mitsubishi, also noting it could power a home for 10 days from one full tank of petrol – something we here at The Driven wouldn’t encourage people to do unless in the case of emergency!

A remote control smartphone app can be used to toggle the vehicle ait conditioning on and off from the comfor of your home before driving the vehicle, as well as operate the headlights or send alerts to the phone when the vehicle is left unlocked.

In addition to the new drivetrain, the Eclipse Cross gets a new design. With increased overhangs at the front and rear, the Eclipse Cross should appear more dynamic. In addition, the Eclipse Cross receives a refreshed grille, a differently shaped front fender and modified headlights.

The updated rear is characterised by a new tailgate and a rear window shaped in a hexagonal look. This should be reminiscent of old spare wheel holders and also offer a better overview to the rear. Overall, with the changes, the Eclipse Cross has increased its overall length by 140 millimeters, with more space in the boot so that it now offers 405 litres of storage space.

The interior uses new dark surface materials and silver highlights. The standard equipment now includes an eight-inch display in the dashboard, which moves closer to the driver. The touchpad on the centre console is no longer needed in favour of more storage space.

At the market launch in early 2021, the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will initially be available as a special “Intro Edition” model. The model’s equipment includes bi-LED headlights, a navigation system, a 3D camera system, a head-up display and traffic sign recognition.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, misacceleration mitigation, automatic high beam, forward collision warning, lane departure and blind spot warnings as well as lane change assist.

Infotainment includes the usual suspects oincluding Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

There is hope for Mitsubishi in Australia: The now announced facelift version of the Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid will add another affordable electrified option in an otherwise slim market.