New Models
New Models

2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid unveiled

The plug-in hybrid variant of Mitsubishi's new Eclipse Cross was officially unveiled today, but the mid-sized SUV won't arrive Down Under until mid-2021.


The facelifted 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has been officially unveiled, however the model won't make its way to Australian showrooms until halfway through next year.

The plug-in mid-sized SUV (pictured in white) derives the bulk of its power from a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine – producing 94kW/199Nm – and paired with dual electric motors.

The larger of the two motors sits on the rear axle and produces 70kW/195Nm, while the front-mounted motor develops 60kW/137Nm.

Above: European-specification Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV pictured in white.

No combined power figure has been announced. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a single-speed transmission.

Three drive modes are on offer; EV (electric vehicle) mode, Series Hybrid mode, and Parallel Hybrid mode.

EV model permits a zero-emission range of up to 57km, drawn from the car’s 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery.

In Series Hybrid mode, the wheels are driven exclusively by the electric motors, with the engine running in the background at a constant RPM to keep the power supply topped up.

Meanwhile, in Parallel Hybrid mode, the petrol engine and electric motors work in unison to drive the wheels, akin to a more traditional hybrid layout.

For comparison, the standard, non-hybrid petrol model – which is already on sale in Australia, priced from $30,290 plus on-road costs – gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 110kW/250Nm, mated to an "eight speed" CVT.

While the wheelbase hasn’t changed, the Eclipse Cross's front and rear overhangs have been lengthened, with the facelifted model now measuring 4545mm from nose to tail.

The motors and battery pack of the PHEV do, however, eat into storage space – the hybrid offers just 359 litres of boot space, compared to the standard model's 405 litres behind the rear seats.

An 8.0-inch touchscreen – compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – is fitted as standard.

Above and bottom: petrol-only Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross pictured in red.

A spate of driver assistance features also come standard, including automatic high beams, lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-departure warning.

In Japan, the PHEV model will be rolled out with a choice of three trim levels; M, G, and P.

The M comes equipped with the full, aforementioned safety suite, the G picks up a 100-volt power outlet and head-up display, while the range-topping P gains smartphone link navigation.

The PHEV will offered in six colours: White Diamond, Red Diamond, Lightning Blue Mica, Sterling Silver Metallic, Titanium Grey Metallic, and Black Mica.

Above: petrol-powered Eclipse Cross pictured.

Lightning Blue Mica, Sterling Silver Metallic, Titanium Grey Metallic, and Black Mica represent the range of no-cost options. All other colours command a cost premium.

No Australian pricing has been announced, however the base plug-in hybrid model starts from ¥3,848,900 (AU$50,000) plus on road costs in Japan.

Despite earlier reports suggesting Mitsubishi was set to leave the European market, the brand has confirmed its Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid will go on sale on the continent next year.


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William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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