- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV. 1st generation, 2020 restyling
On July 20, 2021, the 2022 vehicle received a 5-star overall safety rating from the American NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). This rating is the highest a vehicle can get.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors (Japan) since 2017. It can be both front- and all-wheel drive. Plus, there is a hybrid modification. The name ‘Eclipse’ came from a sports coupe produced in 1989-2011, whereas ‘Cross’ indicates the type of body (crossover). The model was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. At the very end of 2020, the vehicle was restyled. In anticipation of the introduction of the upgraded model to the Israeli market, let’s figure out more about its new features. We boldly declare that the main innovation of the 2021 Eclipse Cross model is the plug-in petrol-electric PHEV version.
Exterior
The front end of the restyled SUV has been completely redesigned, with only the hood and fenders being the same. The 2020/2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has acquired a new rear end, which immediately increased the length by 140 mm, to 4,545 mm. Thanks to the new 18-inch alloy wheels, it has become more fashionable. The ground clearance has been increased by 16 mm to 199 mm. The body color palette has received a new White Diamond shade. The manufacturer claims that they have created ‘a bold crossover SUV that offers better handling parameters, a unique S-AWC all-wheel drive system and modern safety systems’, which gives confidence and inspires new discoveries.
Interior and equipment
The interior has also changed for the better. It is pleasant to see the new Mitsubishi Connect multimedia system with a large 8-inch display (Instyle and Ultimate trim levels), as well as a panoramic roof with an electric sunroof, which appeared in the Ultimate version. The trunk was increased by 15%: 331 liters instead of 310 liters (according to the VDA method). The new Eclipse has acquired the ‘industry’s first’ offline navigator, which is integrated into the TomTom satellite system. The color head-up display provides an 8-inch image on a separate glass above the dashboard. Mitsubishi’s proprietary Power Sound System features a 510W amplifier and eight speakers.
The manufacturer also promises better handling and increased comfort. For improved driving characteristics, one should thank the settings of the proprietary Mitsubishi Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system. ASC, ABS, AYC systems are designed to provide confident behavior on any road and driver calmness in difficult conditions.
The upgraded Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV is equipped with modern electronic security systems. The Instyle and Ultimate trim levels are equipped with the Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), supplemented by the Lane Change Assist (LCA), and the top-end Ultimate is also equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), as well as Automatic High Beam (AHB). The RISE body safety structure, as well as frontal, side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag, ensure a high level of safety for the driver and passengers.
Engines
For the first time, the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has received not only atmospheric engines, but also a hybrid system. The basic version is the same 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol in-line 4-cylinder engine with 150 hp, complemented by a CVT, available with front and all-wheel drive with the S-AWC system. The version with the 128 hp hybrid system is equipped with a 2.4-liter petrol engine. The Japanese have not yet named the exact characteristics, but it is known that this compact SUV shares some interior packaging with the successful Outlander PHEV. This means that the Eclipse Cross PHEV can be equipped with two electric motors (one on each axle) and a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, just like the Outlander. Depending on the conditions and the level of charge, the petrol-electric unit operates in one of three modes: EV, Series Hybrid and Parallel Hybrid. In addition, the manufacturer claims that the vehicle itself can become a source of electricity. With a full battery and a full fuel tank, the 2021/2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV can power a building for three days, provided that no more than 10 kWh per day is used.
It’s been announced that the new 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will be delivered to Israel with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine coupled with a CVT. The front-wheel drive version will have an output of 150 hp, while the all-wheel drive version will offer 152 hp. A plug-in hybrid version is not expected yet.
