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After a couple of trailers followed by a brochure leak, the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is finally here. And as the leaked photos show, the changes are very drastic compared to the outgoing model. To be sure, the revamped subcompact crossover now looks a lot like the rest of Mitsubishi Motor’s current line of vehicles.
Style-wise, the Eclipse Cross looks more like the Xpander compared to the rest of Mitsubishi’s lineup. If you look at the Eclipse Cross directly from the front, you could easily mistake it for the popular MPV with its take on Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design.
The easiest way to tell them apart (besides looking at it from the side or behind) is the large black honeycomb grille and the projector headlights. The bumper also has a new bumper protector that gives the Eclipse Cross a more rugged look. This revamped Eclipse Cross certainly looks a lot more aggressive than the pre-facelift model.
To match the redesigned front end, Mitsubishi also updated the rear of the crossover. In particular, the tailgate has been redesigned, eliminating the additional glass panel under the spoiler. There are also more Xpander-inspired design cues here with the shape of the taillights. The rear bumper also has a bumper protector to match the front. Depending on the trim, the side skirts and bumpers are finished in body color or black; the latter helps give the Eclipse Cross a tougher look.
Inside, the changes are also quite extensive. The seats are lined with black leather in contrast with silver details. The same material can also be found in the sidings, giving the Eclipse Cross a more luxurious feel. Meanwhile, front and center is a large 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Despite the drastic exterior changes, the biggest change on the Eclipse Cross is under the hood and chassis. In addition to the 1.5-liter turbo engine that will be carried over, the Eclipse Cross will now be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Called the Eclipse Cross PHEV, it uses a similar system to the Outlander PHEV: a 2.4-liter MIVEC engine combined with two electric motors.
Mitsubishi did not disclose any specific details about the Eclipse Cross PHEV, such as power, battery size, charge times, electric-only driving range, fuel consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. for the moment. Expect them to be announced at a later date.
For reference, the similar powertrain found on the Outlander PHEV has a combined output of 239 PS and 300 Nm of torque. The automaker says it can also do up to 18.6 kilometers per liter. Meanwhile, it can drive 60 kilometers depending on the driving conditions.
Currently, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is one of the few automakers that does not offer a subcompact crossover in its lineup. Toyota has the Corolla Cross and Honda has the HR-V, but the Eclipse Cross was never offered locally. After seeing what the 2021 Eclipse Cross has to offer, should MMPC bring this crossover? The PHEV model could also be a good competitor for the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
