Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has arrived: 55km EV range and $46,490 starting price
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has arrived in Australia, with the brand’s newest plug-in hybrid model to deliver 55km in EV range and start from just $46,490.
The Eclipse Cross PHEV joins the electrified Outlander PHEV as the brand’s second plug-in hybrid model in Australia, as Mitsubishi places its eggs in the plug-in basket, as opposed to Toyota’s conventional hybrid push.
“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,” says Mitsubishi Australia CEO, Shaun Westcott.
“The Eclipse Cross has been successful in attracting customers to the Mitsubishi brand over the past four years. With the new look, enhanced technological specifications and the new Plug-in Hybrid 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has arrived in Australia to sit atop the regular Eclipse Cross range, and will be offered in three trim levels, the ES ($46,490, plus on-road costs), the Aspire ($49,990) and the Exceed ($53,990), all sharing the same base mechanicals (which are themselves shared with the Outlander PHEV).
Those mechanicals begin with a 2.4-litre petrol engine, which is paired with twin electric motors (60kW front, 70kW rear) and a 13.9kWh battery, which delivers a 55km (NEDC) EV range (expect less when measured against the more realistic WLTP standard). The PHEV selling point, though, is the ability to switch back to conventional petrol power on longer journeys, which Mitsubishi describes as “allowing long distance driving without EV infrastructure anxiety”.
The Eclipse Cross PHEV is equipped for AC and DC charging, with the former – using the on-board Mode 2 cable and a 10-amp outlet – will see you climb from zero to full in seven hours. Plug into an AC wallbox, and that number drops to 3.5 hours. Opt for a DC rapid charger, using the CHAdeMO system, and you’ll climb to 80 per cent charged in just 25 minutes.
The mid-size SUV stretches 4545mm in length, will seat five people, and will carry 359 litres of gear with the rear seats in place. That’s marginally less than the non-electrified Eclipse Cross, but not so much that you’d notice.
On the cabin-tech front, all models are equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and to aid in efficiency, some trims get heated seats and a heated steering wheel, reducing the reliance on inefficient cabin heating.
The entry-level ES Eclipse Cross PHEV comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, a rear roof spoiler. cruise control and some exterior design niceties.
Step up to the Aspire, and you add suede-and-fake-leather trim, heated front seats and nicer door panels, as well as improved safety equipment and a better eight-speaker stereo.
Finally, the Exceed delivers LED headlights, a dual-pane sunroof and a heated steering wheel. You also get real leather seats, heating in every position, a head-up display and on-board navigation.
