New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross premiering first in New Zealand

Wednesday, 11 November 2020

New Zealand and Australia are the first to launch the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, ahead of stock arriving before the end of November.

Reece Congdon, Mitsubishi NZ Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, said: “We are very pleased to be able to give Kiwi motorists the chance to be among the first in the world to get behind the wheel of this exciting new model.

“New Zealand has a very strong market in this class. Competition is high and we are convinced that Kiwis will find plenty to satisfy their demands in the newly imagined Eclipse Cross, which carries over the best features of the previous model and adds some considerable improvements to benefit modern, active lifestyles.”

This is the new face of the Eclipse Cross. Not bad, huh?

The new model has a new exterior design along with a fresh interior. It gets a refreshed frontal design similar to the recent ASX upgrade featuring Mitsubishi’s signature ‘Dynamic Shield’ design concept including a redesigned grille, front bumper and slimline lighting layout.

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As well as a new plug-in powertrain, Mitsubishi has given the Eclipse Cross some fresh design tweaks.

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The updates for 2021 include the inside as well as the outside.

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At the rear Mitsubishi has redesigned the hatch and rear window, not only to enhance the design but also to provide improved rear visibility. The three-dimensional taillights extend upwards and inwards, and enhance the look with a stable and wide presence.

The new tailgate features a sharply sculpted hexagon design with Mitsubishi says is reminiscent of the company’s iconic rear-mounted spare tire shape to provide a hint of the ruggedness and dependability expectations of an SUV.

Updates for the cabin include a new black interior with silver accents and the door trims coordinate with the car seat colour.

A larger 8.0-inch smartphone-link display audio (SDA) system comes standard, giving the driver a better view of the information and easier operation.

The screen has been positioned closer to the driver and front-seat passenger for ease of use, and now incorporates volume and turning knobs. The touchpad that was previously used for multiple functions has been removed to allow for more storage space on the centre console.

Power is sourced from a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine which develops 112kW with 254Nm of torque. It’s partnered with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that includes a faux eight-speed sports mode.

Alternatively, buyers can look to the plug-in Eclipse Cross, which gets the same twin-motor system as found in the Outlander PHEV. That means one front and one rear high-power electric motor, a large-capacity drive battery and a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single-speed planetary gearbox. It’s not been confirmed if the battery is the same 13.8kWh unit found in the 2020-onward Outlander PHEV.

Full pricing is yet to be revealed but the Eclipse Cross range starts at $35,990 plus on-roads.