Mitsubishi Motors has revealed their all-new model that’s planned to slot between the current line-up stalwarts, the ASX and Outlander, and will go directly against the segment’s big hitters like the Nissan Qashqai, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-3.
Called the Eclipse Cross, the high rider with coupe-like styling is planned to go on sale in 2018 and due to make its first public appearance at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next week and their first real swing at the sporty crossover, not to mention their first really new model in a while.
It takes inspiration from previous Mitsubishi concept vehicles such as XR-PHEV, sans the more showy bits that do not lend themselves well for mass production. As is obvious, they’ve kept the very defined creases and prominent belt line. Paired with the marque’s Dynamic Shield front fascia, it’s a sharp looking thing.
Under the bonnet will live a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an Mitsubishi’s INVECS-branded continuously variable transmission (CVT). Also, a 2.2-litre turbodiesel will be on offer, paired instead to a more conventional 8-speed torque converter automatic.
The interior looks to be a improvement in terms of layout flair, but should still remain as straightforward and ergonomically sound as their cars have always been. Minus the protruding infotainment screen, though, there’s actually not that many new bits that strikes us as particularly new. The steering wheel is the same we’ve seen in other Mitsu models, and the general placement of switchgear seems to be pretty much identical too.
The launch of the Eclipse Cross is the first major public event for the company following the 34 percent acquisition of the company by Nissan and inducting into in the Renault-Nissan Alliance. More recently, CEO Carlos Ghosn announced he will be stepping down as the head of Nissan to take a larger day-to-day role at Mitsubishi.
Surely the development and launch roadmap of the Eclipse Cross was set in stone long before its deal with Nissan - following Mitsubishi’s emission scandal in mid-2016. Ironic, given that the Eclipse Cross has its sights locked on the Qashqai, produced by now-sister company.
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