The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross crossover will debut at the Geneva motor show in March, as the brand goes after the best-selling Nissan Qashqai.
Mitsubishi has released the first teaser photos of the car, and its name, which revives a title last used in 2012 – the Eclipse was a two-door coupe sold only in North America.
According to its makers the Eclipse Cross will broaden the Mitsubishi SUV line-up and ‘introduce a whole new audience to Mitsubishi Motors.’ It is expected on sale in the second half of 2017, slotting into the brand’s SUV range between the ASX and Outlander models, both of which have recently undergone mild facelifts (click here for ASX first drive).
No further details of the Eclipse Cross have yet been released, though from the teaser photos it can be determined that the newcomer will be a much more stylish, crossover-type car than the brand’s typical SUV product.
Evolved from Geneva star
The heavily sculpted nose, sloping roof line and steeply rake rear screen are developed directly from the XR concept that produced a highly positive reaction when it was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva motor show.
Industry sources suggest that the Eclipse Cross will go on sale with a choice of 2.2-litre diesel and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engines, and front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive transmissions.
With Mitsubishi’s sales having been greatly boosted by the launch of the plug-in hybrid Outlander, it would seem likely that the technology will be extended to the Eclipse Cross, thought Mitsubishi is giving no indication of such plans. The new car is built on a shortened Outlander platform, and the XR concept was displayed with a PHEV drivetrain.
Mitsubishi intends to further grow its crossover line-up. The Eclipse Cross will likely be followed in 2019 by a smaller sister model targeting the likes of the Nissan Juke, and including a full-electric drivetrain.
