Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV: the plug-in hybrid is coming to Spain

There were doubts, but the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, which has just been officially presented in Japan, will also arrive in the Spanish market. That said, we will have to wait a few months: until next March 2021. For now, no pricing guidance has been provided.

The Eclipse Cross PHEV will thus become the second plug-in hybrid model from the Japanese brand, after the successful Outlander PHEV. Here you can read our road test of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which for a long time has been the sales leader among plug-in hybrid vehicles, not only in Spain but also in Europe.

With the Outlander’s hybrid system

The propulsion system of the Eclipse Cross PHEV is the same as that used in the Outlander. It features a petrol engine, a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre 4-cylinder unit that in the Outlander delivers a maximum output of 135 CV, and two electric motors, one with 82 CV on the front axle and another with 95 CV on the rear axle. Mitsubishi has not disclosed the final combined system output of the Eclipse Cross, but everything suggests it will be the same as in the Outlander, 224 CV.

The 13.8 kWh battery capacity allows the announcement of a WLTP range in electric mode of 45 km, so the Eclipse Cross will qualify for the DGT zero-emissions label. As in the Outlander, there are three driving modes: electric, parallel hybrid and series hybrid. In parallel hybrid mode the car is propelled by the power generated by the petrol engine, assisted by the electric motors. In series hybrid mode the electric motors drive the vehicle, while the petrol engine runs to generate electricity on board.

Mitsubishi has optimised the operation of the S-AWC all-wheel drive, which, together with the low centre of gravity resulting from the battery’s central position under the floor, contributes to agile and safe dynamic behaviour. The driver can choose between normal, snow, gravel and Tarmac driving modes.

The Eclipse Cross PHEV as an external power source

An interesting feature is the possibility of using the vehicle as a kind of mobile rechargeable battery, which could power a home by connecting a V2H device to the fast-charging port. As the Eclipse Cross is capable of generating electricity through the combustion engine, with the battery charged and the fuel tank full, the car could supply electricity to a home for about 10 days.

It also has a 100-volt, 1,500-watt on-board power outlet, which allows electrical devices to be plugged in to enjoy outdoor leisure, for example at a campsite.

New exterior design and interior improvements

Aesthetically, the Eclipse Cross PHEV benefits from the latest modifications introduced on the compact SUV, and adds distinctive elements. The double rear window of the model’s first generation gives way to a single-pane rear window, and the rear lights are now in a higher position.

Inside, new materials and upholstery, and a new SDA infotainment system, with an 8-inch enlarged screen and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.