The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid is about to arrive in Australia. Mitsubishi is a long-time player in electric power in vehicles and is keen to be seen as one of the leaders. Not only that but also the fact that the Eclipse Cross offers sometime right out of the ordinary in the ever more popular SUV market.
The powertrain is the latest iteration of the proven technology used globally in the popular Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Available in Australia since 2013, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid is the world’s top-selling PHEV with more than 260,000 vehicles sold globally.
The Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid has a 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder engine combined with two electric drive motors. A sophisticated powertrain control system automatically selects the most efficient drive mode based on the prevailing conditions without driver intervention.
The powertrain provides drivers with the ability to drive solely on electric power around town, while at higher speeds or on longer drives, the powertrain will switch to Series or Parallel Hybrid modes to boost the range whilst minimising fuel consumption.
The petrol engine is able to recharge the battery as well as power the vehicle simultaneously.
The drive battery is a 13.8 kWh unit powering front and rear electric drive motors. It has an official all-electric range of 55km, which Mitsubishi Australia says is more than adequate for the daily commute or school runs for most Australian families living in towns and cities. It is here that the zero tailpipe emissions can play the most effective role in reducing urban pollution, cutting emissions by as much as 84 per cent for average weekly distances.
When the destination is further afield, the hybrid modes employ the petrol engine to assist the battery or to directly drive the vehicle.
“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,” said Shaun Westcott, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd.
“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.”
It has a 10 year / 200,000 km warranty on most of the vehicle provided that all servicing is done by Mitsubishi dealerships. Otherwise, the warranty reverts to five years and 100,000 km. The warranty on the EV drive battery is eight years or 160,000 km.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-In Hybrid EV goes on sale across Australia from mid-August 2021 and is priced from $46,490.
