Chances are slim however for this electrified Mitsubishi to debut here anytime soon.
While it’s more utilitarian models like the Xpander and Triton are Mitsubishi’s bread and butter over here, in the more developed parts of the world however the Japanese automaker is instead more well-known for its PHEV offerings. Such as its Eclipse Cross PHEV for instance, that is set to be launched in Australia and New Zealand.
Making its debut down under some 8 months after starting sale in its home market of Japan, the Eclipse Cross PHEV is set to be the second electrified Mitsubishi model over there. Joining its larger Outlander PHEV sibling, which is incidentally the best selling EV in New Zealand’s history.
To be sold alongside it’s recently refreshed petrol-powered counterparts, the main highlight of the Eclipse Cross PHEV will naturally be it’s electrified powertrain. Unlike what is typically found in other PHEVs, this compact crossover instead features a twin electric motor setup that is mated to a 2.4 litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a single-speed planatery gearbox.
Much the same powertrain as to be found under the aforementioned Outlander PHEV, this in turn means that Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system with Active Yaw Control (AYC) is also to be available in this all-wheel drive compact crossover. For normal driving conditions however, the Eclipse Cross PHEV cycles automatically between three driving modes: Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid or EV.
When in Series Hybrid mode, the wheels are driven exclusively by the electric motors, with the petrol engine running in the background at a constant RPM as a generator to keep the battery topped up. Parallel Hybrid mode on the other hand is akin to a more traditional hybrid layout, which enables the petrol engine and electric motors work in unison to drive the wheels to give maximum oomph.
As for its EV driving mode meanwhile, Mitsubishi claims that an all-electric driving range of 57 km is achievable if the 13.8 kWh battery pack is fully topped up. Another highlight of this comparatively large battery pack (for a PHEV) is its ability to be ‘used as a reliable source of electricity in an emergency, as it can supply power to a general household for up to 10 days via the Vehicle-to-Home system when the vehicle is fully charged and fuelled’.
Further details regarding the final specs and prices for the Eclipse Cross PHEV launching down under will be known when it officially arrives in New Zealand on the 1st of June, with the Australian launch happening a month after that. A conservative estimate on the pricing however is to be around $45,000 (RM 144,000) to $50,000 (RM 160,000), which is similar to what the plug-in hybrid Hyundai Ioniq and MG HS are retailing down under.
In terms of a Malaysian debut meanwhile, it is unfortunately hard to see the Eclipse Cross PHEV arriving anytime soon. There could be a case for the petrol-powered variant to be introduced here though, with the chances that the first plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi landing over here possibly being the recently teased Xpander PHEV instead.
PRESS RELEASE: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that the Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model will launch in New Zealand on June 1, with the launch in Australia to follow in July. The addition of the Eclipse Cross PHEV model to the lineup reflects Mitsubishi Motors’ continued commitment to contributing to the development of a sustainable society by promoting electrification focusing on plug-in hybrids.
The second plug-in hybrid in the Mitsubishi Motors’ lineup, the Eclipse Cross PHEV model incorporates the twin-motor 4WD system from the Outlander PHEV and offers a quiet, smooth yet powerful acceleration unique to electric vehicles, as well as a sporty driving experience. Combined with the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the vehicle delivers stable handling and precise control, giving drivers confidence to conquer on-road conditions with ease. The traction battery can also be used as a reliable source of electricity in an emergency, as it can supply power to a general household for up to 10 days via the Vehicle-to-Home system when the vehicle is fully charged and fueled.
“Our plug-in hybrid technology has been highly acclaimed in New Zealand, where the Outlander PHEV is the best-selling new plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle in the market’s automotive history,” said Yoichiro Yatabe, executive vice president of MMC. “In addition to eco-friendly performance, the Eclipse Cross PHEV model allows nimble yet stable handling with peace of mind and is already well-received in Japan and Europe. We are confident that it will offer an enjoyable driving experience to the customers in New Zealand and Australia.”
The Eclipse Cross debuted in Europe in 2017 as Mitsubishi Motors’ global strategic model. It has been rolled out to more than 100 countries across the world, with cumulative sales volume reaching around 273,000 units. The redesigned Eclipse Cross gasoline model was first introduced in Australia and New Zealand in November 2020, followed by the launch of the gasoline and PHEV models in Japan in December and the launch of the PHEV model in Europe in February 2021.
