Compact SUV, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross replaces the big brother Outlander by using its mechanics, in addition to the old thermal version, and allows the continuation of a plug-in hybrid offer from Mitsubishi.
Dimensions and styling of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV
The compact SUV is the restyled version of the Eclipse Cross, launched in 2017 in a thermal version. The changes are significant, particularly at the rear with a redesigned tailgate with a one-piece rear window and new lights. The length also increases by 14 cm to 4.54 meters, maintaining a width of 1.89 m and 1.68 m high. The front is based on that of the 2015 Mitsubishi eX concept car, with thinner diodes and projectors on either side of the grille.
The interior of the SUV is suitable for 5 people, while the trunk has a volume of 329 liters. Maximum loading is 1,108 liters with the bench seat folded. The style of the dashboard is classic, Japanese one would say. It adopts analog meters coupled with a small screen, a plain black ambiance and a central screen limited to 8 inches.
Plug-in hybrid engine and performance
The Eclipse Cross PHEV features the same system as that of the Outlander PHEV. Its thermal unit is therefore the 2.4 liter 4-cylinder “MIVEC” deflated from 132 to 98 horsepower, and with a torque of 193 Nm. The SUV has two additional electric motors, one at the front of 82 hp ( 60 kW) and 137 Nm, the other rear 95 hp (70 kW) and 195 Nm. Three modes exist:
- Electric
- Hybrid (thermal + electric)
- Series hybrid (electric via battery recharged by gasoline engine)
- Please note, electric driving is accompanied by 5 levels of regenerative braking, accessible via paddles on the steering wheel.
Thus, all 4 wheels are driven. The gearbox is a single-speed automatic, called “MMeT” or “Multi Mode e-Transmission”. Finally, there is no question of cumulative power, because the three engines never operate together at full power. If the combustion engine is not used for 89 days, automatic activation preserves the injection system.
In terms of performance, the maximum speed is 162 km/h and 135 km/h fully electric. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 10.9 seconds. The Eclipse Cross is also capable of towing up to 1,500 kg (750 kg unbraked).
Battery and autonomy of the Eclipse Cross
Just like the Outlander, the battery has a capacity of 13.8 kWh. Lithium-ion type, it resides at the rear axle. The loss of trunk space is actually due to the rear electric motor. The battery has a V2X function, and can power an outdoor system, such as a house.
The electric driving range is 45 kilometers according to the average WLTP cycle and 55 km in the city. The fuel consumption of the SUV is 2 l/100 km for 46 g/km of CO2. This is enabled by a full battery. Without the electrical part (which we do not recommend), Mitsubishi communicates around 7 l/100 km. The 43-liter tank allows a range of around 600 kilometers, or 645 km with the electric part.
Charging the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid
The Eclipse PHEV's charging port is located on the right rear of the Eclipse PHEV. In reality, we have to talk about two sockets, because Mitsubishi is one of the rare brands to offer charging in two formats.
The first is Type 2 for AC (alternative) charging, replacing the Type 1 socket on the Outlander. It provides power of up to 3.7 kW, or a charge in 4 hours compared to 7 hours on a 220V socket.
The second socket is of the CHAdeMO type, a Japanese format deployed in Europe but losing speed compared to the Combo CCS standard. However, the 22 kW power is an opportunity to reduce a load to 80% in just 25 minutes.
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