Mitsubishi Motors has added three new Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle variants to the top of the Eclipse Cross range. The new vehicles offer a premium plug-in EV-drivetrain, more power and more torque for Australian drivers.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid has arrived in Australia and will give the nameplate an increased foothold in the hot-selling medium SUV market. Ideal for urban couples or families, the Eclipse Cross PHEV with all-wheel drive and a plug-in hybrid EV powertrain is able to travel more than 55km1 on a single battery charge, enabling the average driver to use EV Mode for the majority of their weekly drive, with zero tailpipe emissions2.
The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle model joins the recently updated petrol-engine Eclipse Cross range which benefited from significant revisions in 2021, including a 140mm longer body with enlarged luggage capacity, additional safety and convenience features, and a revised tailgate design offering improved rearward visibility.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid picks up all these improvements and adds further intelligent driving features via three drive modes to reduce exhaust emissions and noise, and enhance driving comfort.
The powertrain is the latest iteration of the proven technology used globally in the popular Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Available in Australia (and 61 other world markets) since 2013, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid is the world’s top-selling PHEV with more than 260,000 vehicles sold globally.
Seamlessly combining a frugal 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle MIVEC internal combustion engine with two electric drive motors and the renowned Mitsubishi Super- All Wheel Control traction system, new Eclipse Cross PHEV delivers versatility, drivability and safety.
On the road, a sophisticated powertrain control system automatically selects the most efficient drive mode based on the prevailing conditions without driver intervention. Unlike most competitors, the two electric drive motors deliver drive force to each axle even when operating in hybrid mode. The Mitsubishi PHEV system is ‘EV-based’, which means that it defaults to EV Mode using electric-only propulsion, before the control system employs Series or Parallel Hybrid modes. As a result, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-In Hybrid drivers will enjoy a maximum EV performance with zero tailpipe emissions in EV Mode and a quieter, smoother run – without compromising on range.
The Eclipse Cross PHEV caters to varied Australian driving requirements from short trips and heavy traffic to longer open road journeys. 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 seamlessly switch to Series or Parallel Hybrid modes to boost the range whilst minimising fuel consumption. When running in less demanding conditions, the petrol engine is able to recharge the battery as well as power the vehicle, simultaneously.
The drive battery is a 13.8kWh unit powering front and rear electric drive motors, providing all-electric range of 55km3, 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% for average weekly distances4, as well as reducing traffic noise.
When the destination is further afield, the hybrid modes employ the petrol engine to assist the battery or to directly drive the vehicle.
In all driving modes, the Plug-in Hybrid EV powertrain delivers instant response and smooth acceleration, as well as a silent departure from stand-still.
“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.”
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-In Hybrid EV goes on sale across Australia from mid-August 2021, and is priced from $46,490.
1 NEDC certification value
2 This research was conducted between 29 June and 1 July 2021, with new car owners and intenders in Australia in the form of an online survey. The research was conducted by global research company, Potentiate for Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited. According to the survey, Outlander PHEV drivers drove an average total distance driven per week was 155 kms of which 131 kms or 84% of the total distance was driven in EV mode using 100% electricity supplied by the battery.
3 NEDC
4 Research was conducted between 29 June and 1 July 2021, with new car owners and intenders in Australia in the form of an online survey. The research was conducted by global research company, Potentiate for Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited.
