Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) is pleased to introduce an array of specification enhancements to the Eclipse Cross Plug-In Hybrid EV (PHEV) range.
Highlighting this update is the adoption of Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) technology, as seen in the recently-released Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
“We see the Eclipse Cross PHEV as a key technology leader in our model range,” said MMAL CEO, Shaun Westcott.
“Like its Eclipse Cross counterpart, the PHEV version brings modern design, versatile interior space and strong aftersales support, but with the added advantage of operating as an Electric Vehicle for the daily commute,” he said.
First deliveries of the 23MY Eclipse Cross range are expected from March, 2023.
Eclipse Cross PHEV is a mobile power supply, thanks to 1500W Vehicle-To-Load technology
Similar to the All-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the 23MY Eclipse Cross PHEV now features Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) capability.
Accessed via a three-pin 240-volt power outlet and with a total 1500W output, owners can power a range of domestic, office, industrial and leisure appliances via the Eclipse Cross PHEV’s drive battery.
The outlet is accessibly placed in the rear luggage compartment.
V2L capability is fitted as standard to 23MY Eclipse Cross ASPIRE and EXCEED variants.
Myriad MY updates enhance the range
For 23MY, all Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV variants receive an updated HVAC refrigerant (called R1234YF), which significantly reduces the systems Global Warming Potential* from 1430 to 4.
*GWP is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a given period of time, relative to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2).
A rear console-mounted USB power supply, with connections for USB Type-A and Type-C cables, has also been added range-wide for additional rear-seat passenger convenience.
The entry-specification Eclipse Cross PHEV ES also benefits from the addition of rear parking sensors as standard equipment.
In addition to the 1500W V2L capability, the popular ASPIRE PHEV grade also features an updated exterior aesthetic, including:
- Front lower bumper in silver, with silver insert
- Front bumper centre and garnish in material black
- Radiator grille in material black
- Rear lower bumper in material black and silver, with silver insert
- Side door garnish in material black
For the top-grade EXCEED PHEV, the key change in addition to the 1500W V2L capability is the inclusion of an electric tailgate with hands-free system, close and lock function and one touch opening.
Also available at no cost is a distinctive new light grey leather interior option for EXCEED.
Advanced Plug-In Hybrid drivetrain reduces anxiety… and emissions
Key to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV’s all-round capability is its sophisticated plug-in hybrid electric drivetrain.
Featuring a 13.8kWh drive battery and offering a 55km EV range (according to NEDC testing), the Eclipse Cross PHEV uses a sophisticated powertrain control system that automatically selects the most efficient drive mode, based on the prevailing conditions.
The Mitsubishi PHEV system is ‘EV-biased’, prioritising EV Mode driving wherever possible, and can deploy Series or Parallel Hybrid modes where required.
EV Mode offers zero tailpipe emissions and a smooth, responsive driving experience. Operating at speeds from standstill to 135km/h, it powers the front and rear electric motors by drawing current from the drive battery.
Series Hybrid mode uses the drive battery to power the front and rear electric motors, while the internal combustion engine (ICE) is engaged to power the on-board generator. This enables the vehicle to charge the battery while it is being driven. This mode is also activated when the driver calls for maximum acceleration, or when the battery state of charge is too low to operate on EV Mode.
In Parallel Hybrid mode the Eclipse Cross PHEV functions as a ‘traditional’ hybrid vehicle, where the ICE powers the generator and provides drive to the front wheels (in tandem with the front electric motor) via the front transaxle. The rear electric motor drives the rear wheels.
Regenerative braking is deployed in all three modes, for maximum efficiency and reduced emissions. Five regenerative modes are available, accessed via the steering column-mounted ‘shift’ paddles.
In output terms, the front electric motor generates 60kW and 137Nm, while the rear motor supplies 70kW and 195Nm.
The ICE engine generates 94kW at 4500rpm and a 199Nm torque peak, also at 4500rpm. Designed to run on 91RON unleaded petrol, it has been tuned to function primarily as a generator for the drive battery while minimising fuel costs.
Combined NEDC cycle fuel consumption is listed at 1.9L/100km, with 43g/km CO2.
Super-All Wheel Control for enhanced dynamics in all conditions
Enhanced dynamic performance is made possible by Mitsubishi’s renowned Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This combines with a stiff body structure and the low centre of gravity made possible by the underfloor mounting of the drive battery.
S-AWC offers integration of All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Active Stability Control (ASC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) to optimise traction and control in all driving conditions. With drive motors installed on each axle, S-AWC provides optimal front-to-rear torque distribution and the instantaneous response electric motors are renowned for, resulting in an experience unmatched by any conventional 4WD drivetrain.
Sophisticated safety
The 23MY Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV range continues with a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Mitsubishi Motors Intuitive Technology (MiTec) offers a comprehensive suite of active safety systems that are designed to seamlessly integrate with day-to-day driving duty.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV ES comes standard with the following MiTec safety features:
- Active Stability Control
- Active Traction Control
- Emergency Brake Assist System
- Emergency Stop Signal Function
- Forward Collision Mitigation
- Hill Start Assist
Opting for the ASPIRE grade offers additional MiTec safety systems, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function
- Automatic Dusk Sensing Headlights
- Automatic High Beam
- Automatic Rain Sensing Wipers
- Blind Spot Warning
- Lane Change Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Multi Around Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The EXCEED model also adds the Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System. This reduces the chance and severity of hitting obstacles up to four metres in front or behind, when a driver mistakenly presses the accelerator when stationary or at speeds of up to 10km/h.
