The newest Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is less Japanese and more French this time
Car enthusiasts weren’t exactly happy to see the iconic Mitsubishi Eclipse nameplate revived into a crossover, aptly named the Eclipse Cross, back in 2018. And now, it continues to live, this time as an all-electric crossover.
Still not set to make any enthusiasts happy in its newest form, the second generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was recently unveiled for the European market.
It’s less Mitsubishi than before, now based on the Renault Scenic E-Tech, following the roots of other Renault-based Mitsubishi products such as the Colt, ASX, and Grandis. Unsurprisingly as well, it’s gone fully electric.
Powering the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a single front-mounted electric motor that’s capable of producing 218 horsepower and 300Nm of torque. This is paired to an 87kWh battery pack that allows it to drive up to 600km on a single charge, supported by up to 22kW of AC charging, or up to 150kW of DC charging.
This electric powertrain also features four levels of regenerative braking that are selectable through its paddle shifters, and it’s also equipped with a one-pedal driving system which allows the driver to accelerate, decelerate, or come to a full stop all with the accelerator pedal.
And unlike some of the other Renault-based Mitsubishi models, the Japanese automaker did make some effort to distinguish the new Eclipse Cross from its French counterpart.
The front fascia has been completely revamped to wear the brand’s signature Dynamic Shield design, with its T-shaped light signature and honeycomb pattern on the faux front grille.
It rides on triangle-patterned 20-inch alloy wheels which give a bit of a futuristic look, while the rear is a bit similar to the Scenic E-Tech, but with signature Mitsubishi lighting elements in the taillights.
It’s a different story inside where the Eclipse Cross is largely identical to the Renault. It carries over a dual-screen setup with its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and vertical 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google Built-in.
It’s also capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates which will allow owners to update their vehicle’s software when offered, and is also compatible with the Mitsubishi Motors smartphone app which allows for remote access to the vehicle, including locking and unlocking, charging, and checking its location.
Other features include an electrochromic panoramic glass roof which can be switched between transparent or tinted/shaded modes, 48-color ambient lighting, and leather upholstery with a diamond-stitch pattern.
Safety-wise, it’s equipped with an advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) suite which includes adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, blind spot warning, emergency lane assist, forward collision mitigation system, lane centering and keeping assist, and lane departure warning.
Now it’s unclear if Mitsubishi Motors will be making a separate Eclipse Cross for other markets such as Japan and North America, but this Renault-based version will start production later this year at Renault’s ElectriCity Douai Plant in France.
Photos from Mitsubishi Motors
