Restyled Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Shown with Minimal Changes
Mitsubishi Motors has just shown an updated version of their Eclipse Cross. We got our first teaser for this design update less than a month ago. Only 3 images off the new design was shown.
Here’s how it compares side by side with the original Eclipse Cross which was launched in 2017.
Front Three Quarter view
Starting with the front, we see some obvious changes to the grille. The top half eschews the twin silver horizontal bars for an intricate black pattern. There’s less silver trim throughout the rest of the front grille too. The overall shape is still similar to before, with the Dynamic Shield theme still very apparent. At the lower end though, a body-coloured panel is now featured. There’s also a body coloured faux skid plate.
Chrome still flanks the grille on both sides. Now though, the top light cluster is much slimmer and seems only to house the LED daytime running lights. The headlight projectors and foglights have been moved into the bottom cluster. From this angle, we see a slightly revised two tone rim design.
Overall, the new Eclipse Cross looks a lot more modern and evolves Mitsubishi’s design language mildly with cues from the Triton.
Rear Three Quarter
Perhaps the more radical change can be seen from this angle. The split rear window glass is no more. Instead, the sheet metal has been brought further up and a single piece of glass is fitted. This would cut cost on production in theory. The taillight piece that links the two clusters across the width of the car has been removed. The resulting look is one that’s more conservative than before. It almost looks like a mix between the current X-Trail and ASX.
It also looks like the model name “Eclipse Cross” is emblazoned in small type across the centre of the tailgate below the Mitsubishi logo.
Cockpit
The revisions to the cabin that are most obvious are found in the infotainment unit. It now looks a little more modern, larger at 8”, with thinner bezels, with a floating look, a cleaner digital interface, two physical knobs (volume and tuning) and what looks like capacitive touch controls at the bottom. Media controls once mounted on the centre console have been removed in exchange for more storage bins. There also seems to be a larger digital display in the instrument cluster. The air vent surrounds are now finished in black instead of silver.
The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will come to Australia and New Zealand next month, followed by the US next year. We don’t anticipate Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will bring this in to our local market.
PRESS RELEASE
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC) revealed the restyled 2022 Eclipse Cross, offering a sleek, sporty SUV appearance and improved driving confidence and comfort.
The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will first launch in Australia and New Zealand in November 2020, and in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2021. While there will be a plug-in hybrid variant of the vehicle available in select markets, there are no plans at this time to add the PHEV model for the U.S.
Refreshed Design Inside Out
The redesigned Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross features significant styling enhancements, producing a sleek sporty SUV appearance. Never before has a Mitsubishi vehicle been so design-forward, as Eclipse Cross brings sophistication to the next level. The result is a vehicle that looks sleek, stable, upscale and unique.
The front end adopts an evolved version of Mitsubishi’s signature Dynamic Shield design concept, expressing strength and security. A new front bumper guard and refreshed light layout completes the front design with a bold, dynamic look.
The sleek silhouette continues to the rear with a redesigned hatch and rear window, giving a more sophisticated SUV styling and resulting in improved rear visibility as well as distinctive and contemporary styling. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross’ iconic three-dimensional taillights extend upwards and inwards, and enhance the look with a stable and wide presence. The new tailgate features a sharply sculpted hexagon design reminiscent of the company’s iconic rear-mounted spare tire shape, blending the sleek and elegant style with the ruggedness and dependability expectations of an SUV.
Inside the cabin, a new black interior with silver accents and light gray leather seats creates a more sophisticated look. Door trims also coordinate with the car seat color to feature a high-quality, sporty interior space. Eclipse Cross’ interior has always been an exciting and comfortable place to spend time, and the new changes move it to a more enjoyable and upscale level.
A new 8-inch smartphone-link display audio (SDA) system comes standard, giving the driver a better view of the information and easier operation. The screen has been moved closer to the driver and front-seat passenger for ease of use, and now incorporates volume and turning knobs for fast reference. The touchpad that was previously used for multiple functions has been removed to allow for more storage space on the center console.
Engineered For Eco-Friendly and Dynamic Performance
Carried over from the previous model, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is fitted with the company’s 1.5-liter MIVEC direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A thoroughly modern design, the MIVEC engine is all-aluminum for light weight, and perfectly balances the seemingly distinct priorities of power and efficiency.
Using a compact turbocharger reduces fuel consumption but also minimizes turbo lag for driver-centric feel and performance, while the combination of direct fuel injection and turbocharging delivers greater efficiency at all roads and engine speeds. Paired with an eight-speed sports mode continuously variable transmission (CVT), the new Eclipse Cross optimizes driving dynamics while also achieving low fuel consumption.
Confidence-Inspiring Driving Pleasure
MITSUBISHI MOTORS’ S-AWC system delivers stable handling and precise control, giving drivers confidence to conquer on-road conditions with ease. The springs in the front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension have been finely tuned. Together with enlarged rear suspension absorbers, the ECLIPSE CROSS exerts the performance of S-AWC and greatly enhances maneuverability.
Combining SUV versatility with bold, distinctive design, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has won multiple global awards, including the Good Design Award in 2018 and the RJC Car of the Year in 2019.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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