MERE days after launching its considerably up to date Eclipse Cross compact SUV, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Restricted (MMAL) has detailed the brand new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model as a consequence of contact down domestically subsequent yr.
Visually similar to the interior combustion engine variations, the Eclipse Cross PHEV’s solely giveaway function is its PHEV badging on the entrance wings and tailgate with each different styling function being the identical as the remainder of the vary.
Utilising the identical twin-motor PHEV system as discovered within the larger Outlander PHEV, the Eclipse Cross PHEV’s powertrain relies round a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (94kW/199Nm) whereas the electrical energy is sourced from a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery with two electrical motors with one on every axle – 60kW/137Nm entrance, 70kW/195Nm rear – offering electrical drive.
When all is claimed and completed, within the Outlander the system generates a mixed 157kW/332Nm nevertheless a mixed determine for the Eclipse Cross is but to be confirmed.
One thing that has been confirmed nevertheless is the brand new mannequin’s all-electric driving vary of as much as 57km, besting the larger Outlander by 2km; most certainly as a consequence of its lowered dimension and weight.
Drive is channelled to all 4 wheels through a single-speed planetary transmission.
Three drive modes will likely be on supply within the Eclipse Cross PHEV – EV Mode, Sequence Hybrid Mode and Parallel Hybrid Mode – with every largely doing what it says on the tin by way of drive traits.
Sequence Hybrid and Parallel Hybrid modes differ in that the previous makes use of the petrol engine to generate energy for the electrical motors whereas the latter combines each petrol and electrical drive for optimum efficiency.
As is basically the way in which now for PHEVs and different types of hybrid and electrical autos, the battery pack is housed underneath the ground of the cabin within the quest for a decrease centre of gravity to maximise dealing with prowess.
Whereas native pricing and specification particulars are but to be detailed, the PHEV will likely be supplied in three completely different trim ranges in its native Japan; M, G and P, nevertheless it’s extra possible the native PHEV variants will undertake the identical nameplates because the often Eclipse Cross vary, i.e. ES and Exceed.
World customary gear on the PHEV consists of an eight-speaker premium sound system and Apple CarPlay, each of that are accessed through an 8.0-inch infotainment display, head-up show and distant local weather management.
The opposite key function of the Eclipse Cross PHEV is its vehicle-to-grid functionality which reportedly has the capability to energy a whole house for as much as 10 days on a full cost and full tank of gasoline.
Constructing on this notion of the automobile being a cell energy supply, a 100-volt AC on-board outlet can also be included as customary to “provide energy to electronics and home equipment for outside leisure and as a dependable supply of electrical energy in an emergency”.
Security gear in the meantime at this stage extends to adaptive cruise management, ahead collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with lane change help, rear cross-traffic alert and automated excessive beam, to not point out the same old array of airbags, traction/stability management and anti-lock brakes.
In line with Mitsubishi Motors Company CEO Takao Kato, the model is dedicated to attaining and keep a sustainable setting by placing its EV and PHEV applied sciences to broader makes use of.
“By 2030, we’ll elevate the proportion of electrified autos within the complete gross sales to 50 per cent, with a deal with PHEVs reminiscent of this new mannequin,” he stated
“On the power of each our pioneering PHEV know-how and the 4WD experience now we have constructed by rally expertise, now we have infused the Mitsubishi essence on this redesign.
“The brand new Eclipse Cross is a perfect associate for drivers who wish to do extra with their automobile, and to hunt new challenges.”
MMAL has offered 3957 Eclipse Crosses this yr, accounting for what seems to be an inexpensive 4.6 per cent of the sub-$40,000 small SUV phase, a phase it shares with the smaller ASX which occurs to be the dominant pressure on the gross sales chart with a 14.4 per cent phase share (12,300).
