MITSUBISHI subsequent month will launch Australia’s least expensive plug-in hybrid with three electrified variations of its Eclipse Cross small SUV now becoming a member of its mid-sized Outlander PHEV vary.
Priced from $46,490 plus on-road prices, the Eclipse Cross PHEV (plug-in hybrid electrical car) undercuts its bigger Outlander PHEV sibling by $1500 and slips $100 beneath the Kia Niro PHEV with which it shares a phase.
The Chinese language-made MG HS PHEV mid-size SUV is costlier by $500 and Hyundai’s Ioniq PHEV small automobile opens $1460 larger than the electrified Eclipse Cross.
Mitsubishi’s second electrified mannequin – third if the long-discontinued all-electric iMiEV is included – goes on sale mid August and just like the Outlander, will probably be accessible in three variants.
The entry-level ES will probably be $46,490, the mid-spec Aspire at $49,990 and the flagship Exceed is $53,990 (all plus prices). That is $1500 lower than the equal Outlander ES PHEV, down $2500 on the Outlander GSR and $2500 decrease than the Outlander Exceed.
Just like the Outlander PHEV, the brand new electrified Eclipse Cross is simply a five-seater.
Mitsubishi’s enlargement of its PHEV vary displays growing purchaser curiosity in hybrids, capped this week with Toyota saying it has bought greater than 200,000 hybrids in Australia since its first Prius of 2001.
Nonetheless, Toyota doesn’t supply a plug-in hybrid in its mannequin vary. The benefits of plugging in are a larger battery storage for an extended electric-only vary. Mitsubishi quotes an electric-only vary of 55km for the Eclipse Cross PHEV (1km greater than the Outlander PHEV).
The brand new Mitsubishi PHEV joins its not too long ago up to date petrol-fuelled siblings that underwent revisions together with a 140mm longer physique that enlarges the baggage house, extra security and comfort options, and a brand new tailgate design for higher rear imaginative and prescient.
Its longer physique, which stays on the identical platform and 2670mm wheelbase (the identical because the Outlander), has a 359-litre cargo space, decreased from the non-PHEV automobile’s 405 litres due to the battery pack.
The Eclipse Cross PHEV makes use of the identical drivetrain because the Outlander, with a 94kW/199Nm 2.4-litre petrol engine supplemented by two electrical motors (one 60kW entrance, one 70kW rear) working in full EV, hybrid or petrol-only modes, driving by means of an automated transmission.
It’s an all-wheel drive or front-drive relying on the appliance of the rear-mounted electrical motor.
Recharging takes as little as 25 minutes for an 80 per cent change on a rapid-charge outlet, and as much as seven hours when hooked as much as an ordinary family socket.
Just like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the brand new mannequin presents superior Automobile to Residence (V2H) and Automobile to Grid (V2G) capabilities that permits the automobile to energy exterior infrastructure, together with a home.
Mitsubishi stated that the introduction of bi-directional chargers within the Australian market will unlock V2H/V2G functionality for Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross PHEV drivers.
The corporate’s Dendo rooftop photo voltaic and battery system for houses can generate, retailer and switch vitality between the constructing and a Mitsubishi PHEV through a smart-energy administration system.
As a result of a PHEV can generate its personal energy when fuelled, additionally it is a short-term “generator on wheels” in situations when energy fails resembling in pure disasters.
In saying the brand new PHEV line up, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd CEO Shaun Westcott stated: “The arrival of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid EV completes the renewal of the Eclipse Cross SUV vary in Australia.
“It brings a confirmed and profitable zero or low emission powertrain that may meet the real-world wants of Australian SUV patrons trying to cut back their environmental impression.
“With the brand new look, enhanced technological specs and the brand new PHEV choice, we have now a car that will probably be much more interesting to city {couples} or households who need a automobile that fulfils numerous various wants.”
The Eclipse Cross PHEV ES comes normal with 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital radio, 4 audio system and security together with AEB, lane-departure warning and 7 airbags.
Up one notch is the Aspire with the addition of artificial leather-based and micro-suede upholstery, heated entrance seats, electrical driver’s seat adjustment, eight-speaker and four-tweeter audio, 360-degree digital camera, entrance parking sensors and extra security options together with blind-spot detection, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise management.
The Exceed flagship provides electrical passenger seat adjustment, heated entrance and rear seats, heated steering wheel, leather-based upholstery, twin sunroof, head-up show and satellite tv for pc navigation.
Mitsubishi presents the brand new Eclipse Cross with three choice packages. The ‘Fashion Set’ ($3341) has entrance and rear silver valances, silver facet skirts, bonnet emblem in silver or black, and facet PHEV decals.
The ‘Journey Package’ is $2490 and features a nudge bar (polished/black), headlight protector, bonnet protector, baggage tray and boot flap.
The ‘Safety Pack’ ($975) has headlight protector, bonnet protector (clear/tinted), facet window deflector, ground mats, baggage tray, and baggage interior plate.
Metallic and pearlescent paint is $740 with a premium paint accessible for an additional $940.
The addition of the three PHEV variants takes the Eclipse Cross vary to 12, priced from $30,290 plus prices.
Mitsubishi bought 3521 Eclipse Cross fashions to the six months to June this 12 months. This was up 67.5 per cent on the identical interval in 2020.
The Eclipse Cross has a 5.2 per cent share of the sub-$40,000 small SUV sector.
