2023 Mitsubshi Eclipse Cross PHEV Review

 

Overview

 

THE Eclipse Cross fits neatly into Mitsubishi’s line up despite being dangerously close size-wise to the long lived ASX.

 

The latest iteration addresses several issues with the previous model such as the dumpy looking rear styling and front wheels appearing to be too close together. It also gains a superior plug-in hybrid drive system and other enhancements along with additional features.

 

We drove the top-of-the-range Exceed model that’s priced from $55,990 plus on-road costs putting it in among a bunch of hybrid models but no other plug-in hybrids in the small SUV category. The other two Eclipse Cross PHEVs, in ES and Aspire grades go for $47,290 and $51,240 respectively, both plus on-roads.

 

This newcomer uses an EV-biased PHEV system that prioritises EV Mode driving wherever possible and can deploy Series or Parallel Hybrid modes where required.

 

The combustion engine is a version of Mitsubishi’s venerable 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder unit that either powers the front wheels in concert with an electric motor or functions as a generator feeding power to the battery to drive front and rear electric traction motors, or a mix of all modes.

 

It works a treat providing the best of both worlds as EV mode can provide up to 55km pure electric driving, adequate for an average city commute. Multi-mode regenerative braking operates at all times helping to replenish the battery.

 

The vehicle is propelled by a 60kW/137Nm electric motor driving the front axle with a 70kW/195Nm unit on the back feeding from a 13.8kWh battery and the 2.4-litre petrol combustion engine rated at 94kW and 199Nm.

 

Collectively it is an impressive amount of power and torque which explains why the Eclipse Cross PHEV goes so well.

 

Mitsubishi makes a big noise about a 1500W Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) capability in this model and Aspire that can be used to plug in various appliances in the house or straight out the back of the car.

 

The facility seems almost superfluous to us as useability would be minimal due to the small 13.8kWh battery and the inconvenience of plugging it all in then unplugging it… a useless gimmick perhaps.

 

This time around, the Eclipse Cross Exceed gains a hands-free electric tailgate, a new Light Grey leather interior option (no cost) and other specification enhancements including a more eco sensitive refrigerant in the air-conditioner (range wide).

 

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 drive system is configured as a version of Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control system (S-AWC) that integrates 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.

 

The Eclipse Cross scores a five-star ANCAP safety rating and features a comprehensive suite of active safety systems called MiTec that are designed to seamlessly integrate with day-to-day driving duty.

 

Luxury equipment in the Exceed includes leather upholstery, premium audio, smartphone link Display Audio with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls and voice control, DAB, rear view camera, heated front and rear seats and wheel, rear parking sensors, sunroof, LED front lighting.

 

Towing capacity is 1500kg braked.

 

Driving Impressions

 

Previous drives in earlier Eclipse Cross hybrids were underwhelming to say the least but with this model, all’s changed for the better.

 

Not only does the vehicle have impressive performance and a logical hybrid system, it kicks on for kilometre after kilometre tapping the strengths of both electric and ICE propulsion.

 

Unlike pure EVs that are a pain in the neck to take on long trips, this puppy will take you to the nether regions of Oz, and back, with no range anxiety as long as there’s a servo or two along the way. And you won’t have to drink half a dozen coffees waiting for a recharge.

 

If you feel the need to green-up your trip, you can plug-in and get realistically about 40km pure EV driving… somewhat useless we would suggest.

 

So, is the P in PHEV necessary?

 

Not really, but it is a good conscience salve if you need one.

 

Performance is not an issue on the Eclipse Cross PHEV as it will deliver spirited acceleration from a standstill and continue going until a high speed. The EV part of the equation signs off at 135km/h, irrelevant really.

 

Below that, and even with five peeps on board, the Mitsu' PHEV delivers gobs of grunt making all aspects of driving easy.

 

It also offers one pedal driving through a multi-mode regenerative braking system… that we like.

 

Tipping the scales at close to 2000kg does have an effect on the vehicle’s dynamics but it’s not intended as a sporty SUV though the performance and AWD would suggest otherwise.

 

It is stable and predictable most of the time exhibiting tidy dynamics to a point, coupled with a smooth ride on uneven surfaces accompanied by minimal noise save mirror generated wind rush.

 

The steering is light and easy to twirl but lacks in the ‘feel’ department, but again, this is not a sporty SUV.

 

Well resolved AWD, strong brakes and grippy tyres complete the dynamic package aided by a low mounted under floor battery.

 

It’s a smallish vehicle but well-designed inside offering adequate space for five at a pinch and a decent load area behind.

 

The driving controls are simple to locate and use apart from some intrusive ‘driver assist’ features that if turned off, default to on after restarting. Using the large touch screen is easy.

 

It’s a sign of the times but sometimes we think a bunch of ‘propeller heads’ sit around and dream up things to whack into new cars regardless of their efficacy.

 

We took the Eclipse Cross PHEV on a couple of long trips and were surprised just how far it will stretch a tank of fuel. We clocked close to 800km on one mostly country drive and regularly saw around 650km range.

 

It’s comfortable to ride in with nicely shaped seats and correctly positioned controls some of which offer electrical adjustment.

 

You get a big glass sunroof with the Exceed that we think is superfluous. Want to reduce the price? Easy, drop the sunroof.

 

Plugging in is at the back of the car which is not necessarily optimum because it means you have to reverse into a recharger, sometimes with the appliance on the wrong side. The best position is at the front in the middle.

 

We like the look of the revised Eclipse Cross that Mitsu’ thankfully altered with cues from the larger and more handsome Outlander.

 

The vehicle is a good all-rounder capable of mixed duties including moderate towing and dirt road driving.

 

Topping it all off is the assurance you get from Mitsubishi’s impressive 10/10 Diamond Advantage warranty that comprises a 10-year/200,000-kilometre manufacturer’s warranty, with 10-year Capped Price Servicing.

 

You gotta like that.