The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross radiates its own character in the selection of city SUVs with its own accents. An almost usual, powerful radiator grille is emphasized by narrow LED lamps, strong lines and planks on the sides emphasize the wedge shape and large-format 18-inch wheels let it roll calmly on its everyday use. The current Eclipse is striking and unmistakable. We drove it in the winter test as a plug-in hybrid.
If you look at the with environmental Bonus promoted hybrid models, the Outlander, which is predestined for off-road use, clearly has the edge. The more civilized version is the Eclipse, under the somewhat rough shell a more comfortable car designed for everyday use has been constructed. Here, Mitsubishi relies on proven technology in the interior with conventional buttons and switches that remain in the last setting even without a memory function. This is useful for everyday functions such as heated seats.
Typical SUV characteristics
The new four-wheel drive Eclipse is technically equipped with a 2,4 liter petrol engine and two synchronous electric motors, 82 hp at the front and 95 hp at the rear. The total output is 138 KW (188 hp). According to WLTP, the new 13,8 kWh drive battery can cover up to 61 kilometers purely electrically under optimal conditions. All-wheel drive is standard on all equipment lines. The high dead weight of the plug-in hybrid does not make the Eclipse a sprinter either. It takes almost 100 seconds to sprint to 11 km/h and the top speed is capped at 160 km/h.
The Eclipse serves more as an all-purpose weapon for transport, trailer operation or your own outdoor hobby. It offers a lot of space and storage space. In the interior, Mitsubishi provides functional details and the typical SUV feeling with a high seating position with a good view in the direction of travel and to the sides. A special highlight is the two-part sunroof for a panoramic view of the sky, the front part can be opened. For the drivers, the cockpit was again slightly revised in the new model year. With a clear, classic layout, the energy consumption and speed indicators with classic round instruments sit in the middle behind the steering wheel. The infotainment display is located in the center console to the right at road level. The classic functions such as navigation, telephone, media displays and vehicle settings are also housed here.
With the technical updates and good noise insulation, the Eclipse is comfortable to drive. The driving mode can be selected with the compact selector lever, and there are also paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. This allows the degree of recuperation to recover braking energy to be fine-tuned over a total of 6 levels. As with all heavy SUV vehicles, the consumption values in winter are above the WLTP values, in our tests they are between 7 and 8 liters of premium petrol. With purely electric operation, the values level off between 20 and 30 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Extensive equipment packages
While the earlier plug-in hybrid models hardly had a fast charging connection, the Eclipse has the Chademo connection, which is less common in Europe, in addition to the Type 2 connection. This means that the choice of connection to many combined charging stations is greater. This means that charging can then be carried out quickly to 80% of the battery capacity within half an hour.
There is a choice of three equipment lines with very extensive equipment packages. The basic model has 18-inch rims and two-zone automatic air conditioning, while the Plus version has LED headlights, among other things. In addition to leather seats, the top version offers a 230-volt Schuko socket in the trunk, which enables the mobile use of electric grills or notebooks, for example. The top version has a head-up display in the equipment package, the practical tool for long-distance driving.
Mitsubishi is setting new accents for commercial customers and company car drivers in the area of billable charging boxes. With wall boxes from ABB, MID-compliant billing is possible, which is important, for example, if a company reimburses its employees for the costs of charging current.
Conclusion
Outlander or Eclipse, the two dissimilar plug-in brothers, have different target groups. The more civil Eclipse, as a large-format all-wheel drive SUV with lavish equipment, has its place as a multifunctional leisure vehicle or company vehicle. Mitsubishi still relies on the plug-in hybrid, the petrol and diesel models are no longer in Germany for the Eclipse. If you use your own wall box, you can charge the Eclipse overnight to use it purely electrically for commuting in local transport.
Addendum
Winter test green car magazine
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