Tokyo 2017: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross reuses iconic sports car name on SUV, gets new 163 PS 1.5T engine

Tokyo 2017: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross reuses iconic sports car name on SUV, gets new 163 PS 1.5T engine

Purists may bemoan the fact that the Mitsubishi has decided to use the iconic Eclipse name on a crossover, but it’s happened and we should all probably get used to it. The Tokyo Motor Show gave us an opportunity to get a closer look at the Eclipse Cross – next to the new e-Evolution Concept, another crossover that repurposes a hallowed nameplate – and the “ASX coupé” does look to be quite an attractive proposition.

Although it’s been significantly toned down from the XR-PHEV concepts that previewed it, the Eclipse Cross carries over many of the styling cues. Front and centre is Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield grille, flanked by large head- and fog light clusters, while the wedge-shaped profile, steeply-rising beltline, fast rear windscreen rake and short rear overhang give the car a more dynamic look.

The deep character line along the side of the car runs into the tail lights, and emphasises the beefy fender flares. At the rear, the Eclipse Cross’ LED tail lights stretches across the rear windscreen, which is split Honda CR-Z-style. The third brake light is situated along the dividing bar, and when illuminated it connects the tail lights, forming a single beam of light.

Tokyo 2017: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross reuses iconic sports car name on SUV, gets new 163 PS 1.5T engine

Measuring 4,405 mm long, 1,805 mm wide and 1,685 mm tall, the new car is 110 mm longer, 35 mm wider and 60 mm taller than the ASX, although the 2,670 mm wheelbase remains the same.

Step inside and you’ll find an interior that’s actually rather reminiscent of the Lexus NX, with a cliff-like centre console framed by silver metal trim pieces. There’s even a Touchpad Controller that is a direct ripoff of the Lexus’ Remote Touch pad, manipulating the centre display. Speaking of which, the Smartphone Link Display Audio system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Ahead of the driver, there’s a head-up display that shows vehicle speed, data from the active safety systems and other necessary information, while at the back, the 60:40 split-folding rear bench slides and reclines.

Tokyo 2017: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross reuses iconic sports car name on SUV, gets new 163 PS 1.5T engine

Power comes from a new 1.5 litre direct-injected turbo petrol engine producing 163 PS at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm from 1,800 to 4,500 rpm, mated to a CVT that features a Sport Mode with eight virtual ratios. There’s also a 2.2 litre turbodiesel (no outputs have been revealed for the oil burner just yet), paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Under the skin, the Eclipse Cross features an electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system, as well as Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated dynamics control system with brake-activated Active Yaw Control (AYC). A three-point front strut tower brace and rear structural bonding increase body rigidity, which, combined with detail suspension optimisation, is said to offer precise handling and superior stability.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Leonardo on Nov 03, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    (Like) Boyue 1.8T.
    (Dislike) Eclipse 1.5T

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 75
    • Not same size on Nov 03, 2017 at 7:40 pm

      Boyue is bigger than the Eclipse Cross. Compare ASX and CR-V side by side and you will see what I mean.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 2
      • BigFish on Nov 03, 2017 at 11:06 pm

        Eclipse Cross is 110 mm longer, 35 mm wider and 60 mm taller than the ASX. Geddit?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
        • Osaka boy on Nov 04, 2017 at 2:02 pm

          This car will take away Volvo suv market. May be some crv share too

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
        • Yeah right on Nov 04, 2017 at 11:16 pm

          The latest CR-V is still 179 mm longer, 50 mm wider and 4 mm taller than even the Eclipse Cross. Meanwhile, Boyue is 154 mm longer, 26 mm wider and 9 mm taller than the Eclipse Cross. All dimensions taken from within Paultan.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • Yes 1.5T on Nov 04, 2017 at 7:40 am

      1.5T road tax lower…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • citizenjohn on Nov 03, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    Eclipse becomes SUV
    Evo becomes SUV

    Next GTO & FTO becomes SUV?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 37
    • Addition: colt becomes full sized pickup truck compared to f-150, titan, tundra, ram, silverlardo. :P

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • mitlanevo on Nov 03, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    Proton just rebadged this Mitsubishi beauty !!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 3
  • MissMivec on Nov 03, 2017 at 7:14 pm

    1.5T without Mivec? Should be much more hp if with Mivec…190hp maybe.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • Habis la boyue..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 4
    • MivecKid on Nov 05, 2017 at 10:31 am

      Some other website stated it come with 1.5T-Mivec. Where 2wd sprint 0-100 in 10.3sec and 9.8sec for 4wd. Not too sure which is right. Let just wait and see.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • hrv owner on Nov 03, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    If Mitsubishi bring this model to Malaysia , surely my lovely HRV look ugly , arrrghh

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 33 Thumb down 3
  • hrv owner on Nov 03, 2017 at 7:26 pm

    If Mitsubishi bring this model to Malaysia , bad news to HRV owner , HRV sure look ugly , arrrrghh

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 2
  • If only the ASX and Outlander has the same interior designs and quality of the Eclipse Cross from the start, Mitsubishi would be drowning in money now. Jokes aside, MMM, stop being tardy and bring in the Pajero Sport and Eclipse Cross pronto!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 0
  • Why CVT?!?! on Nov 03, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    Mitsubishi, why CVT again?!?!? I love your car so much but I hate your CVT even more. Why CVT?! Why?! Why?! Why?! Why?! ;(

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 8
  • 4G63T DSM on Nov 03, 2017 at 11:43 pm

    I’m not amused. Especially considering I haved owned 2 different first generation Eclipses.

    Not because they have used the name on a SUV but Mitsu could have put in more poke. That’s really sad. The 2.2 oil burner would probably be the better engine if it makes it here.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Elchino on Nov 04, 2017 at 11:32 am

    Forget about other models which we will never get over here. Just let us have the new Pajero Sports which is already available in Thailand for quite a while now!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • The sharp lines throughout gives this car a stand-out appearance. With a decent interior and engine/transmission this will be a class leader. I wonder if it drives as good as it looks…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • syafiq on Nov 05, 2017 at 9:16 am

    everything looks define except meter panel

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • is mitsubishi obsessed with giant fog lights? ^^

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Reckless Driver on Nov 05, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    What’s up with the ass of the car ……. ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • What a nice beauty!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • 3pedaler on Nov 06, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Design not bad but why spotlight bigger than the headlight?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • can’t wait maybe my next car (2nd car)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • BRING IT ON IF YOU DARE on Dec 22, 2017 at 3:23 am

    Quite a NO for Mitsubishi Malaysia to bring in, since Outlander and Triton are still on sales . All Sedan are not really sell well in our market . No even facelift will bother to launch over Malaysia . You have to do something Mitsubishi Malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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