Some could view the Mitsubishi brand as a problem child, being stuck in a kerfuffle as it tries to shift its lineup to meet the overwhelming demand for crossovers and SUVs. It was initially planning to hit the 100,000 sales mark here in the U.S. for 2016, but the financial year – which ends in March of 2017 – will be the first time in eight years that the brand has posted a loss. That suspected loss, which could amount to as much as ¥205 billion (about $2 million) can be attributed to the brand getting caught in its own scandal. But, that’s not the only reason. Over the years, it has let down fans that prefer sporty cars over SUVs, with the Eclipse being killed off after 2012 and the Lancer soldiering on virtually unchanged and underpowered for a decade, just to be killed off before the start of 2018. With its focus consistently on SUV’s, it should come as no surprise that the brand is set to debut a new compact SUV that will slot between the Outlander and Outlander Sport. For now, little is known about the new SUV but will go into production in Fall of 2017, could use a shortened version of the Outlander’s platform, and should borrow some design cues from the Mitsubishi eX Concept and 2013 XR-PHEV Concept.
As it turns out, Mitsubishi has decided to go with the rumors that have been circulating about the crossover’s name and will end up calling it the Eclipse. But, it will be called the Eclipse Cross, which is still better than some random series of letters or numbers, but is still uncreative and might not be received well by those who remember the Eclipse as a sporty coupe. According to Mitsubishi, the name was chosen because the new crossover will have coupe-like contours and, of course, “Cross” because it’s a crossover. But, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, the Eclipse Cross will make its debut on March 7th at the Geneva Auto Show. For now, all we have is a teaser image, but hopefully, the crossover itself will be more creative than the name badge that it wears. Let’s dive on in to talk more about it before it makes its debut.
Update 02/14/2017: Mitsubishi has announced that its new crossover will be called the Eclipse Cross and will debut at the Geneva Motor Show wearing a “deep gloss red metallic finish.”
Exterior
Mitsubishi has kept information about its upcoming SUV under lock and key, with the only real information up to this point being the brand’s intention to add another SUV to its lineup to accommodate for the shrinking Outlander Sport and growing Outlander. With the introduction of this teaser image, we see a partially masked car that reveals quite a bit more than what was initially expected and points to certain rumors being true. Most notably, word has been that the new SUV would sport design cues from the Concept XR-PHEV II and the EX Concept, and it certainly does look quite a bit like that XR-PHEV II.
The new SUV would sport design cues from the Concept XR-PHEV II and the EX Concept, and it certainly does look quite a bit like that XR-PHEV II.
We can’t see the front end all that well, but that shiny chrome strip at the very front is indicative of the same jagged front end we saw on that concept, while the rake of the windshield and the slope of the roof match its profile as well. Then you’ve got those jagged rear taillights and rear quarter panels that are almost identical to go with the same sharp central bodyline and weird bubbly presence farther back on the side profile. The door glass even takes the same style as the XR-PHEV II. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise with 2016 being the year of hemorrhaging capital for the brand, but based on this initial teaser, the production model will probably be nearly identical.
Expect the SUV to have LED rear taillights and LED headlights, at least on higher-trimmed models, while side-view mirrors will replace the side cameras on the concept. The wheel arches on this model look to be a little more pronounced and should give the SUV a more muscular profile overall. Other exterior technology should include a backup camera on lower-end models and a 360 surround camera on more expensive variants, while LED DRLs should be standard across the line and LED foglamps will grace the front fascia of the range-topping model. All told, it should be sportier than both of the current Outlander models and won’t be quite as ugly as the ASX.
All of this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though, as the XR-PHEV II actually received some decent attention from the public in terms of exterior styling, so it might turn out to be a good model for the brand. But, we’ll find out more about that when it debuts in Geneva, so let’s move on and talk more about you might find inside this future model.
Interior
One of my biggest complaints about recent Mitsubishi vehicles is the design of the interior, most notably in models like the Outlander and Outlander sport. Generally plagued by massive seams between trim panels and thin upholstery materials, neither vehicles offered much to write home about. The interior of the XR-PHEV II concept was wild with things like odd button layouts, weird seat designs, and lots of sharp lines, so I wouldn’t expect to see much from the concept’s interior to carry over into the production model.
Note: Mitsubishi Outlander interior shown here.
It will more than likely resemble what we see in the Outlander duo more than anything. Expect to see a prominent center stack with a centrally mounted infotainment display.
It will more than likely resemble what we see in the Outlander duo more than anything. Expect to see a prominent center stack with a centrally mounted infotainment display. Standard models will likely receive six-inch displays and cloth interior while higher-trimmed models will get a larger seven-inch display to go with leather upholstery and a soft-touch dash pad. Most audio controls will be built into the infotainment system, so there shouldn’t be too many buttons floating around, while the HVAC system will likely sport a basic three-knob design. Higher-end models could get digital HVAC control to go with a semi-digital instrument cluster while low-end models will get a traditional analog setup.
A small center console will sit just below the seats up front but will provide a central armrest for front passengers, while some models may get an inductive charging pad and phone connectivity via USB or Bluetooth connections. Rear passengers will likely suffer from a lack of headroom if they are taller thanks to that sloping roof design, but anyone under six foot should be fairly comfortable back there. I wouldn’t expect too much in terms of safety or driver assist features, with most Mitsubishi models lacking any real tech in the department outside of ABS, EBD, and stability control. It should get the standard seven airbags, and hill start assist – features that are standard across all models in the brand’s lineup. Finally, a backup camera will be standard on most trims, as will Mitsubishi’s standard 140-Watt sound system. The option for a Rockford Fosgate system with 9 speakers and a 10-inch woofer should be available for a few trim levels.
Drivetrain
Given Mitsubishi’s scandal that will result is the brand’s first posted loss in almost a decade, I wouldn’t expect Mitsubishi to surprise us with any new developments in the drivetrain department. That means this model will probably get the same 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines found in the Outlander Sport. In that model, the 2.0-liter serves as the base engine and provides a power output of 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Upper trim levels will likely get 168 ponies and 167 pound-feet of twist from the 2.4-liter. The 2.0-liter will most likely pair with a five-speed manual but can be optioned with a somewhat troubling CVT, while those equipped with the 2.4-liter will be stuck with the CVT. Of course, the CVT does offer up paddle shifters for some models, to the highest trim levels of this model may get that treatment as well.
Note: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport engine shown here.
This model will probably get the same 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines found in the Outlander Sport.
Needless to say, small SUVs and crossovers are rarely fun when it comes to performance, so don’t expect things to be any different with this model. Mitsubishi could tune the aforementioned engines to deliver a little more power, though, as it will technically sit above the Outlander Sport in the lineup. A mild upgrade of 20 horsepower and 10 pound-feet for each engine isn’t really out of the question. Towing capacity will likely be limited to 1,500 pounds at best if it’s even offered with a towing package.
Pricing
Surely, you didn’t think we would actually have any real pricing information here, did you? Honestly, it’s a bit too early for that kind of info, but given the fact that the Outlander Sport starts out at $19,795, and the larger Outlander starts out at $23,495 (as of the time of this writing,) expect this model to fall right in the middle with a starting price point right around $21,500. Then again, Mitsubishi could lower the price of the Sport a bit and up the price of the Outlander to increase the differences in pricing, so we’ll just have to wait and see what Mitsubishi does in the coming months as it rolls into showrooms.
Competition
This segment is extremely over-populated at this point, so you could throw a rock in any direction and hit a dealership with at least one competitor in the parking lot, but two of the primary competitors will include the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage entered its third generation for the 2017 model year, so its look will be nice and fresh when Mitsubishi’s new SUV hits the market. Despite its rather boring exterior profile, tall front end, and small footprint, this generation is said to be inspired by fighter jets, but I’ll leave that comment alone for now. On the inside, the car features a fairly decent interior with leather available in some models. There are two different infotainment displays (seven- and eight inches in size,) both of which offer features like Kia’s Connected Services and navigation with traffic updates, speed camera location, and weather forecasts all courtesy of TomTom.
Under the hood, the Sportage can be had with a number of engines depending on the market with output ranging anywhere from 113 horsepower and 207 pound-feet up to 240 horsepower and 237 pound-feet. U.S. customers get the choice of a 2.4-liter with 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet or a 2.0-liter turbocharged mill with the aforementioned 240 ponies and 237 pound-feet. Non-U.S. powertrain options are listed below:
Read more about the Kia Sportage here.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is also in its third generation, which just so happened to kick off for the 2016 model year. With it came new exterior styling and new, softer materials inside for a more premium feel. It also grew in size a bit, which puts it right into the same category as Mitsubishi’s upcoming SUV. Inside you’ll find an attract trim layout with some models getting healthy doses of leather and metal-looking trim inserts. The infotainment screen is right around seven inches in size and offers up the usual phone connectivity and navigation options afforded by other models in this segment. On the plus side, this model does offer a maximum cargo capacity of 61.9 cubic feet when configured properly as well as 102.2 cubic feet of passenger volume with all seats in their upright position. Under the hood, the Tucson can be had with a number of engines, again, depending on the market. U.S. customers get the choice of a 2.0-liter in the base model that delivers 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet or a turbocharged, 1.6-liter with 175 horses and 195 pound-feet. A six-speed automatic is standard on 2.0-liter models while the 1.6-liter gets a seven-speed dual clutch unit. Non-U.S. drivetrain options are listed below:
Find out more about the Hyundai Tucson here.
Conclusion
Mitsubishi has said that this SUV will be the best model that the brand has built to date, and that’s a pretty bold statement when you consider the way people lost their minds with the death of the EVO program for the Lancer. But, for now, we can give Mitsubishi the benefit of the doubt in hopes that it really doesn’t disappoint. Something tells me that the production model will be somewhat lazy, being a near carbon copy of the XR-PHEV II on the outside and the Outlander Sport on the inside, but maybe I’m wrong. On the other side of things, Mitsubishi could have come up with a better name. Using the Eclipse name for an SUV just doesn’t sit right with me. One thing is certain, however, and that’s the fact that we’ll know all there is to know in just a couple short months when the doors to the Geneva Motor Show officially open. Until then, let us know what you think so far in the comments section below, and check back with us for more information as it becomes available.
Press Release
1.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has named its all-new SUV “Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross”.
As befits its sharp, coupé-like contours, the Eclipse Cross name references the Eclipse sports car which amassed more than 1.4 million sales, mainly in North America between 1989 and 2012, while also referring to the cross-functional SUV nature of this new car. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will line up alongside the Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Outlander to broaden the brand’s model range and introduce a whole new audience to Mitsubishi Motors, a name long associated with stylish, reliable and capable SUVs and 4X4s.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will debut at the Geneva Motor Show (Hall 2, Stand 2130) on March 7 2017, finished in a deep gloss red metallic, a new colour specially developed for this new model using an innovative painting process.
2.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will debut its new compact SUV at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show*1 scheduled for March 7 through 19, 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The new compact SUV will be added to MMC’s crossover SUV lineup which currently comprises the ASX*2 compact SUV, and the Outlander and Outlander PHEV midsize SUVs. Styling features include a wedge-shape belt line, a forceful character line running through the side, a more steeply raked rear window, and long wheelbase with short rear overhang proportions.
These produce a sharp and active looking coupe SUV shape that represents MMC’s vehicles. Together with heavily flared front and rear fenders, these elements create a dynamic and sporty design that engenders the powerful image of a stocky track athlete.