2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross detailed: Significant facelift for Kia Seltos and Nissan Qashqai rival introduces hybrid power

Mitsubishi has revealed the significant facelift for the first-generation Eclipse Cross small SUV, with petrol variants due in Australia next month ahead of the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) grade in 2021.

The Eclipse Cross’ Dynamic Shield front fascia has been thoroughly tweaked, although the general themes of the headlights, grille and bumper are familiar.

What isn’t, though, is the rear end, which has been overhauled with a fresh tailgate that doesn’t split the glass with a light bar linking the two tail-lights like the preceding design. The fresh bumper has also closely aligned itself with its counterpart.

Inside, the Eclipse Cross gets a new 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system positioned closer to the driver and front passenger. It even introduces volume and tuning knobs for ease of use.

Furthermore, the previous touchpad controller has been removed from the centre console to increase storage space. And, of course, the interior now has improved rearward visibility.

While the fresh Eclipse Cross will launch locally with a carryover 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the aforementioned PHEV powertrain will be a new option for the Kia Seltos and Nissan Qashqai rival.

The Eclipse Cross PHEV takes its low-emissions powertrain from the Outlander PHEV mid-size SUV, although some packaging-related changes have been made. Either way, it pairs a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, a large battery and a single-speed planetary gearbox.

While outputs, battery size, charging times, electric-only driving range, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are for the Eclipse Cross PHEV are yet to be released, we do know it has three drive modes: EV, Series Hybrid and Parallel Hybrid, which it automatically engages.

Critically, the Eclipse Cross PHEV supports bi-directional charging, meaning owners can essentially use it as a very large portable battery, perhaps when camping, with it able to supply up to 1500W of power from an onboard outlet.

Of note, select petrol variants and the PHEV grade are matched to Mitsubishi’s S-AWC all-wheel-drive system. All get retuned springs and larger rear dampers.

Australian pricing and full specification details for the fresh Eclipse Cross will be confirmed next month. For reference, the pre-facelift model is priced from $29,990 to $39,490 plus on-road costs.