While the Mitsubishi Lancer will be retiring at the of the 2017 model year, the Japanese manufacturer will be adding a new utility vehicle to its product range, which was unveiled earlier this week at the Geneva Auto Show.
Baptised Eclipse Cross, this new model will share its wheelbase with the RVR and the Outlander, and will slot neatly between the two in regards to outer dimensions. By resurrecting the Eclipse nameplate, previously associated to a coupe and a cabriolet in the lineup, Mitsubishi is seeking to point out the sporty character of their new compact SUV.
Its character is notably highlighted by a steeply raked windshield and an inclined rear window. Up front, the Eclipse Cross gets a very detailed version of the company’s Dynamic Shield corporate face.
Inside, Mitsubishi will introduce some new technologies, such as head-up display and a touchpad controller for the infotainment system. They will be added to the list of available features that includes a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control with precollision warning and autonomous braking as well as blind spot and lane departure warning.
Two powertrains will be offered in the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, both developed in-house. A turbocharged and direct-injected, 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission with manual mode and eight pre-programmed gear ratios, will be standard. A 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four, mixed with an eight-speed automatic, will also be available in Europe, and there is a small chance it might make its way to the Canadian market as well. The brand’s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) drivetrain will equip all versions of the SUV.
The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross should arrive in Canada late in 2017, or early in 2018.
