The 2017 Geneva Auto Show just added one more bona fide crowd pleaser to its line up with the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. This is the brand-new SUV from the famed Japanese car company, which has been disillusioning its fans in recent times with scandals and lack luster offerings, particularly in the sports car department. That is maybe why they are now deciding to convert their lineup by meeting the demands of the ever-growing crossover/SUV market.
We will have to wait until next moth to see exactly what the new Eclipse Cross brings to the table, but for now take a look at some of our predictions and expectations below.
image credit: top speed
Exterior
All that we know about the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, that has been officially announced is that it will fill an empty spot in the Mitsubishi lineup between the Outlander Sport and the compact Outlander. Aside from that, rumor has it that the new model will be heavily influenced by the Concept XR-PHEV II and the EX Concept. And by the look of the teaser images it certainly bares a strong resemblance to the XR-PHEV II, especially with the chrome strip in the front and jagged rear taillights and rear quarter panels.
What we can’t see from the teaser photographs but certainly expect to find on the finished model are the LED lights that will be standard for all the trims. Furthermore, the XR-PHEV’s side cameras will probably be replaced by regular side-view mirrors. But there should be some exterior technology available, including the backup camera or a 360-surround camera on some higher trim levels. Also, look out for the LED DRLs and LED foglamps. In terms of the overall design, we expect this new 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross to be a lot sportier than the Outlander models, especially since the Eclipse nameplate originates from the one-time sports car offered by Mitsubishi until 2012.
image credit: top speed
Engine and Powertrain
We don’t expect to see any new drivetrain options from the scandal riddled Mitsubishi. The new SUV will likely re-use the same 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines that can be found in the Outlander models. The 2.0 unit creates about 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, and it will likely be offered as the entry level option, while the higher trim levels could deliver 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque from the 2.4-liter engine. If Mitsubishi goes with these two Outlander engines, they will presumably come with the same problematic CVT transmission. Although, the 2.0 liter could offer an optional five speed manual. On the upside, the CVT comes with paddle shifters in some of the higher trims.
We must note that these are only our predictions, but we will keep you updated when the official information surfaces.
Mitsubishi XR-PHEV II Concept:
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gallery credit: mitsubishi-motors.com
2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Release Date and Price
We will get our first preview of the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at the 2017 Geneva Auto Show which starts March 7th, while the actual release date could be a lot further away. We expect it to hit the showrooms in the first half of 2018. While the pricing for the new Mitsubishi SUV could fall somewhere between the $19,795 Outlander Sport and the $23,495 compact Outlander, but we will find out officially next month when the new model premiers at the Geneva auto show.
Update:
Some new spy photographs of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross undergoing cold weather testing managed to make their way online. Although it is heavily camouflaged, the production version looks a lot like the XR-PHEV II concept, at least externally. Motorauthority first reported on the spy shots, and we have gathered some of them below, so take a look:
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