MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS PHEV REVIEWS | 2021 MODEL

Read and compare reviews on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 2021 Model from top New Zealand automotive journalists on trusted websites.

Road test review: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV

SOURCE: STUFF MOTORING | YEAR: 2021 | WORDS AND PHOTOS: Nile Bijoux

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross finally has a plug-in variant. If you like the idea of the Outlander PHEV but don’t want something quite as big, this is something you’ll want to look at..

So what are the new electrics like? It’s a straight lift from the Outlander PHEV. That means twin electric motors, 60kW up front and 70kW on the rear, a small battery with enough capacity for around 55km of electric range, and a 2.4-litre petrol engine paired with a CVT transmission.

But, weirdly, official Mitsubishi specs say that the Eclipse PHEV weighs more than the Outlander, despite it being smaller. Only by 15kg, sure, but you sort of expect a smaller vehicle to weigh less, right?

Thankfully, it doesn’t feel like it weighs 1895kg. The instant torque of the electric motors really helps in this regard, pushing the Eclipse off the line nice and quickly. There is a CVT transmission to deal with, but the electric motors negate the initial sluggishness and this isn’t a hugely sporty car.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 2021 Car Review

SOURCE: AA | YEAR: 2021

Mitsubishi has always been incredibly strong in the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) segment thanks to its popular seven-seater Outlander PHEV.

Last year, Mitusbishi held a huge 43 per cent share in the new PHEV market, and they’ve now launched a brand new PHEV – the Eclipse Cross.

Mitsubishi is smart. Yes, they have had a very successful model on offer since 2014, but they also know that they can’t rest on their laurels, especially with other marques eyeing up this growing segment. New PHEV models have been released in the last 12 months by the likes of Kia, Peugeot, Ford, Volvo and Skoda.

The recent launch of the Clean Car Discount will no doubt spur on motorists to consider making the shift to owning a new PHEV and take advantage of the $5,750 discount.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV review: plug and play

SOURCE: DRIVEN | YEAR: 2021 | WORDS AND PHOTOS: DEAN EVANS

Carbon copies rarely come out as sharp as the original, but the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV could be an exception. Underneath, it’s basically an Outlander PHEV. Yep, NZ’s most-popular plug-in hybrid. That means the same twin-motor 4WD system, the same 13.8kWh battery, good for 55km on battery alone, before switching to its 2.4-litre petrol engine.

It also means the same pure EV, battery save or battery charge modes, that allow driver interaction and input to use or save battery or petrol at specific times of a journey. Mitsubishi claims the same 1.9l/100km average fuel use, and this is certainly achievable (or better) with shorter trips that fall within the EV range, meaning fuel tank ranges of 1000km+ are very achievable.

And being an EV-based system, when things are left alone, it’ll prioritise battery use making it quiet and efficient for around-town running.

For information about EV charging in Tauranga, servicing cost comparisons, and potential resale value analysis, here’s a resource to help you decide if an electric vehicle is the way to go for your next purchase.