Automotive

Mitsubishi crosses the Eclipse over into SUV territory

Mitsubishi crosses the Eclipse over into SUV territory
Mitsubishi will offer turbo and turbo-diesel engines in the Eclipse Cross
Mitsubishi will offer turbo and turbo-diesel engines in the Eclipse Cross
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Like Mitsubishi's recent concepts, the Eclipse Cross greets the world with a "Dynamic Shield" face
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Like Mitsubishi's recent concepts, the Eclipse Cross greets the world with a "Dynamic Shield" face
Mitsubishi sends light clean across the rear, cutting the windshield in half
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Mitsubishi sends light clean across the rear, cutting the windshield in half
The new Eclipse Cross will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week
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The new Eclipse Cross will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week
Mitsubishi breaks from its recent string of SUV concepts to reveal a production model
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Mitsubishi breaks from its recent string of SUV concepts to reveal a production model
Mitsubishi gives the Eclipse Cross a strong, sporty profile
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Mitsubishi gives the Eclipse Cross a strong, sporty profile
The Eclipse Cross is quite distinctive from virtually every angle
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The Eclipse Cross is quite distinctive from virtually every angle
Mitsubishi plans to ship the first Eclipse Cross models to Europe in the latter half of the year
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Mitsubishi plans to ship the first Eclipse Cross models to Europe in the latter half of the year
The Eclipse Cross includes a Smartphone Link Display Audio system with touchscreen
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The Eclipse Cross includes a Smartphone Link Display Audio system with touchscreen
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Mitsubishi will offer turbo and turbo-diesel engines in the Eclipse Cross
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Mitsubishi will offer turbo and turbo-diesel engines in the Eclipse Cross
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Inside the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
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Inside the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Inside the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
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Inside the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The head-up display shows information like speed, active safety system data and more
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The head-up display shows information like speed, active safety system data and more 
View gallery - 14 images

In a true temperature reading of the contemporary auto market, Mitsubishi is bringing back the Eclipse ... as a compact SUV. Following the debuts of concepts like the eX and GT-PHEV, the automaker will premiere the Eclipse Cross at next week's 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The coupe-infused crossover will go into production later this year as the latest member of Mitsubishi's global SUV family.

Mitsubishi ended production on the Eclipse back in 2011, after having the car in its lineup for more than two decades. Fans of the sports car have undoubtedly been hoping for a big Eclipse return, but they definitely weren't hoping for it like this. Instead of being a properly sharp, sporty two-door Eclipse successor, the new Eclipse is a four-door SUV. The "Eclipse" seems merely Mitsubishi's way of signifying sportier, coupe-inspired SUV styling.

The 173.4-in-long (4,405-mm-long) Eclipse Cross does take on a sporty, hatchback-like profile courtesy of the sloped roofline, forward-raked rear windscreen and short rear overhang. Chiseled fenders and strongly defined character lines running the sides lend a muscular appearance.

Mitsubishi gives the Eclipse Cross a strong, sporty profile
Mitsubishi gives the Eclipse Cross a strong, sporty profile

Up front, the Eclipse Cross wears the Dynamic Shield design language that has been finding its way into Mitsubishi's production lineup from its multi-year parade of concept SUVs. The shield-shaped central radiator stretches seamlessly into side-swept headlamps, creating a strong identity furthered by the set-in lower lamps and thick trim around the edges.

The rear design is also unmistakably "Eclipse Cross," but we find the windscreen-splitting rear light bar a little messy and can't see how it will be anything but annoying during driving. A spoiler up top adds to the model's sportiness.

Mitsubishi sends light clean across the rear, cutting the windshield in half
Mitsubishi sends light clean across the rear, cutting the windshield in half

Mitsubishi will offer a 1.5-liter direct-injection turbo petrol engine with CVT and a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel with eight-speed automatic transmission. The electronically controlled all-wheel drive and Super All-Wheel Control dynamics control system will help to keep the Cross gripping the road and maneuvering as the driver intends. Mitsubishi promises that structural rigidity and suspension optimization add to the SUV's handling and stability.

Inside, the Eclipse Cross has a modern feel, cool metal framing out the center console and dashboard. The Smartphone Link Display Audio system with its stand-up touchscreen offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A touchpad helps the driver to seamlessly control infotainment, while a head-up display provides crucial information while keeping the driver's eyes pointed in the direction of the road ahead. The rear seats feature a 60:40 folding split and rely on a slide-and-recline function to provide plenty of leg and headroom under the fast-sloping roof above.

Inside the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Inside the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Eclipse Cross will slide in between the compact ASX (also known as the Outlander Sport or RVR, depending upon market) and mid-size Outlander when it launches in Europe in the latter half of the year. Launches in Japan, North America, Australia and other global markets will follow.

With under a week to go, New Atlas is getting ready to make the trip to Switzerland and bring you all the latest supercar, concept car and passenger car news from the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. It opens to the press on Tuesday, March 7.

Source: Mitsubishi

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1 comment
1 comment
MatthewR.Mitchell
Looks like a bunch of idiots figured out how to ruin another carstory legacy.. Fail Fail Fail.. that thing sucks