For the first time since the small i-Miev from 2010, Mitsubishi has another fully electric car in its lineup. Indeed, the Eclipse Cross is no longer a plug-in hybrid and actually not even a Mitsubishi either. We’re looking at a slightly modified Renault Scenic E-Tech. What’s the added value of a different logo?
Which Mitsubishi models are based on a Renault?
The roles have been reversed at Mitsubishi. Previously, it was the French who borrowed from the Japanese brand. The i-Miev is also available as the Peugeot i-On and as the Citroën C-Zero. And that wasn’t the end of it. The Outlander was sold as the Citroën C-Crosser and as the Peugeot 4007 in the showroom, the ASX as the Citroën C4 Aircross and as the Peugeot 4008. In 2022, we were suddenly surprised with a Mitsubishi based on a Renault: the successful Captur has been available as the ASX since then, and not much later the Colt followed based on the Clio. Apparently, this strategy works well: two more Renaults have been transformed into a Mitsubishi: the Symbioz (an extended Captur, still following?) is the new Grandis, the Scenic E-Tech has been renamed by Mitsubishi as the new Eclipse Cross. This means the Eclipse undergoes another transformation – it was once a coupe that wasn’t supplied in Europe.
So the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a Scenic?
In early 2017, the Eclipse Cross debuted as a crossover, and since the facelift in 2020, it’s also available as a PHEV. Popular with caravan-loving recreational drivers, as it can tow 1,500 kg. But the Renault Scenic, the car on which the new Eclipse Cross is based, also received an SUV makeover as a more or less classically trained MPV and can therefore be classified as a crossover. All in all, thanks to the cooperation with Renault, Mitsubishi has several new products in the showroom again, even though the brand indicated not too long ago that it would no longer develop new models for Europe. In fact, that’s still the case, given the current offering. Only the Outlander still comes from their own house, and meanwhile there’s a cooperation with the Taiwanese Foxtron for the development of an EV, and there will probably be a Nissan Leaf with Mitsubishi logos.
What are the differences inside and outside?
At the front, it’s not just the brand logo that makes this Renault a Mitsubishi. On both sides of the grill, we see an interpretation of the so-called dynamic shield of the brand, which is even more explicit on the front of the Outlander. The hood is more profiled than that of the Scenic, the headlights are slightly different in shape, and the daytime running lights are completely different. All these modifications together give the Eclipse Cross its own face. Moving to the side, where first the different wheels stand out. Furthermore, we spot different trim at the bottom of the doors, and the aluminum-colored strips run at the bottom of the side windows instead of along the top and end in the C-pillar. There too you see differences with the ‘original’. At the rear, the differences are less dramatic, and it’s mainly the black bar between the lights that the Renault doesn’t have. Apart from the logo on the steering wheel and a different type of stitching on the upholstery, everything inside is the same. So also the three stalks on the right of the steering column. The vertical screen measures 12.3 inches and uses Google, allowing you to download all known apps.
What is the range of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
That there are no differences under the skin is not surprising. For now, Mitsubishi only offers the version with 220 hp and 87 kWh battery, good for a WLTP range of 633 kilometers. Next year, the Eclipse Cross will be available with a smaller battery. That measures 60 kWh, combined with a motor power of 170 hp. We don’t have data regarding consumption and range yet, but Renault specifies 420 kilometers for the base Scenic, and the Mitsubishi won’t deviate much from that. The maximum trailer weight of the electric Eclipse Cross is significantly lower at only 1,100 kg compared to the plug-in hybrid.
How does the Eclipse Cross drive?
With the driving characteristics of the Scenic still fresh in our memory, we get behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The Renault left a positive impression, so it’s not hard to guess that the Mitsubishi does too. It owes this to the pleasant steering, which is remarkably direct for this type of car. The smooth suspension behavior of earlier Scenic generations is not present in this car; we would describe it as firm instead. And that might be better for the Mitsubishi driver anyway, who isn’t used to French suspension comfort. But also not used to a powertrain that you barely hear and the immediately available torque. Because even though the current hybrid Eclipse Cross behaves somewhat like an EV, with 300 Nm under your right foot, driving becomes quite different.
Is the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross more expensive than the previous one?
The fully electric powertrain is actually quite good news for current plug-in hybrid owners who do everything to refuel as little as possible and drive as many kilometers electrically as possible. Because to achieve the latter, you’ll have to use every opportunity to charge. How different that is with the new Eclipse Cross. A round trip from Soest Siddeburen to Aunt Nel is possible without charging. It gets even better if you already have a wallbox at home and solar panels. More electric with less plugging. In short, if you’re devoted to your brand and also to your dealer, and not afraid of an EV without PH, then you’re not making a mistake with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. You’ll need to bring at least 5 thousand more than before, and it’s more expensive than the Scenic, but in return you get 8 years warranty and from the second equipment level, a 22 kW onboard charger.