If you ask long-time car enthusiasts about Mitsubishi, they’ll likely share plenty of stories. Back in the day, Mitsubishi was quite popular in the country due to its affordable pricing and excellent customization options, making it a favorite among sports car lovers. The EVO series became legendary, while the Golan continues to captivate drivers today.
However, over the past decade or so, Mitsubishi hasn’t given the domestic market the attention it deserves, leading to a significant decline in sales. This changed last year when the company refocused on the domestic market, launching the locally produced Outlander, priced under 160,000, which quickly quadrupled its sales figures.
By the end of 2018, Mitsubishi introduced at least five new models in the country, starting with the Eclipse Cross shown here. Positioned as a compact sports SUV, the Eclipse Cross is slightly smaller than the current model but sits in a higher segment. Its front grille bears a striking resemblance to the Outlander, while the overseas version comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, with a more powerful 2.2-liter diesel option available in higher trims. Additionally, the top-tier model features Mitsubishi’s advanced S-AWC super all-wheel control system, offering off-road capabilities that rival those of Land Rover.
The domestic version is expected to come with a 1.6-liter engine on the base model, priced around 110,000, while the top-tier four-wheel-drive 2.2-liter diesel variant could exceed 200,000. The Eclipse Cross boasts a sleek hatchback design, but unlike Mazda’s coupe-style SUVs, its body remains relatively tall. This gives it a rugged, sporty appearance reminiscent of BMW's X6, though the lines are more robust. The overseas model shown in red features metallic paint, an uncommon feature for Japanese small SUVs.
Inside, the Eclipse Cross measures 4.3 meters in length, placing it firmly in the compact SUV category. The cabin is adorned with soft materials, and the multifunction steering wheel is loaded with controls, emphasizing its sporty nature. Higher trims include a touchpad near the central armrest, similar to Audi's MMI system. Overseas models may offer a panoramic sunroof, which is expected to be standard on mid-to-high-end domestic versions. Rear legroom is generous for a small SUV, comparable to Benzhi’s offerings.
For its price point, the Eclipse Cross poses a significant challenge to established models like Benzhi and domestic favorites such as the Haval H6. With its blend of style, off-road capability, and competitive pricing, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross could redefine the compact SUV market. It marks a promising return for Mitsubishi in the domestic market, offering enthusiasts something fresh and exciting after years of neglect.
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