If you ask long-time car enthusiasts about the Mitsubishi brand, they’ll likely share plenty of stories. Back in the day, Mitsubishi vehicles were quite popular in the country due to their affordable pricing and great potential for customization. Models like the EVO became legendary, while the Golan series continued to captivate drivers.
However, Mitsubishi didn’t pay much attention to the domestic market for over a decade, leading to a significant decline in sales. It wasn’t until last year that things started to change when the newly launched Outlander, priced under 160,000, managed to quadruple its sales within a short period. This marked a turning point for Mitsubishi in the Chinese market.
At 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 sporty SUV, it’s slightly smaller than the current version but aimed at a higher tier of consumers.
The front grille closely resembles that of the Outlander, and the overseas version comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, with a 2.2-liter diesel option available for 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 luxury brands like Land Rover. This marks a return to form for Mitsubishi in the minds of its loyal fanbase.
In the domestic market, the base model is expected to feature a 1.6-liter engine, priced around 110,000 RMB. Meanwhile, the top-tier all-wheel-drive 2.2-liter diesel version could exceed 200,000 RMB.
Despite its hatchback-inspired design, the Eclipse Cross isn't a coupe-style SUV like those from Mazda. Its taller stance gives it a rugged appearance, somewhat reminiscent of the BMW X6 but with sharper, more robust lines. The overseas version features a metallic red paint job, which is uncommon among Japanese compact SUVs.
The interior, shown here, reflects the car's compact size, with a length of just 4.3 meters. The cabin uses soft-touch materials extensively, and the multifunction steering wheel is packed with controls, emphasizing a sporty vibe. Higher trims may include a touchpad control near the center console, similar to systems found in Audi vehicles.
Overseas models offer panoramic sunroofs, and it’s anticipated that this feature will become standard in mid-to-high trim levels domestically. Rear legroom is quite generous for a compact SUV, comparable to that of the Benzhi.
Considering its price point, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross poses a serious challenge to established competitors like the Haval H6. For domestic compact SUV buyers looking for value, the Eclipse Cross could be a game-changer. However, it remains to be seen whether it can regain enough ground to compete effectively against rivals like the Benzhi.
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