SUV gets eco-friendly twist

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) is preparing for the arrival of the all-new Eclipse Cross PHEV in its showrooms from next month.

Deliveries of the model, which is built on the same second-generation drivetrain as the Outlander PHEV, are due to start from June 2021.

Reece Congdon, MMNZ’s head of marketing and corporate affairs, says it is the “perfect cross between fuel-free, around-town driving and high-performance, open-road adventure”.

The Eclipse Cross PHEV has an electric vehicle (EV) range of up to 55km, a combined range of up to 650km, and produces 75 per cent less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than the petrol version.

It has a 2.4-litre twin electric motor S-AWC configuration that offers a combined electric motor output of 130kW. This is powered by a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery and supported by a 94kW / 199Nm 2.4-litre engine.

The SUV’s system is EV rather than engine-based, which means the motors deliver drive force to each axle in all driving modes. In Series Hybrid Mode the engine is only used to generate electric power, while in Parallel Hybrid Mode it is assisted by the motor for greater fuel efficiency.

A battery recharge from zero to 80 per cent takes about 25 minutes at high-charge stations. Alternatively, battery power can be restored via a household outlet in about seven hours, or four hours using Mode 3 charging.

The premium XLS models feature new high-grade fabric upholstery with leather trim and heated front seats, while the VRX model has a heated steering wheel.

Both models are equipped with forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist.

An eight-inch Smartphone link display audio system enables hands-free mobile connectivity and entertainment, along with handy PHEV status screens and navigation.

Pricing starts at $49,990.