Mitsubishi premiering Eclipse Cross CUV
Automaker displaying its full range of vehicles available in Canada
One of the world leaders in advanced vehicle technology, Mitsubishi Motors will be presenting the Canadian debut of its Eclipse Cross at the Canadian International Auto Show, and this all-new crossover utility vehicle will be available to the public in March.
With a reputation for sport driving and state-of-the-art technology, the Eclipse sports car was one of the most iconic vehicles from the stables of this Japanese automaker. Now this legacy continues with the Eclipse CUV, offering spirited driving with an all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine coupled with technological advances all wrapped in a distinctive new wedge-profiled body design.
There will be four variants of the Cross, starting with the base ES at $27,798, well-equipped with heated power side-view mirrors with integrated LED indicator lamps, rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, colour multi-information display screen, Bluetooth wireless technology, seven-inch thin-type Smartphone Link Display Audio system with Android AutoTM and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Also included are steering wheel-mounted audio, cruise and phone controls, rearview camera, remote keyless entry and panic alarm, seven airbags and an anti-theft alarm.
For $29,998, all of the above is included in the SE model, along with some of the latest in automotive technology, including lane-change assist, blind-spot warning, rear traffic alert, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and paddle shifters. The SE Tech package for $2,000 more provides adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and auto high-beam headlights.
The top-of-the-line Cross GT, for $35,998, includes a sunroof, a HUD (heads-up display), a premium sound system, and leather seating. Mitsubishi is selling a limited-edition of this new Cross, the Diamond Edition, which is highlighted with a unique body kit and special red-andclear paint for a deep finish. This version will cost $37,498 and is limited to 150 examples.
But no matter what version of the new Eclipse Cross is purchased, it will be backed with Mitsubishi’s noted 10-year or 160,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.
Another Mitsubishi highlight at this year’s CIAS will be the Outlander PHEV. Recently introduced in Canada, this plug-in hybrid SUV recently passed the 100,000 mark in sales in Europe.
Developed from a fully electric vehicle, the Outlander PHEV has a unique architecture consisting of a front electric motor, a rear electric motor and no gearbox. This translates into benefits for drivers that include much lower weight providing a more efficient use of energy, a simpler layout and absolutely smooth operation, while being able to cover long distances fully loaded with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
This all-wheel drive SUV can provide an 80-per-cent charge in less than 30 minutes, one of the best charging rates of any hybrid vehicle. Powered by a 2.0-litre gasoline engine with two electric motors, the Outlander PHEV is available in the SE S-AWC version starting at $42,998 and the premium GT SAWC at $49,998.
A high-capacity 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack is utilized in this model. The battery pack consists of 80 cells configured in a series, with a total voltage measuring 300V. The battery is located in a dust and waterproof compartment beneath the passenger compartment and between the front and rear axles.
The SE version offers a host of standard features to make driving safer in tune with today’s traffic and connectivity, including blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, Smartphone Link Display Audio with Android AutoTM and Apple CarPlay. SiriusXM Satellite Radio, 18-inch al- loy wheels, rearview camera, heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and heated front seats are also standard.
The SE Touring package at $45,998 offers all the SE features plus sunroof, leather seats and a heated steering wheel.
The GT package offers the above plus forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, a multi-view camera system, and a power tailgate.
Mitsubishi will been displaying its full range of vehicles available in Canada at the CIAS. Along with the lineup of CUVs and SUVs, there will be examples of the Lancer and Mirage, including the Mirage G4, all backed with Mitsubishi’s 10-year, 100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.
Mitsubishi began building cars in 1917, and had developed all-wheel drive technology by 1936. By the 1960s, it was in the forefront of allwheel drive, and was dominant in global motorsport venues, such as the East African Safari Rally, along with many victories in the gruelling Dakar Rally, including a record-setting seven straight Dakars by 2007. It has also been a pioneer in the use of electric-powered vehicles, setting a world record in 1999 as the first to cover 2,000 kilometres in 24 hours in an electric vehicle.
This technology led to the introduction of the i-MiEV fully electric car in 2010, technology which has been applied to several vehicles in its lineup, along with more motorsports endeavours, including dominating the Pike’s Peak Hill climb in 2014 with the MiEV Evolution III.
Mitsubishi continues to develop electric vehicles as part of Groupe Renault, Nissan Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors, the world’s largest automotive alliance, focused on zero-emission vehicles and developing the latest advanced technologies. This alliance plans to offer autonomous drive, connectivity features and services on a wide range of affordable vehicles.
This all-wheel drive SUV can provide an 80-per-cent charge in less than 30 minutes, one of the best charging rates of any hybrid vehicle