Electric cars are soaring in popularity, and regular hybrids are still in high demand. However, plug-in hybrids are struggling to gain traction in the Australian market due to the confusion surrounding their combination of petrol and electric power.
This poses a challenge for Mitsubishi, as it positions itself as a specialist in plug-in hybrid vehicles, targeting customers who want electric power for their daily commute and the option for longer road trips without relying on Australia’s limited public charging network.
In addition to its flagship Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi offers the smaller Eclipse Cross with plug-in capabilities. The top-of-the-line Exceed model, priced in the mid-$50k range, is more expensive than popular pure electric options like the BYD Atto 3 but comparable to larger hybrid models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda ZR-V.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid Exceed is priced at $55,990 before on-road costs, representing a $1500 increase from the previous year. It is $7700 more expensive than the base ES model and $4750 more than the mid-range Aspire. Compared to the petrol-powered Eclipse Cross Exceed, it carries a $14,000 premium.
While there are no direct competitors among pure plug-in hybrid vehicles, the Eclipse Cross faces competition from electric models like the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range and the MG ZS EV Long Range. In the hybrid segment, it competes with the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power.
Inside the Eclipse Cross, there is a decent amount of space despite its compact exterior. The driver and front passenger seats are leather and offer electric adjustment. However, the interior materials and technology feel cheap and outdated compared to similarly priced rivals. The infotainment display is small at 8.0 inches and lacks modern features, and the overall design of the cabin feels underwhelming.
Rear legroom is good thanks to the long wheelbase, but headroom is compromised due to the sloping roofline and panoramic sunroof. The lack of air vents in the rear is disappointing. The boot offers 359L of space, which is 46L less than the petrol versions, and there is no spare wheel due to the battery pack placement.
Under the bonnet, the Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid Exceed is powered by a 2.4-litre petrol engine, two electric motors, and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The combined system outputs are not specified, but it features a ‘Super-All Wheel Control’ all-wheel drive system. The claimed fuel consumption is 1.9L/100km, with an electric range of 55km.
When the battery is fully charged, the Eclipse Cross performs well in electric mode, offering smooth and quiet acceleration. However, the petrol engine can feel gruff when it kicks in, and the weight of the hybrid components affects the ride and handling, making the car feel heavy over bumps and impacting refinement.
Overall, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid Exceed offers an electric-driven commuting experience but falls short in terms of interior quality and driving dynamics compared to its competitors in the market.