Are You Ready for the Next Eclipse? Inspirational New Mitsubishi Coming in January 2018

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is truly a sight to behold. This distinctively designed new crossover SUV represents not only a landmark on Mitsubishi’s production timeline, but also a new era for compact SUVs as a whole. After tantalising teases from the Japanese manufacturer in 2013 and 2015, the new model was officially unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. As official Mitsubishi Franchise for Shropshire and Mid-Wales, at JT Hughes we are looking forward to offering the car to customers from January 2018.

So what is it that has got critics and car buffs alike so excited about the forthcoming Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? For a start, it is a crossover in the truest sense of the word. Depending on which day of the week you look at the car, you might see similarities with the Mitsubishi Outlander, or maybe the competitive streak of the Mitsubishi sports cars from which the vehicle takes its inspiration.

Mitsubishi drivers are a loyal bunch, and in creating a powerful ‘crossbreed’ of much-loved models, we think that the manufacturer has done itself proud. It really is a case of getting ‘the best of both worlds’ with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Dynamic Shield Design and LED headlamps offer the safety and security which are desirable to an SUV driver, while attractive coupe lines give the vehicle an unmistakably athletic look.

Drivers will be equipped with a 1.5 litre, four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 160bhp, while the 2.2-litre diesel version will come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The extra control afforded by the All Wheel Drive (AWD) System comes into play when negotiating corners, lending itself to smooth steering.

Inside the car’s ‘cockpit’, you cannot fail to be impressed by a three-tiered, multi-dimensional dashboard design which Top Gear magazine compared to being inside a “soccer stadium”. This is a vehicle which is big on connectivity, offering an easy to use touchpad controller, colour head-up display, and a high-resolution touchscreen which will provide functionality at your fingertips. Add in a Mitsubishi mobile app which is compatible with the Eclipse Cross, and you will be on your way to an effortless journey.

And despite the sport feel and direct injection turbo engine, it is the little touches of comfort which will make the Eclipse Cross well-rounded enough to be a crossover SUV to be reckoned with. You can look forward to rear heated seats and a power panoramic sunroof which mean the vehicle is a joy to be driven in, as well as to drive.

So who is responsible for this feat of design? we hear you ask. Ironically enough, Mitsubishi have Nissan to thank partly, as their current chief of design Tsunehiro Kunimoto, the man behind the Eclipse Cross, made the switch between the two manufacturers three years ago. Given the newly formed alliance between the two companies, we are sure there is no resentment lingering!

So prepare yourself for a fantastic new addition to the Mitsubishi range. If you are looking for some of the functionality offered by the traditional family hatchback, along with the ‘extra spice’ of a bold, sporty design – the Eclipse Cross should be right up your street. It offers an ideal compromise of drivability - with excellent dashboard layout and functionality - along with a driver’s view that has been applauded by critics - and passenger comforts thanks to the spacious and comfortable interior.

Want to register your interest in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ahead of its January launch? Or perhaps you have a question about the new model? Fire away – you can speak to the team at JT Hughes Telford Mitsubishi  or JT Hughes Newtown Mitsubishi