2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Teased, Will Go Down The Plug-In Hybrid Route

Prototypes of the facelifted Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have been spotted testing ever since earlier this year, and now the Japanese automaker has started the teasing game.

Set to debut in the fiscal year 2020, which ends on March 31, 2021, the compact crossover coupe will feature revised styling, inspired by the 2017 e-Evolution Concept, with “radically changed front and rear design”, according to the car firm.

“The new design draws inspiration from the Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept, emphasizing the strength and dynamics from our SUV heritage, while enhancing the cleanliness and elegance of a coupe-like SUV”, said design chief Seiji Watanabe. “The Eclipse Cross is the first step toward the next generation of Mitsubishi Design, and there is so much more to come.”

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Spy shots have indicated the presence of a new front bumper, refreshed grille and fog lamps, while at the back, the tailgate adopts cleaner-looking styling and appears to have dropped the split window. The taillights are part of the update, and so are the bumper, roof-mounted wing and perhaps the side skirts, considering that they were wrapped up on test prototypes.

Visual changes aside, the 2021 Eclipse Cross will join the likes of the Outlander PHEV as the brand’s second plug-in hybrid SUV. Details surrounding the powertrain have yet to be released, but Mitsubishi said it will launch in select markets.

Elsewhere, the engine lineup of the current iteration should be retained, with Europe getting the 1.5-liter turbo petrol and (possibly) the 2.2-liter turbo diesel. In North America, the facelifted Eclipse Cross should launch with the same 1.5-liter gasoline unit that produces 152 HP and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque.