Mitsubishi New Zealand reckons the stars have been realigned for the facelift 2021 Eclipse Cross, which will sit just up from the brand’s popular ASX compact SUV.

As well as being significantly larger than ASX, the new Eclipse Cross is notable for sporting the latest iteration of Mitsubishi’s distinctive Dynamic Shield front design and having a single window at the rear.

Reece Congdon, MMNZ Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, said: “We are very pleased to be able to give Kiwi motorists the chance to be among the first in the world to get behind the wheel of this exciting new model.

“New Zealand has a very strong market in this class. Competition is high and we are convinced that Kiwis will find plenty to satisfy their demands in the newly imagined Eclipse Cross, which carries over the best features of the previous model and adds some considerable improvements to benefit modern, active lifestyles.

“This eye-catching new model is well-suited to those with a sense of style and adventure in equal measure.”

 Changes to the front of the Eclipse Cross include a new headlamp arrangement, a new black grille, honeycomb centre bumper and new lower garnish – an evolution of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design.

Headlamps – LED for VRX, halogen for XLS – are now located either side of the bumper with fog lamps underneath. LED daytime-running lights on both models slice along the bonnet line with the turn indicators, injecting instant fresh appeal to the front aspect.

Stylish new 18” alloy wheels further set the tone for this updated look, as does a black side door garnish.

The most dramatic change is at the rear, where the split window design makes way for a more refined tailgate with a single window and roof spoiler. 

Interior changes to the new model include a new 8” Smartphone Link Display Audio system, positioned closer to the driver for easy-reach operation as part of an overhauled centre console and instrument panel design for improved ergonomics.

The boot has 405 litres of cargo space, which is 19 per cent (71 litres) more than the outgoing model, with an increase in length of 140mm making this possible. 

Measuring 4545mm bumper to bumper, the new Eclipse Cross is also 180mm longer than the ASX and, at 1685mm tall, claims an extra 45mm in height over its smaller brand-mate.

Not only do these larger dimensions provide Eclipse Cross with a more clearly defined position within the Mitsubishi range, the new model now sits at the upper end of the small SUV segment –within millimetres of the Mazda CX-5 and significantly ahead of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

The Eclipse Cross gets a 1.5-litre petrol engine with the option of two-wheel or four-wheel-drive.

Pricing starts at $35,990 and is available now, with a PHEV option from 2021. It will use the same twin-motor system as Outlander, modified to suit the size and weight of the chassis.