Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand has just announced the arrival in June of the all-new Eclipse Cross  PHEV, with a special launch price of $49,990.

Built on the same second-generation drivetrain as the best-selling Outlander PHEV, the all-new  Eclipse Cross PHEV delivers what MMNZ Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Reece Congdon,  describes as “the perfect cross between fuel-free, around-town driving and high-performance, open-road adventure”. 

With a EV range of up to 55km and a combined range of up to  650km, the Eclipse Cross PHEV is engineered to “deliver the best of both  worlds at a value to suit young professional lifestyles” says Mitsubishi NZ. 

“Eclipse Cross occupies a distinct position in our range for those who want the style, value and  capability of a smaller SUV without the family-sized space of Outlander,” said Congdon.

“We are  excited to introduce a PHEV option in this segment for the increasing number of drivers for whom  more sustainable transport solutions are a key consideration.” 

The drivetrain is the same 2.4L twin electric motor S-AWC configuration found in the best-selling  Outlander PHEV. That’s the same combined electric motor output of 130kW in a smaller package, powered by a  high-capacity 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery and supported by a 94kW / 199Nm 2.4L engine.  

The Eclipse Cross PHEV system is EV rather than engine-based. This  means that, in all modes, the motors deliver drive force to each axle for a quiet and smooth driving  experience across the board, with no shift shock when the engine kicks in. 

In Series Hybrid Mode the engine is only used to generate electric power, while in Parallel Hybrid  Mode it is assisted by the motor for greater fuel efficiency. 

Charging can also be done via a household outlet in approximately seven hours, or in around four  hours using Mode 3 charging.