Mitsubishi Updates the Most Controversial-Looking Car in its Current Line-Up

(Photo Credit: Mitsubishi Motors)

Despite being introduced to the market only three years ago, Mitsubishi has given the 2021 Eclipse Cross SUV a much-needed styling facelift, interior updates, and a PHEV option too.

A pre-facelift Eclipse Cross and a Pontiac Aztek
(Photo Credit: Busted Wallet)

What looks like a Pontiac Aztek, but wears a Mitsubishi badge? That's right, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross! First available on sale in late 2017, the Eclipse Cross has faced a slew of criticisms for its unfortunate split rear window design, which is reminiscent of the Pontiac Aztek, a car that we have placed on our list of the top five ugliest cars ever produced.

Exterior

(Photo Credit: Mitsubishi Motors)

At the front end, the Eclipse Cross adopts an evolved version of Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield, with a new front bumper guard and refreshed light layout that makes the facelift car look absolutely sleek and menacing.

(Photo Credit: Mitsubishi Motors)

More importantly, the facelifted 2021 Eclipse Cross sports a redesigned hatch and rear window, which helps to improve rear visibility. The updated taillight cluster also loses divisive the split-window design of the pre-facelift model, and instead features a more conventional tailgate with a boomerang-like rear light design that extends outwards and upwards.

Interior

(Photo Credit: Mitsubishi Motors)

Mitsubishi is introducing a new black interior with silver accents and light grey leather seats to create a more sophisticated look.

A new 8-inch smartphone-link display audio (SDA) system will also come as standard, and the screen, which now incorporates volume and turning knobs, has been moved closer to the driver and front-seat passenger for ease of use. The touchpad that was previously used for multiple functions has been removed to allow for more storage space on the centre console.

Powertrain

The 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Facelift will carry over the same 1.5 litre turbocharged engine mated to a CVT with 8 simulated gears in Sports mode.

At the same time, the facelift also introduces a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain, which uses the same twin-motor 4WD PHEV system as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The PHEV's powertrain consists of one front and one rear high-power electric motor, a large-capacity drive battery and a 2.4-liter MIVEC engine with a single-speed planetary gearbox.

Conclusion

With a meaner-looking front design and a less-offending rear design, the updated 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a welcome facelift. Coupled with an updated interior and a new PHEV option, we believe that this SUV has become an even more appealing proposition. All that's left is to see what features and updates of the facelift will make it to our Singaporean market.

Read More: The All-New Avante Arrives on Singaporean Shores; Starts from S$99,999

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