Mitsubishi straightens up the rear of its Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi first unveiled the updated Eclipse Cross in October last year but has recently released more information on its design. Although some of the distinctive design details have been ditched, the compact crossover retains its unique character.

The wheelbase remains unchanged at 105.1 inches – the same as the previous Eclipse Cross – but both the front and rear overhangs have been extended to make the updated model measure five inches longer than its predecessor.

Mitsubishi’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ grille design sits front and centre and includes a new glossy black finish on the two strips that run along the top of the grille between the daytime running lights (DLRs). These LED strips are much thinner and longer, pushing back over the wheel arches. The main headlamps and fog lamps, however, are kept the same, with one above the other positioned at the flanks of the front end and enclosed in the same angular chrome strip.

Undoubtedly the most obvious change is at the back of the car. The previous Eclipse Cross was characterised by the wedge light that split the back window in two and the curved lower flanks, giving a retro but also very unique look to the rear. This new version has more subtle curves and has done away with the wedge, with a single-piece rear window and revised hatch design offering a far more normal appearance.

Yet, the Eclipse Cross does maintain a distinct character. The relationship between the new, stretched out LED lights on the front, the grooves in the body work along the side, the sloping roof, and the positioning of the rear lamps and rear window, all work in tandem to make the model chunky and almost backloaded. These lines work to create a compact front end that is close to the ground, steadily rising along the sides before reaching a peak at the rear. It may not have a wedge light on the back, but the entire shape of the new Eclipse Cross is wedge-like.

Not too much has changed on the inside. Mitsubishi’s interior design team often focuses more on durability, using hard wearing materials that may not look or feel particularly luxurious but instead are built to withstand years of use. The company says this latest Eclipse Cross is more luxurious than its predecessor. It’s hard to see how.

A new eight-inch touchscreen sits on the centre console and has been moved two inches closer to the driver for ergonomic purposes. Mitsubishi has also decided to abandon the touchpad on the centre console in a bid to keep things sleek and simple. There is also a new interior colour scheme on offer – light grey leather seats with black accents and coordinated doors. It’s by no means horrible, but the interior from the Eclipse Cross is also far from luxurious.

Mitsubishi is due to unveil its new 2022 Outlander shortly. Keep your eyes peeled for our coverage.