Mitsubishi Considering Eclipse Cross For India, Will Rival The Jeep Compass

The Compass-rival is expected to be launched here by 2020, probably after the implementation of BSVI norms

Mitsubishi has recently launched the third-gen Outlander in India. It is available in a single top-spec variant, which is priced at Rs 31.95 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). While the carmaker launched the upcoming CR-V rival in India, it also confirmed that a Compass rival, the Eclipse Cross, is also being evaluated for an India launch. The Eclipse Cross made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017 and has been on sale overseas since last year. Here is what the Mitsubishi Eclipse packs.

Dimensions

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is longer and taller than its prime rival, the Jeep Compass. It also has a longer wheelbase. However, it's the Compass that is the wider of the two.

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Engine  

Currently, the Eclipse Cross is available with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine only. It makes 163PS/250Nm and comes mated exclusively with a CVT. However, a 2.2-litre diesel engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission will also be introduced by the end of 2018. When launched in India, both of these engines are expected to make their way under the hood of the SUV. Globally, the petrol-powered Eclipse is available in both 2WD and 4WD variants and the diesel Eclipse is also expected to follow suit.

Design

The Eclipse Cross looks quite similar to its larger sibling, the Outlander. However, it appears sportier, thanks to its coupe-like silhouette. Up front, it features the signature grille in line with the Dynamic Shield design, while the side profile comprises of a swooping roofline and large wheel arches. At the back, the SUV gets stretched taillamps and a central high-mounted stop lamp which come together to split the rear windshield into two. When illuminated, the tubular LED brake lights and the central LED high mount stop light form a single bar of light running across the tail, making the Eclipse Cross look sporty and wide.  

Features

On the inside, the Eclipse is equipped with a standalone 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, head-up display, dual-zone climate control and a Rockford Fosgate music system. The Eclipse Cross also gets sliding rear seats that can free up as much as 200mm of legroom for the rear occupants. A similar features is also available in the India-bound T-Cross.

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For safety, the Eclipse is equipped with a host of features. It gets 7 airbags, blind spot warning with lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, autonomous braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree multi-view camera and more.

Rivals and Expected Price

Since Mitsubishi is targeting the Compass with the Eclipse, expect the prices of the SUV to start from around Rs 18 lakh. However, to achieve this, Mitsubishi will have to manufacture the SUV locally in India, unlike the Outlander which is a CBU import. Other than the Compass, the Eclipse will also take on the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and other upcoming SUVs such as the second-gen Mahindra XUV500, MG SUV, Tata Harrier and the Skoda Karoq.

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