E-car Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Renault copy with ample range

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The attempt has been made many times: a successful model is also launched with minimal changes from a cooperation partner. The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is undoubtedly a copy of the Renault Scenic. The Japanese car costs minimally less than the original, but that is unlikely to be decisive. Rather, the price paid and the proximity to the dealer will be significant in individual cases as to where the buyer signs. The key data promise a quite attractive offer in both cases.

Competition for the Elroq

At 4.49 m, the Eclipse is about as large as a Skoda Elroq, which at times was the best-selling electric car in Germany last year. The wheelbase measures 2.78 m, and the trunk capacity is 545 liters. This promises such decent space that the Eclipse Cross could easily replace many a station wagon. Even the basic equipment leaves little to be desired, apart from the strange decision to deny it a height adjustment for the front passenger seat.

Nevertheless, for an unnegotiated 47,990 euros, the customer gets an electric car with a comparatively large battery, including a standard heat pump and extensive equipment. Five years of manufacturer's warranty up to 100,000 km, which can then be extended in a similar scope up to three times for one year each, up to a maximum of 160,000 km, should not be underestimated. Similar offers from other providers are sometimes charged extra with four-figure sums.

87 kWh and 22 kW AC charging

At launch, there is only one drive configuration. The e-motor, which only drives the front wheels, produces 160 kW and offers 300 Nm. Mitsubishi states 7.9 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of 170 km/h. With 87 kWh, the battery is quite generously dimensioned for this class. A range of 615 to 627 km should be possible in WLTP. Apart from the metallic paint (from 750 euros), the price list offers only one extra: for an additional 1400 euros, the customer can charge at alternating current with up to 22 kW; the standard is 11 kW. In some scenarios, this charging acceleration can make a real difference.

Mediocre at DC charging

At direct current, the new Eclipse Cross remains in the midfield of this class. 150 kW DC charging power is promised, but the charging curve seems to be designed quite conservatively. Mitsubishi states a time of 37 minutes for 15 to 80 percent. Translated, this means: in this time, just under 57 kWh are recharged on average at just under 92 kW. Some can do this considerably faster: a Skoda Elroq 85, for example, recharges a similar amount in 28 minutes – with an average of about 115 kW.

In the summer, Mitsubishi plans to release a variant with a smaller battery and slightly less motor power. Its key data are not difficult to predict, as they should correspond to those of the Scenic base model. The engine produces 125 kW, and the battery has 60 kWh. The Renault currently costs 40,500 euros, and the Eclipse Cross will likely be just under the 40,000 euro mark.

(mfz)