New Mitsubishi Eclipse returning in 2018. It's not what you think: "Eclipse Cross"

Attachment 8429

This is the next new addition to Mitsubishi's line up: the 2018 "Eclipse Cross."

It's supposed to slot between the Outlander and the Outlander Sport (a.k.a. RVR in Canada & some other countries).

Hopefully, some of the people who would have bought Lancers will buy one of these, because production of that car ends in August this year. That means the Mirage G4 will be the only Mitsu sedan available. Talk about holes in your product portfolio!

Attachment 8430

Company press release:

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February 28, 2017

CYPRESS, Calif., – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is to debut its new Eclipse Cross compact SUV to the world at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show^*1 to be held in Geneva from March 7 through March 19. The Eclipse Cross is a globally strategic model that will be shipped first to Europe in the fall this year, and then rolled out in Japan, North America, Australia and other regions.

The Eclipse Cross all-new compact SUV coupe will join MMC's global lineup of crossover SUVs: the ASX^*2 compact SUV and the Outlander and Outlander PHEV mid-size SUVs.

The Eclipse Cross is a fusion of sharp coupe looks and dynamic SUV mobility with signature Mitsubishi styling and performance.

Other distinguishing features are its design that motivates the driver to get out and go, connectivity that inspires new fun adventures, and all-wheel control technology which delivers an enjoyable, reassuring feel that elevates the driving experience.

*1: Le 87e Salon international de l'automobile Genève, with Press Days from March 7 through 8 and General Public days from March 9 through March 19. MMC will hold its Press Conference at 11:15 am on March 7 at the MMC booth in Hall 2.
*2: RVR in Japan/Outlander Sport in the U.S. and some other markets

Eclipse Cross: Product Overview

1. Characteristic Dynamic Design
The distinctly sharp and dynamic Mitsubishi SUV coupe form is distinguished by: its wedge profile with distinctive beltline and strong character line; a forward raked rear window; the sharply cut off rear gate and short overhang; and beefy fenders projecting the image of a powerful athlete.

MMC's DYNAMIC SHIELD front design concept refers to the protective shield shape visually formed by the black central area represented by a black radiator grille that symbolizes the performance of the car. The black area is embraced from three directions – from the left, right, and bottom. DYNAMIC SHIELD emphasizes the front end's functionalities aimed at protecting both people and the car itself.

The "Dynamic and Characteristic" rear design is distinguished by the almost cubist styling created around the high-mounted, stretched rear lamps and by how it horizontally divides the forward-rake rear window into two. When illuminated, the tubular LED brake lights and the central LED hi-mount stop light form a single bar of light running across the tail, giving Eclipse Cross a broad and stable appearance from the rear.

A new red body color joins the palette. The standard coating is layered with semi-transparent red and clear coating, and this creates a high color saturation and intensity that produces a highly-refined finish.

The horizontal dashboard, silver metal frames and black/silver monotone color scheme create a refined interior that is both dynamic and sporty. With its thin display audio and the Head Up Display, the futuristic cockpit inspires a sense of excitement for the driver in the vehicle.

Maximizing luggage space utility without spoiling its stylish coupe-SUV shape, the rear seat uses a 60:40 split with long slide-and-recline adjustment. In addition to providing rear occupants with plenty of legroom, this also allows them to settle on their favorite seating posture and enjoy long trips with ample headroom despite a roof that slopes down toward the rear.

2. Connectivity inspires new fun adventures
The Eclipse Cross is fitted with the Smartphone Link Display Audio system, a Touchpad Controller and Head Up Display which allow the driver to handle and interpret different types of information more easily and safely.

Smartphone Link Display Audio supports Apple CarPlay^*3, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone*³ in the car. The driver can use Siri^*4 or the Smartphone Link Display Audio's touch screen to get directions optimized for traffic conditions, make and receive calls, access text messages, and listen to music, all in a way that allows them to stay focused on the road. Smartphone Link Display Audio also supports the Android AutoTM^*4 which provides voice controlled operation of Google MapsTM,*4 Google PlayTM*4 music and other apps. The Touchpad Controller can operate audio functions like radio, as well as Apple CarPlay.

Placing the Touchpad Controller in the center console allows the driver to operate the Smartphone Link Display Audio easily and without having to change position.

The Head Up Display unit makes driving safer by presenting vehicle speed, data from the active safety systems and other necessary information that minimizes eye movement and provides instant readability.

*3: Apple CarPlay, iPhone, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the United States and other countries.
*4: Android Auto, Google Maps, and Google Play are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.

3. Enjoyable and stable driving with all-wheel control technology
Eclipse Cross uses an electronically-controlled 4WD system that feeds the optimum amount of torque to the rear wheels as required by the driving situation and surface conditions. MMC's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system incorporates brake-activated AYC^*5.

The addition of a 3-point strut tower brace at the front and the strategic use of structural bonding at the rear in particular have increased body rigidity. The tougher body and detail optimization of the suspension offer precise handling and superior vehicle stability.

The Eclipse Cross will be available in the United States with a new 1.5L direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine that is mated to a new CVT with 8-speed Sport Mode manual override.

*5: Active Yaw Control system manages the torque feed and brake force at individual rear wheels to help the vehicle behave as the driver intends, using information on steering angle, yaw rate, drive torque, brake force and wheel speed to accurately determine driver operation and vehicle behavior.

Eclipse Cross specifications (display cars)

L x W x H	(mm)	4405 x 1805 x 1685
Wheelbase	(mm)	2670
Track F/R	(mm)	1545 / 1545
Engine & transmission		1.5L direct-injection turbo gasoline / CVT
Drive mode		Electronically-controlled 4WD

MMC has set up a special web site at the following URLs to provide a variety of information about its exhibits in English at the Geneva Motor Show 2017: A video of the press conference will also be available.
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/.../2017/gms2017/

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http://media.mitsubishicars.com/rele...otor-show-2017

I cant wait until it comes out!!! I am going to trade my wife's 2014 out lander sport for one of these bad boys!!! I cant wait until the mirage starts coming out with the new 1.1 liter turbocharger engine!!

In 2017, CUV profits > sedan profits. As with all things, this too will change. :)

Sooo...this is basically a 4/5ths size Outlander or a 5/4ths size Outlander Sport? Snoooooooooze......

They had me kinda excited when I heard the Eclipse was coming back. Seeing it as another blase crossover is kind of a kick in the balls.

On sale in Europe now:

Mitsubishi Motors begins shipment of New Eclipse Cross SUV to Europe

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Tokyo, October 3, 2017 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today began the shipment of the all-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross compact SUV to Europe.

The new model will be available in approximately 80 markets worldwide including Canada, the United States, Australia and Japan.

The launch of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will involve the shipment of 50,000 units during the current fiscal year (ending March 31st, 2018), with the new model coming to Canada in 2018.

Produced at Mitsubishi Motors’ Okazaki Plant near Nagoya, Japan, the Eclipse Cross complements the Corporation’s SUV lineup which currently comprises the Mitsubishi RVR, Mitsubishi Outlander and its techno-flagship, the Outlander PHEV which arrives in Canadian showrooms this December.

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http://www.mitsubishi-motors-pr.ca/c...-suv-to-europe

I think Mitsu did a great job with the styling of the Eclipse Cross. The rear is controversial, but if nothing else, it's distinctive! In 2018 I'll be looking to trade my Mirage in for an Outlander or Outlander Sport. I likely will not consider the Eclipse Cross. The 2 Outlander models have proven themselves to be reliable. The Eclipse Cross, from my understanding, will have a turbo direct injected engine. Both having turbo components and direct inject each add problems and complications I'm not interested in dealing with as the vehicle ages. I'd prefer the older, proven tech, even if it means have a less cutting edge vehicle.

So the Eclipse Cross gets a six speed manual transmission - hmm.

Sure would be cool if the Mirage got one too.

I doubt it'll happen considering the target market and profit margin.

It looks promising!

Couldn't they have come up with a better name? Eclipse Cross is terrible.

I agree! Maybe Mitsubishi doesn't want to deal with coming up with new model names for legal reasons. I'm thinking of Mitsubishi's partnership with Chrysler and the Lancer.

Eclipse Cross seems silly. If you're going to desecrate one of your beloved models, just call it the Eclipse. Plus Mitsubishi got to tie it in with the solar eclipse this summer. Wait until the Tokyo Motor Show when they parade out their e-Evolution crossover concept.

I hope I don't sound bitter. I'd just like to see Mitsubishi build some more enthusiast models.

I believe it was a 'cheap' way to market the Eclipse-Cross using the 'Eclipse' name. Mitsubishi enthusiasts all over social media are going crazy and mad over it. Heck, I was in the beginning but really at the end of the day, Mitsubishi has to make end's meet. CUV's are selling like crazy here in Minnesota. The Mitsubishi dealer near me has won awards for selling the most Outlander/Outlander Sports in a certain area (I'll have to look if it was based on the Midwest Region or dealer location). But still, there are many Outlander/Outlander Sports that are being sold right now and those are the big money makers. I hope Mitsubishi gets back on their feet soon so we can finally see a few turbocharged coupes running around again. Heck, revive the "VR4" badge as well! (wishful thinking)

The Eclipse Cross will make its first U.S. appearance at the L.A. Auto Show next month. Dec. 1-10.

[ ADMIN edit -- moved the following posts over from this thread: Mitsubishi Mirage monthly sales, US & Canada, 2013-2018 (projected 7000/yr for U.S.) ]

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Interesting on the [sales] drop. I wonder what it's attributed to? EDIT: I see Toyota was also down (10.4%, Honda was down 7.0%). Kia was also down too.

The good news is Mitsubishi Motors U.S. sales are still up 18% YTD, which is great.

It appears the Eclipse Cross isn't selling so hot. Outlander Sport is outselling it by 35.5%.

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Originally Posted by Subcompact Culture

It appears the Eclipse Cross isn't selling so hot. Outlander Sport is outselling it by 35.5%.

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Price. IMO.. Eclipse starts at almost same price as Outlander and almost $4000 more than Sport while being same sizeish.

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Originally Posted by Alex1a1f

Price. IMO.. Eclipse starts at almost same price as Outlander and almost $4000 more than Sport while being same sizeish.

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I agree, considering you can get a new AWD Outlander Sport for less than $20K

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Originally Posted by Alex1a1f

Price. IMO.. Eclipse starts at almost same price as Outlander and almost $4000 more than Sport while being same sizeish.

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Attachment 12819

FYI, I just spent a week with the Eclipse Cross and published the review yesterday on our website, Crankshaft Culture:

http://crankshaftculture.com/2018/10...lid-crossover/

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Originally Posted by Alex1a1f

Price. IMO.. Eclipse starts at almost same price as Outlander and almost $4000 more than Sport while being same sizeish.

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I agree. I always wondered what the point of this thing was. And, IMHO, Mitsubishi gave it a stupid and confusing name. When people hear the words 'Mitsubishi' and 'Eclipse' this is NOT what they think of, despite the fact that Mitsubishi tacked the word 'Cross' on the end. So they don't investigate it any further.

To me it's kinda like Chevrolet using the name 'Camaro Cargo' for a new panel van, then wondering why it doesn't sell.

How many buyers are there for a CUV that slots so precisely in terms of size between two extant models...but seems to cost more than both??

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Originally Posted by Cobrajet

I agree. I always wondered what the point of this thing was. And, IMHO, Mitsubishi gave it a stupid and confusing name. When people hear the words 'Mitsubishi' and 'Eclipse' this is NOT what they think of, despite the fact that Mitsubishi tacked the word 'Cross' on the end. So they don't investigate it any further.

To me it's kinda like Chevrolet using the name 'Camaro Cargo' for a new panel van, then wondering why it doesn't sell.

How many buyers are there for a CUV that slots so precisely in terms of size between two extant models...but seems to cost more than both??

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People just can't seem to move past the naming convention on this thing. But people also did the same with the Dodge Dart, Chevy Malibu, etc. That being said, if people are really having that hard of a time accepting the name, maybe they should've called it something else ...

When you say the "point of this thing," how do you mean? Do you mean where it slots in the Mitsubishi lineup since there's already an Outlander Sport?

Thanks for the review / link.

[Note -- moved a few posts from the sales thread to this one.]

Hey Mikey - he likes it!

Was that the limited availability paint? 7 layers deep, or something? It looks nice.

And that H.U.D. is a neat trick. :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haxKTXzK_30

Not sure if it's special paint; I don't believe so.

The HUD was nice ... because I could put it away when I wanted! I don't like having it up all the time.

When do you not like having it up?

I recently spent a week in a Prius plug-in, and its HUD was one of my favourite features. (First experience with one, as well.)

It wasn't nearly as gee-whiz as that one, though! Just a projection onto the lower left windshield area (and could be customized/shut off).

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Originally Posted by MetroMPG

When do you not like having it up?

I recently spent a week in a Prius plug-in, and its HUD was one of my favourite features. (First experience with one, as well.)

It wasn't nearly as gee-whiz as that one, though! Just a projection onto the lower left windshield area (and could be customized/shut off).

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It just depends. Sometimes I just don't like seeing the thing. It's kind of in your field of visions (which it's supposed to be, I suppose). I guess when I'm on the highways, I don't need it up. It was nice around town, however.

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Originally Posted by Subcompact Culture

People just can't seem to move past the naming convention on this thing. But people also did the same with the Dodge Dart, Chevy Malibu, etc. That being said, if people are really having that hard of a time accepting the name, maybe they should've called it something else ...

When you say the "point of this thing," how do you mean? Do you mean where it slots in the Mitsubishi lineup since there's already an Outlander Sport?

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Chevrolet resurrected the Malibu name after a long period of dormancy to name a new mid-sized sedan, which is what the Malibu was when it was discontinued in 1983.

Dodge resurrected the Dart name after a long period of dormancy to name a new compact sedan, which is what the Dart was when it was discontinued in 1976.

Mitsubishi has resurrected the Eclipse name to apply to a COMPLETELY different kind of vehicle, and only six years after the previous Eclipse went out of production.

People still associate the word "Eclipse" with Mitsubishi's sporty coupes and convertibles. Sporty coupes and convertibles are not big sellers right now, so I think this decision was stupid. If they absolutely had to apply a 'throwback' name to this vehicle in order to generate brand recognition, why not "Montero Cross" or even "Raider"?? Were they attempting to associate this crossover with the high performance image of the Eclipse? Because if that is the case then the Cross is going to disappoint (as per your own review).

I just have a hard time believing that anyone other than Goldilocks would walk into a Mitsubishi dealership and say, "Well, the Outlander Sport is too small. The Outlander is too big. But the Eclipse Cross is juuuuuust right!"

From what I have read (nice review, btw) the Eclipse Cross is a nice rig. It just seems like the answer to a question nobody asked, and I think that may be part of the reason why it's bigger and smaller brothers are outselling it...handily.

I hope it does not remain the "Jan Brady" of the Mitsubishi utility lineup.

I sat in the new 2018 Eclipse Cross in the Mitsu showroom nearby a few months ago. Nice looking SUV, sharp in the blue, nice interior. Not enough leg room. My 14 Mirage is tiny so the lack of legroom is understandable. SUV without legroom, might as well go with a real Suburban.


Not sure what the new Eclipse suv has to do with the 2012 and before Eclipse sports car.
The back of the new Eclipse does look like the Pontiac Aztek. I remember the hype around the Aztek at the Detroit auto show back in 2000 or so. I went a lot back then

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Originally Posted by dspace9

Not sure what the new Eclipse suv has to do with the 2012 and before Eclipse sports car.

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NOTHING. That is my whole point. They shouldn't share a name, especially when the sports car was so recently discontinued.

[QUOTE=Cobrajet;77079]NOTHING. That is my whole point.

Crass and chintzy marketing ploy, with no consideration from the consumer. If Mitsu was a zombie from an island with a shady history, and bad rep for tv style financing, kinda luxury luxury, that's Mitsubishi. Nice riding cars tho easy on the eyes. I like the symbol is samurai origin and the mirage sounds jet like sometimes

[QUOTE=dspace9;77080]

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Originally Posted by Cobrajet

NOTHING. That is my whole point.

Crass and chintzy marketing ploy, with no consideration from the consutomer. If Mitsu was a zombie from an island with a shady history and bad rep for tv style financing, kinda luxury luxury, that's Mitsubishi. Nice riding cars tho easy on the eyes. I like the symbol is samurai origin

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I just think trying to market a new CUV with the name of a sports car that was in production for 20+ years and only recently discontinued is, well...stupid. It's not that I don't like the Eclipse Cross. It looks like a nice rig. But when people hear "new Mitsubishi Eclipse", they subconsciously think to themselves, "Oh yeah, my buddy had one of those. But that's not what I am looking for now. I need a compact utility vehicle."

Whomever is in charge of Mitsubishi's North American marketing department should have his head examined. This is just about the LAST name I would have picked for this vehicle.

Yea for sure. Typical car company behaviour. I guess at least Mitsubishi makes a brand of it. A 2011 eclipse isnt a 1992 or whatever the eagle talon -eclipse, the one that was in fast and furious 1.

But here's the deal: We're all well-versed in Mitsubishi stuff and are the fringe lunatic side of thing (we all belong to a Mirage forum for heaven's sake). We're critical, as some of us (we had a 1990 and a 1994 Eclipse) have a soft spot for the Eclipse coupes. I understand that people think it's knuckle-head move to call it that. And maybe it is. But I saw the same thing happen when the Dart was launched (sure, it was a sedan in its later years); I was ad the media launch for it in Austin, TX.

But here's the thing: How many of you here were going to buy the car and now WON'T because of the name? I know it was never on my shopping list (and I don't plan on getting one anyway). So, is the naming really going to have an affect on anything? Are buyers of a crossover really not going to buy it because it invokes a compact coupe from the 1990s?

My guess is no.

I do like the idea of calling it the Montero Cross, however. I do think that would've been a solid idea. But perhaps they were worried that Montero would invoke images of a heavy, rugged, thirsty SUV and not a car-like crossover? Just a thought.

Regardless, I hope Mitsubishi does well with the Eclipse Cross.

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Originally Posted by Subcompact Culture

Regardless, I hope Mitsubishi does well with the Eclipse Cross.

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I do too, but with only 5513 sold this year so far it appears that yearly total sales will be well below 10000 for the entire year. Way too few to justify long term survival of this model (in the US at least).

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Originally Posted by Subcompact Culture

But here's the thing: How many of you here were going to buy the car and now WON'T because of the name? I know it was never on my shopping list (and I don't plan on getting one anyway). So, is the naming really going to have an affect on anything? Are buyers of a crossover really not going to buy it because it invokes a compact coupe from the 1990s?

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You have to get people into the showroom to LOOK at the Cross before people decide whether or not they are going to buy it, and the Eclipse name, IMHO, does not get them into the showroom. Why? Because when they hear that name they think of something else. Again, keep in mind that the last Eclipse coupe was made in 2012, not the 1990s. Are people going to come in, test drive the vehicle, and say, "No, I am not interested because that name used to be on a coupe."? Of course not.

They aren't going to show up to look at it in the first place. Even the automotive press half-jokingly said shortly before the Cross' launch, "Mitsubishi is bringing back the Eclipse, and it is not what you think!" Some of us joked about the name here, and it is even the header of this very thread! This was a dumb move.

To anyone who follows Mitsubishi and their lineup...like those on this forum or other 'car guys'...the name is not a problem. But to the average and mostly uneducated CUV shopper I believe the name is a detriment.

Hell, "Lancer Cross" would have been a better name.

Mitsubishi is still at the point where it's thought of as a value brand. People buy the Outlander Sport because it gets them into an AWD crossover for around 20 grand. When you're talking about $25k plus, Honda, Toyota, etc. start looking like the better option.

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Originally Posted by Angrybeaver

Mitsubishi is still at the point where it's thought of as a value brand. People buy the Outlander Sport because it gets them into an AWD crossover for around 20 grand. When you're talking about $25k plus, Honda, Toyota, etc. start looking like the better option.

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True, but the more expensive Outlander is still outselling the Eclipse Cross by a margin of 2-1. That has to be VERY concerning to Mitsubishi.

[QUOTE=Subcompact Culture;77093]But here's the deal: We're all well-versed in Mitsubishi stuff and are the fringe lunatic side of thing (we all belong to a Mirage forum for heaven's sake)

My dad had a 63 Plymouth Valiant when I was young in the early 80s, and that thing was a Dart down south. 2 door hard top black, nice understated look to the car.

Basically seems to me the car companies use a familiar name on purpose for whatever sells, but 90s era and other Mirages and Lancers have always been small cars, so an Eclipse CUV is an extreme example of what car companies always do, as far as I can tell.

I suppose one way of looking at it is that Eclipse the name beats car "names" like Cadillac XYZ or whatever, Lincoln ZYX etc. aren't as good as Zephyr

"Cordia Cross". "Tredia Cross". "Pajero Cross". "Delica Cross". Man, Eclipse Cross is just the worst...

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Originally Posted by inuvik

I do too, but with only 5513 sold this year so far it appears that yearly total sales will be well below 10000 for the entire year. Way too few to justify long term survival of this model (in the US at least).

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I still find it very odd that Mitsubishi tried to wedge an SUV model between their Outlander Sport & Outlander. There is nothing special that would draw me to the Eclipse Cross. If I were in the market for an SUV, I wouldn't even give one a test drive. Personally, I don't like the look of it at all. Of the three, I think the Outlander Sport has a much better look. Everything I see in my community confirms that. We are 65 miles from the nearest Mitsubishi dealership. I see several Outlander Sports & a few Outlanders in my area. I have yet to see an Eclipse Cross in my community. I realize Outlander Sports have been around for years, but I am seeing the new Sports in my area. The nearest dealership just opened 2-3 years ago. Thus, I don’t see older Sports. People are buying the newer Outlander Sports, & they look sharp.

The other thing I have noticed is the pricing. Dealers have dropped the price so much on the Eclipse Cross that it isn't much different in price than the Outlander Sport. Which makes the low Eclipse Cross sales even more alarming. I am not a big fan of the styling of many of the present SUV models, and the Eclipse Cross definitely falls into that category. There is nothing about the Eclipse Cross that stands out, & that is its problem. Even if the Eclipse Cross were popular, why produce a product that takes away from the few products you are already producing?

Mitsubishi would have done much better creating something outside the realm of their present vehicles. A subcompact AWD would have been way more popular. Create a popular vehicle like the KIA Soul, but make it AWD. That would draw attention. The KIA Soul has remained popular, because it's unique. Better yet, make something like the Toyota FT-4X, which is just a concept vehicle at this point. No one is making a vehicle like this. Make one! Make something unique!

The reason the Mirage is holding its own is because it is unique and different. Most entry-level cars have evolved into very nice cars that aren't really entry-level any more. The modern Accents, Rio, Civics, Corollas aren't what I would even consider entry-level vehicles. Their present versions would challenge the next models up of years ago. The same can be said of CRV, RAV4, Sportage, & others. Those vehicles are nothing like the old versions first introduced. The new RAV4 is as large as an old Highlander. I recently rode in my friends new Highlander, & it has a huge amount of space.

The Mirage is holding its own, because it is an entry-level car. The Mirage's listing price is off, but people are buying them at a more appropriate price. The same can be said of a lot of models these days. It's not just the Mirage. The Spark is really the only direct competition of the Mirage. Any vehicle (Spark) that has any connections to Daewoo isn't high on my list of cars.

If Mitsubishi wanted to make a stir in the car market, they should have created an AWD crossover that would have challenged the FWD Soul. Why? Because no one else is doing that yet!!!! Better yet, create a vehicle like the Toyota FT-4X. I would drive a distance to check out a vehicle like that. The Eclipse Cross wouldn't even make me drive past the Ford, Chevy, & Jeep dealerships in my small town. Poor Eclipse Cross sales don't surprise me at all. I am not a brand loyalty guy. The Eclipse wouldn't even get me to Mitsubishi dealership. I would test drive an Outlander Sport, however.

I don't think poor Eclipse Cross sales have anything to do with the name or price. It's just another SUV that is very similar to an already crowded and competitive market. The only thing going for it is its huge price dropping, which shouldn't be happening with a totally new model. Given the limited choices Mitsubishi offers the U.S. market, trying to wedge the Eclipse Cross in their line up seemed really silly to me. While my Mirage was having its recall service done this summer, I sat in the Outlander Sport & Outlander in the showroom. I didn't bother sitting in the Eclipse Cross, because I seriously don't like the looks of it!

I don't mean to offend anyone who loves his or her Eclipse Cross. I'm sure it's a very nice vehicle. The problem is that several other companies are making nice vehicles just like it. It's a competitive field. The subcompact SUV market is still less competitive. It's for those who think they need an SUV, but really don't. Build a Mirage Cross, while keeping an existing updated Mirage for way less $$$. Both would sell in today's market. I could care less about the name of vehicle, but a name should reflect what it is. When Chevy dropped the Lumina name & brought back the historic Impala name, no one wondered what an Impala would be (except RWD vs FWD maybe).

Mitsubishi using the same name for totally different type vehicles (past & present) is lame, but it doesn't make me like or dislike a vehicle. Mitsubishi isn’t going to ever make a truck that will take on the F150, Silverado, or RAM. So why bother? Make a truck no one else is making (cheap one that’s dependable). Mitsubishi has potential, but I wouldn’t waste my time and resources making what’s already out there. Create something different for a change!

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Originally Posted by Mark

I still find it very odd that Mitsubishi tried to wedge an SUV model between their Outlander Sport & Outlander. There is nothing special that would draw me to the Eclipse Cross. If I were in the market for an SUV, I wouldn't even give one a test drive. Personally, I don't like the look of it at all. Of the three, I think the Outlander Sport has a much better look. Everything I see in my community confirms that. We are 65 miles from the nearest Mitsubishi dealership. I see several Outlander Sports & a few Outlanders in my area. I have yet to see an Eclipse Cross in my community. I realize Outlander Sports have been around for years, but I am seeing the new Sports in my area. The nearest dealership just opened 2-3 years ago. Thus, I don’t see older Sports. People are buying the newer Outlander Sports, & they look sharp.

The other thing I have noticed is the pricing. Dealers have dropped the price so much on the Eclipse Cross that it isn't much different in price than the Outlander Sport. Which makes the low Eclipse Cross sales even more alarming. I am not a big fan of the styling of many of the present SUV models, and the Eclipse Cross definitely falls into that category. There is nothing about the Eclipse Cross that stands out, & that is its problem. Even if the Eclipse Cross were popular, why produce a product that takes away from the few products you are already producing?

Mitsubishi would have done much better creating something outside the realm of their present vehicles....

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I mostly agree with you. Earlier in this thread, I lampooned the Eclipse Cross as a "4/5ths-sized Outlander or a 5/4ths-sized Outlander Sport". I really don't understand why Mitsubishi spent precious R&D dollars trying to jam a third utility vehicle between the two it already had instead of trying to diversify it's lineup a little bit. Like you, I think a very small 'cute ute' might have been the way to go, or perhaps a Montero-esque, range-topping, high profit, luxury SUV a la the LandCruiser.

I really don't mind the styling of the Cross. It is modern, and Mitsubishi models in recent years have been widely criticized for being frumpy and dated-looking. It looks nice enough to me, and were I in the market for such a vehicle I'd give it a look. Though I really don't like the trend of having tiny, 90 cubic inch engines powering relatively heavy AWD vehicles with huge wheels. It just seems like a recipe for poor longevity to me.

"Chicken Tax" or no, a small pickup would KILL here. Like, Ford Ranger small. Not same-size-as-a-1996-F150 "small", like the Toyota Tacoma. Mitsubishi is going to have a hard time turning things around if all they want to sell is their own carbon-copies of what everyone else sells..."something-UVs". As you mentioned, the Mirage sells because it is relatively unique in the market.

Mitsubishi might do well to try to fill the niche markets the big manufacturers are abandoning.

[QUOTE=MetroMPG;56798]Attachment 8429 This is the next new addition to Mitsubishi's line up: the 2018 "Eclipse Cross."


Got my Mirage's oil done today, the dealer has lots of brand new 2019 Eclipse Cross'. Sat in the blue one in the show room, this is a grey or silver one, not sure very foggy humid day today. Sharp angled CUV, my friend says they don't look like SUVs something else entirely dunno my opinion on the shape. I like it overall

[QUOTE=dspace9;77126]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Attachment 8429 This is the next new addition to Mitsubishi's line up: the 2018 "Eclipse Cross."


Got my Mirage's oil done today, the dealer has lots of brand new 2019 Eclipse Cross'. Sat in the blue one in the show room, this is a grey or silver one, not sure very foggy humid day today. Sharp angled CUV, my friend says they don't look like SUVs something else entirely dunno my opinion on the shape. I like it overall

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When I look at the back of the Eclipse Cross, it reminds me of the rear end of a Pontiac Aztek redone. If you don't remember a Pontiac Aztek, look up the ugliest vehicles of all time. The Aztek is often in the top 10. People have different taste I guess.

I like the white vehicle parked to left of the Eclipse much better, and I don't even know what it is.