2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Could Eclipse Qashqai’s Success

We can’t really see how anything can eclipse the current popularity of the Nissan Qashqai. However, Mitsubishi may bring the solution in form of the all-new crossover. Unofficially, the new high-riding model will be named the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse and will be Qashqai’s biggest rival. At least Mitsubishi thinks so.

The future SUV will be introduced at the 2017 Geneva auto show, but the carmaker decided to release a single teaser ahead of debut. This photo will definitely tickle our imagination, especially because the crossover largely resembles the XR-PHEV concept unveiled in 2013. The upcoming 2018 Eclipse is basically a coupe-like crossover, but the actual design is overly controversial, so it must become very popular. The Qashqai is highly popular, so why wouldn’t it be Mitsubishi’s new SUV?

The carmaker toned down the exterior styling, but we hope this won’t be the case with the powertrain. If the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse follows the concept’s steps, we might see a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The interesting system combines a 1.1-liter three-cylinder engine with a 120kW electric motor that draws power from a 14kWh battery pack. The gasoline mill runs the front wheels, while the electric motor powers the rear axle, which means that the hybrid model could have an all-wheel-drive only.

If not, you will be able to choose between 1.5-liter turbo gasoline and a 2.2-liter oil-burner. The engines will be mated to a CVT, but you will be able to pick a six-speed manual gearbox as well.

As we already said, the charming SUV will make the official debut at the 2017 Geneva auto show, so we should have more information very soon. Since it will be Qashqai’s big opponent, the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse may have a similar price as well. More precisely, the base model should cost around $25,000. Read More

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