Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: prices, specs and release date

The Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi's latest entrant into the hotly contested crossover SUV market, will hit UK showrooms in January 2018, priced from £21,275.

Unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the Mitsubishi Eclipse occupies a niche between the compact ASX and the larger Outlander in the company's range, and offers an alternative to the popular Nissan Qashquai, SEAT Ateca and Peugeot 3008.

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Distinctive looks were high on the agenda while developing the Eclipse Cross, and the influence of Mitsubishi's XR-PHEV concept can be clearly seen, although such features as concealed door handles have been lost in the design translation.

However, as hinted by the Eclipse name – previously seen on a three-door Eclipse coupe sold in North America from 1989 to 2012 – the Japanese maker is keen to stress that its "coupe-like" form with "highly chamfered contours" and a "distinctive V-line in the rear quarter" are true to the concept.

While we've already driven the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, UK pricing and specification had not previously been confirmed. We can now expect three trim levels when the model goes on sale, named simply Eclipse Cross 2, Eclipse Cross 3 and Eclipse Cross 4.

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross specifications

Eclipse Cross trim levels are generous, with even entry-level 2 models equipped with DAB radio, a rear-view camera displayed on the screen used by an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible stereo, as well as climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels. privacy glass, Bluetooth and LED daytime running lights.

Stepping up to Eclipse Cross 3 adds 18-inch alloy wheels, silver side sills and electric folding mirrors on the outside, while the driver can use a head-up display and front and rear parking sensors from the comfort of heated front seats. Keyless entry and go are also standard, and both front-wheel and four-wheel drive models are available.

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At the top of the range, the Eclipse Cross 4 boasts a leather interior with electric driver's seat adjustment and an electric sliding panoramic roof. There's a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo, and LED headlamps join blind-spot warning, a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control (on automatic models), lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert as contributions towards increased safety and convenience.

Early customers can opt for a 'First Edition' version, too. Special badging, a carbon-finish bumper cover, a side extension kit with red inserts and additional styling details set it apart from the Eclipse Cross 4 model on which it’s based.

New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross engines, prices and availability

At launch, every Eclipse Cross uses the same 163bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT-style automatic gearbox, which is offered with paddle shifters on certain models. No mention has yet been made of availability or pricing for rumoured diesel versions, nor has a plug-in hybrid PHEV version been confirmed.

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The front-wheel drive Eclipse Cross 2 manual is priced at £21,275, which rises to £22,575 for the Eclipse Cross 3 – adding the automatic gearbox increases its price to £23,850. Adding in four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox will set you back £25,350.

The range-topping Eclipse Cross 4 starts at £24,975 in front-wheel drive manual form, or £27,900 with all wheels driven via an automatic gearbox. 250 First Edition models will be offered, priced at £26,825 for the manual or £29,750 with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.

Order books for the Eclipse Cross range will open in October 2017, with deliveries starting in January 2018.