Cheaper Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross to come

Mitsubishi will add a cheaper, entry-level version of its new Eclipse Cross SUV, which was launched this week in Tasmania, by September.

Designed to "add more of a value equation", the fourth Eclipse Cross variant - to be called the ES, in line with Lancer and Outlander - will allow Mitsubishi to compete more directly with rivals like the Nissan QASHQAI, the base ST manual version of which is priced from $26,490.

Speaking to motoring.com.au at the Eclipse Cross launch in Hobart, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) head of product planning James Tol said that typically a new model attracts buyers at the top-end of the range, while buyers who are looking for a less expensive variant appear in showrooms later on.

"When we launch an all-new model, initially we find that the real focus and momentum gets behind your mid- to upper-spec cars," he said.

"But as you really start to generate some momentum you'll draw more and more people into your tent, and you start to also bring in more people who want more of a value equation to it.

"When we think it's appropriate, which we think is probably six to nine months, we'll probably also introduce a base model."

Tol said the new base model's specs haven't been nailed down yet, but he gave an indication of the kind of features that will be missing from the Eclipse Cross ES.

"It'll still have all the main safety features and things like that, but we're probably talking a little bit of a step back in terms of things privacy glass, [which is] standard with the LS," he said.

However, Mitsubishi points out that, unlike many of its key competitors, the new entry-level Eclipse Cross will not be available with a manual transmission. Instead, like the rest of the range, it will be fitted with a CVT automatic as standard.

"I don't think manual transmission is on our radar really. Manual transmission isn't want people are looking for anymore," he said.

"Models that are offered [with] manual now we'll probably keep, but models in the future we probably won't have manual transmission offered. Unless it's something like a commercial vehicle like Triton, where there's still quite a high demand for manual."

As we outlined here, pricing and specs for the 2018 Eclipse Cross LS 2WD ($30,500 plus on-road costs), Exceed 2WD ($36,000 plus ORCs) and Exceed AWD ($38,500 plus ORCs) were announced in December.

Therefore expect Eclipse Cross prices to eventually start from under $30,000, as is the case with popular mid-size SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 - and Mitsubishi's own ASX small SUV ($25,000-$37,500) and Outlander medium SUV ($27,990-$55,490).

Unlike the slightly smaller ASX and larger Outlander, all Eclipse Cross models will be powered exclusively by a new 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine (the diesel version will not be sold in Australia), matched with a CVT automatic transmission.

Mitsubishi expects the Eclipse Cross to find more than 1000 sales a month once the range is complete, and says it could eventually replace the ASX, which will be renewed next year, as the brand's top-seller in Australia.

Like all Mitsubishis, the Eclipse Cross is covered by a five-year/100,000km warranty, and service intervals are 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.