2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV revealed

Mitsubishi will debut its new SUV during next month’s Geneva motor show, with the 2018 Eclipse Cross set to slot in between its small-sized ASX and mid-size Outlander SUVs.

Although the Eclipse Cross’ exact dimensions are yet to be revealed, the new crossover is expected to be the first model in Mitsubishi’s SUV range overhaul as the next-gen Outlander has already been confirmed to grow in size to compete against the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9.

The new-generation ASX is also rumoured to decrease in size to more Mazda CX-3-like dimensions – if the 2015 Tokyo motor show Mitsubishi eX concept car is anything to go by – leaving room in the brand’s SUV line-up for the Eclipse Cross.

This means the production version of the Eclipse Cross could be Mitsubishi’s answer to the segment-dominating Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, as well as the popular Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai.

During the 2013 Tokyo motor show, Mitsubishi revealed its plans to concentrate on the proliferating SUV and light commercial markets, leaving the future of the Mirage micro car and Lancer in doubt.

As previously reported, plans for the next-generation Pajero are still unclear, but Mitsubishi will continue producing the Triton-based Pajero Sport rugged off-road wagon.

The new Eclipse Cross borrows its name from the front- and all-wheel drive sportscar released in the US, South America, Asia and Middle Eastern markets from the late 1980s to 2011, a name which was made (in)famous as the first car Paul Walker’s character races in the 2001 movie The Fast and the Furious.

What does Mitsubishi need to do to make the Eclipse Cross competitive against rivals including the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson? Tell us in the comments below.

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