A battery-assisted drivetrain is among extra features coming for Mitsubishi’s compact crossover.

INCORPORATION of a hybrid powertrain – but not straight away - is a core change with an update to Mitsubishi’s compact sports utility, the Eclipse Cross.

 Detail of this inclusion has been aired with the brand having now unveiled the refresh, which is thought to be close to introduction to New Zealand, though no exact date has been announced.

In addition to the powertrain revision, the vehicle achieves fresh looks, a revised chassis, new suspension – with a new rear shock to improve handling characteristics - and some specification alterations.

The model’s exterior lines and details have also altered, to attune to the brand’s latest design language.

A new alternating-pattern mesh grille design is featured up front, flanked by slender new LED daytime lamps that replace the larger headlights of the outgoing model – leaving the lower lighting assembly to act as driving lights.

The cat also gets a redesigned hatch and rear window for improved visibility, integrating with updated tail-lights. 

The interior has not altered much, save that the centre display housing an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability has become more prominent and the previous model's touchpad has been discarded.

The car initially continues to represent with a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine matched to a CVT gearbox with all-wheel drive. 

The plug-in hybrid powertrain is reportedly coming in late 2021. This comprises a 2.4-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder mated to electric motors mounted on each axle; so, a similar – if not the same – drivetrain as that featuring in the next size up Outlander PHEV, which is also about to undergo change.

A new Outlander is set to launch in 2021, with a PHEV variant coming in 2022.

Meantime, Mitsubishi is also looking to replace the ASX, which is the oldest of its crossovers by some margin.

 Images released by Mitsubishi Japan seem to suggest the Eclipse Cross might include a sporty GSR appearance.

Comment about the Eclipse Cross has yet to come from Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand.