You’ve heard the rumors, you’ve seen the press release, but you still didn’t wan’t it to be true. Well it is. Everyone’s favorite 90’s bubble-hood sports car is now a crossover. Not a new sports car, or a hatchback, but a lazily designed wagon that’s lifted up a bit. Bringing shame to the name is the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
Since the flop of Evolution X sales, Mitsubishi had to find a way to compete with Subaru again. Instead of developing a new coupe with the Eclipse name to battle the BRZ, they decided to go toe-to-toe with the Crosstrek. And, let’s be honest, the Crosstrek is just a lifted Impreza so why didn’t Mitsubishi just lift the Lancer Sportback? Oh wait, that’s gone too!
Described as “Dynamic, Innovative, and Distinctive” on Mitsubishi’s website, the Crosstrek, er Eclipse Cross, is an all-new platform which should hit the streets in early 2018. Instead of being a performance focused crossover, Mitsubishi seems to be focusing on technology. The interior, which is currently exclusive to the Eclipse Cross, will have a plethora of new features from Mitsubishi. New features include a touchpad by the shift knob, a larger touch screen, and even a heads-up display! It will even come with a panoramic sunroof as an option.
As for drivability, the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will have available AWD and a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated 4-banger. And honestly, that’s about it.
Before I close I would like to say one thing: the taillight spanning over the glass hatchback is pretty cool.
