Based on the consolidated Leaf platform, the new electric compact should contribute to the price in the range of US$ 30,000 to rebuild the brand's network
Mitsubishi has officially introduced its new low-cost urban EV: the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV. The model had already been spotted in tests as a mysterious prototype a few months ago, drawing attention for its shared engineering. Underneath the body, the car is based entirely on the consolidated platform of the Nissan Leaf.
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The choice of the name reignited debates among automotive enthusiasts. This is the second time in the decade that the brand has reused the name of its iconic 1990s sports car in a completely different segment, the first being the Eclipse Cross compact SUV.
The first two generations of the classic Eclipse made a name for themselves as high-performance compact sports coupes equipped with all-wheel drive and the legendary 4G63 turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Although the following generations of the coupe became heavier and less exciting before being discontinued, the new proposal adopts a 100% ecological and urban footprint.
Despite sharing Nissan’s mechanical base, the Eclipse Sportback EV arrives with its own visual identity. Among the aesthetic highlights of the model are the lower bumpers with a striking design and the exclusive three-spoke wheels.
Mitsubishi is expected to reveal more technical details closer to the market launch. However, by inheriting the electric set from the Leaf, the expectation is that the hatch will deliver specifications such as a range of 417 km and a starting price of around US$ 30.000 (about R$ 153.000). The strategy aims to take advantage of the Leaf’s good reputation in the market to attract new customers and help rebuild Mitsubishi’s dealership network.
