FULL REVIEW AND SEPC SHEET: [ Ссылка ]
*correction:- trans= 1-speed fixed (cvt in other Eclipse models).... we referred to this as CVT in the PHEV model by mistake, whereas other Eclipse models tested the same day had CVT automatics.
This is the true genius of the Eclipse Cross and although it is not alone in having this drivetrain, it is one of the most “affordable”. The true value is something only a buyer can decide. However, EVs of any kind, won’t be popular until the government backs future technology instead of fossil fuels.
Think of a PHEV as 2 systems tied to each other by necessity.
A 13.8 Kwh battery contains enough energy to power Eclipse Cross for around 55km, with a 20-minute charge costing us a princely $2.80. We used the local Chargefox 50kw outlet conveniently located at our local shops, having a coffee while we waited. There is a cord for charging at regular outlets, but you could also have a wall unit put in at home.
A full charge gives Eclipse Cross owners 55km of EV only driving around town, with the 2.4L petrol engine kicking in to provide extra oomph if needed. Once the main charge has been used up, the regular hybrid system magically takes over. It will charge and discharge its battery and will also spend time in pure EV mode. The Plug-in system will not recharge from the engine.
The latter is the main reason owners should top up their system now and then, even if they don’t fancy taking advantage of the stupidly cheap travel electricity provides.
A smart driver will treat Eclipse Cross PHEV as a “range extender”, meaning they drive in EV mode almost all the time, using the petrol engine infrequently.
Think of it this way, 550km of EV driving will cost around $28 dollars’ worth of power, but the same distance using bits of dinosaur is going to cost at least triple that. To sweeten the pot further, all of most public chargers use 100% renewable energy.
For the time being, this is perfect, and will take drivers as far as they want to go without having to wait for that pesky charge. While chargers are almost always available now, we are only one sensible policy decision away from an EV-geddon.
By the way, the PHEV is able to send electricity back to the network, to devices, your home, and other EVs, should the need arise.
The Cabin:
The blurb says the cabin is full of premium fittings and luxurious surroundings, but jumping into an Eclipse Cross PHEV expecting luxury, is going to leave you wanting. Instead, the cabin could be said to feel functional, comfortable, and spacious, especially for a small SUV.
There are acres of hard plastic, with the top of the doors and dash having a soft-ish-touch. On the bright side, the areas that take a beating should last a little longer. Sadly, the piano black on the centre console scratches easily, and our 5000km test car was starting to look tatty.
Seating has heating on the 4 outboard positions, but there are no air vents for travellers in the back. While we are in the back seats, the big front headrest and high window sills make the space in the rear, either cosy, or confined, depending on your mood.
The atmosphere creates an ambience that is dark and brooding, with most surfaces back, or black, with others being black.
with Alan from gaycarboys.com
