Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross diesel ruled out for Australia

Mitsubishi has unveiled a diesel version of the Eclipse Cross - but it is not destined for Australian shores.

The new engine option, set to be available in Japan from this month, is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 107kW of power and 380Nm of torque, and is available solely with all-wheel drive.

Also new to the diesel Eclipse Cross is an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, as opposed to the 1.5-litre petrol turbo’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and an AdBlue system to help reduce emissions.

While the new Eclipse Cross diesel is destined for Japan and Europe, the brand’s Australian division has ruled out its introduction for the time being, citing lower demand for diesel engines in smaller vehicles.

The Eclipse Cross will continue to be offered in Australia only with its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and CVT transmission, and the choice of 2WD or AWD - the latter of which is only offered on the high-grade model. 

There are few compact rivals in Australia still offered with diesel, notably the Mazda CX-3 which, surprisingly, saw the addition of an updated oil-burner in its latest update, and a new arrival - the SsangYong Tivoli.

Mitsubishi previously axed the 2.2-litre diesel version of the smaller ASX in our market in 2018.

Local representatives also noted there were "no current plans" to roll out the eight-speed auto across petrol variants, but it could be possible in the future.

As to an AdBlue system, the brand currently offers the technology in its European version of the Triton ute (known as the L200) although it was not necessary for passing emissions standards in Australia, which lags behind the rest of the developed world. 

Mitsubishi Australia indicated that customers should look forward to the MY20 update to the Eclipse Cross which should introduce more “exciting” changes for our market.

Is there a place for diesel in the small SUV marketplace, or is the future in hybrids and electrics? Tell us what you think in the comments below.