YET another smaller sized SUV will be on the market come January with the introduction of a new model from Mitsubishi, the Eclipse Cross.

The mid-sized Mitsubishi will be available in three trim levels - Eclipse Cross 2, Eclipse Cross 3 and Eclipse Cross 4.

At launch, all versions will be powered by an all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 163bhp which will be available with a six-speed manual or advanced new automatic transmission with sport mode, manual override and paddle shifters, depending on the model.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will also be available with two or four-wheel drive, the latter incorporating the latest generation of Mitsubishi's Super All-wheel Control system with a choice of three drive modes - Auto, Snow and Gravel.

Features on the Eclipse Cross entry-level 2 version include a touch-pad controller, smartphone display audio that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear view camera, DAB radio with six speakers, cruise control, climate control air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls, 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and heated door mirrors.

All versions will have lane departure warning, forward collision system, ABS, stability control, hill start assist, brake assist, seven airbags, dusk and rain sensors and automatic operation of the headlamps' dipped beam.

The Eclipse Cross 2 is priced from £21,275 while the Eclipse Cross 3 adds eight-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and keyless start, electrically folding door mirrors, silver side sills and an electronic handbrake on automatic versions.

Pricing starts from £22,575 for the front-wheel drive Eclipse Cross 3 manual and £23,850 for the front-wheel drive automatic. The Eclipse Cross 3 4WD automatic is priced from £25,350.

The flagship Eclipse Cross 4 version has leather trim, electrically-adjustable driver's seat, electric opening panoramic roof, a Rockford Fosgate Premium sound system, LED headlamps, parking camera and adaptive cruise control in the automatic version.

Pricing for the Eclipse Cross 4 starts at £24,975 with the front-wheel drive manual transmission and £27,900 for the 4WD automatic version.

The best fuel economy comes from the front wheel drive manual model which is rated at 42.8mpg with emissions of 151/gkm. The automatic has a claimed return of 42.2mpg while the figure for the auto 4x4 is 40.4.

A special First Edition version will be available for a limited time with 250 units being produced priced from £26,825.