Mitsubishi is not a name that immediately springs to mind when thinking about Japanese cars. The company keeps a comparatively low profile yet the Outlander PHEV is the best selling plug-in hybrid SUV in the UK. When the going gets really tough, the legendary Pajero (Shogun in some markets) fits the bill with seven seats and go anywhere ability. In the middle sits the Eclipse Cross.
Crossover
The crossover market is burgeoning right now, but has split into various sectors. Basically, some crossovers can still tackle rugged terrain but the majority are designed to stay resolutely on metalled roads. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross fits well into the first group as a capable off-roader that is also comfortable and useable every day. Couple this with Mitsubishi's reputation for dependable, long-lasting vehicles and the Eclipse makes real sense as the right vehicle for an active family.
Dynamics
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross features a highly rigid yet lightweight bodyshell, over half of which is made from high tensile strength steel. The suspension system was specifically developed to target precision and cornering ability, while also striking a balance between handling and comfort, with an emphasis on limiting body roll; ideal for a tall vehicle.
Under normal use on good roads this vehicle offers a front-wheel drive-biased system (S-AWC : Super All Wheel Control) with torque shift which can significantly and automatically switch the drive between all four wheels variously according to driving conditions; all the way to a rear-wheel drive bias in Snow or Gravel drive modes.
For stopping power, the braking system has also been developed with performance in mind, the all-round disc set-up including ventilated discs in the front. The system manages the driving and braking forces of all four wheels, in particular through the regulation of torque split between the left and right wheels.
Comfort
The interior layout is functional and comfortable in typical Mitsubishi style. The dashboard is laid out in a conventional pattern that does away with fripperies. The interior is roomy and the seats large and comfy. There’s plenty of stowage space and of course a large boot (trunk). Interior quality overall is very good and very well put together.
Technology is to the fore as should be expected these days. Mitsubishi’s Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA) uses a 7-inch touch-screen display, located prominently on the dashboard where the driver can view infotainment data quickly, safely and with minimal eye movement. Note that some technology is, as ever, regionally dependent.
The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay, the smarter, safer way to use an iPhone in the car. The driver can use Siri or the SDA’s touch screen to get directions optimised for traffic conditions, make and receive calls, access text messages and listen to music, all in a way that allows the driver to stay focused on the road. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross also benefits from a Head-Up Display which displays the vehicle information directly but unobtrusively in the driver’s field of view.
Overall, this is a very worthwhile automotive choice that strikes a good balance between off-road capability and ‘around-the-town’ driving. MHH Japanese Cars offers a wide selection of this dependable vehicle and indeed the other cars from this brand.
Get in touch with us here at MHH Japanese Cars for more details.