Recently, the Mitsubishi company have been refreshing their image and are enjoying considerable success with, for example, the popular Outlander SUV. Last year the Japanese manufacturer stepped up with the Eclipse Cross which they described as a mid-sized SUV. Depending upon global variations the car is available in three trim levels – Eclipse Cross 2, 3 and 4, the latter being featured here in our images. This is a versatile car that is already proving very popular here on MHH Japanese Cars.
On The Road
All versions of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are powered by an all-new 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine. We liked very much this smooth unit. It’s not a fast car by any means but it still delivers a punchy 161bhp and 250Nm (184lb/ft) of torque.
It is driven through a new Constantly Variable Transmission with an ‘8 speed’ system (in the sense that it has a stepped feel to mimic a traditional auto) some models have a manual override via paddles. This latter option doesn’t really bring much to the party but the paddles are there if you want them. A ‘Sport’ mode livens things up a bit although this is not a car for sporting drivers. That’s not its intention.
The Eclipse Cross comes with two or four-wheel drive (which is the one you want), the latter incorporating the latest generation of Mitsubishi’s ‘Super All-wheel Control’ system that offers a choice of three advanced drive modes – Auto, Snow and Gravel. At the time of testing the weather was fine but we have confidence in Mitsubishi when it comes to safety and grip.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is best described as an all-rounder. The ride is generally good, although size does affect handling to some extent. This is not a small saloon. Composed enough in general use, more spirited cornering will highlight minor shortcomings with body roll.
On The Inside
The Eclipse Cross is extremely well specified although regions vary on options. On offer is 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. That’s pretty comprehensive for standard.
The leather-clad, cockpit-style, functional environment (see for yourself in the photo) in the Eclipse Cross made driving a relaxed pleasure. The cabin is spacious with plenty of leg room behind the front seats and is light and airy thanks to the two-section sunroof. The rear seats split 60:40 and can be configured variously to facilitate loads of various sizes and shapes in the well-shaped boot.
Safety
All versions of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation (that uses radar technology to detect a risk of collision) ABS, Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist, seven airbags, dusk and rain sensors and automatic operation of the headlamps’ dipped beam. Higher spec models offer adaptive cruise, electric seats, leather, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and more. There are plenty of positive attributes to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross which we see as a genuine contender.
Get in touch with us at MHH Japanese Cars for more details.
