New (2021) vs used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV: What are the top 3 differences?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is one of the brand's most popular models in SA, and the 1.5-litre turbocharge model has been well received. For 2021, the second-generation Eclipse Cross range has enjoyed a facelift that also includes a more extensive list of comfort features, improved practicality, and enhanced technology and connectivity, offering customers greater value for money.

 

1. Striking new looks and more exterior features

Mitsubishi uses the exact text to describe the new model as it did the previous, making mention of its design being "a balance between the sporty wedge shape of a coupé and the practicality, space and comfort of a SUV. " The dual oval lenses inside each headlamp are new, but the biggest changes in design took place around the back.

 

The split rear tailgate window has been replaced by a sharply sculpted hexagonal design with a single piece of glass. "The rear lamps have a distinctive three-dimensional Y-shaped design" (do I detect a touch of Volvo/Honda here? See below), and "extend upward and inward to follow the shape of the outside of the tailgate glass", says Mitsubishi.

 

 

Additional exterior features include the following: 

• Electrically adjustable foldaway mirrors with indicator light

• Projector LED headlights with levelling device

• Daytime running lights (DRL)

• Dusk-sensing headlamps

• Front fog lamps

• Rain-sensing windscreen wipers

• Front and rear park distance control

• Rear spoiler with high-mounted stop lamp

• Front bumper skid plate

• 18-inch alloy wheels

• Roof rails

 

2. A more ergonomic interior

Electric seat adjustment for the driver and front passenger is now included in both models. A new dashboard design with an 8-inch infotainment system that is now placed in a better position, will increase visiblity and user-friendliness for the driver. The outgoing model's system was difficult to read in bright sunlight, due to the way it was angled.

The new Eclipse Cross also features a Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) system which is connected to the touchscreen and uses Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It also includes the trip information, fuel consumption data, vehicle health indicators, and air-conditioning comfort display settings.

The outgoing models only had Apple CarPlay / Android Auto connectivity if you specified a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A touchscreen radio was standard.

 

Other cabin highlights in the 2021 Eclipse Cross include:

• A tilt / telescopic steering wheel

• Multi-function leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control

• Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free voice control

• Paddle shifters

• Electric windows front and rear

• Central locking with auto door lock

• Full automatic air-conditioning with rear passenger vent duct

• Leather seats

• Electric seat adjustment for driver and front passenger

• Heated seats up front

• 60/40 split rear seats

• Accessory sockets and USB ports

 

3. Finally, a boot that actually fits all of your stuff

The first-generation model was criticised for its lack of boot space, but this has now been seen to. The longer length of the new vehicle translates into larger boot capacity of 437 litres, which can be increased to 1 074 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The spare wheel is still full-sized.

 

 

Safety features remain largely unchanged

Safety equipment include Mitsubishi's HUD (head-up display) which was also available in the previous model. 

 

 

Like all Mitsubishi models in South Africa, the new Eclipse Cross boasts the whole nine yards of active and passive safety features.

These include:

• Reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body construction

• Seven airbags

• Side-impact protection bars

• ISOFIX child seat anchors

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist (BAS)

• Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)

• Active yaw control

• Hill start assist (HAS)

• Active stability and traction control (ASCT)

• Electric parking brake with an auto-hold functionality

• Electronic power steering

• Anti-theft protection

• Keyless operation system

• Rear-view camera

It has a five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP.

 

Engine/transmission options remain as they are

The naturally aspirated Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0 GLS still has 110kW and 198Nm under its bonnet, and is powered by Mitsubishi's excellent INVECS-III CVT gearbox with flappy paddles. The 1.5-litre turbocharged 1.5T GLS also has 110 kW but a more healthy serving of torque at 250Nm, reaching the 100 km/h mark in 8.9 seconds while the 2.0-litre model does it in 12.1.

 

 

Pricing

The new Eclipse Cross 2.0 GLS is priced at R459 995, and R499 995 is how much the 1.5T GLS model will cost you. A three-year/100 000 km warranty, a five-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance are included. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.

Source: Mitsubishi South Africa