Meet the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

By Ané Theron

The compact SUV segment is growing by leaps and bounds. So much so, that Mitsubishi has added yet another one to the local line-up: Meet the new Eclipse Cross.

Who is the Eclipse Cross aimed at?

Slotting in just above the ASX, the Eclipse Cross, (according to Mitsubishi), is aimed at people with a strong belief in themselves and who don't always follow the trends, independent women who seek adventure (the "go-getters"), active "empty-nesters" who no longer need to feed their flock, and of course, loyal Mitsubishi customers looking to upscale from their ASX or downscale from the bigger Outlander or Pajero Sport. 

It's true; not everyone is the Toyota RAV4 or the Hyundai Tucson type, and if you do want to stand out, the Eclipse Cross may just be your Double Mocha Latte. Especially in red!

How does it look?

In Mitsubishi's own words: "Its defiant design concept focuses on a fine balance between the wedge-shaped coupé style and practicality of space and comfort." 

I think the new Eclipse Cross looks slick and dynamic, like a sporty hatchback with off-road intentions.  From the side and the rear it reminds me a little of the Volvo XC40 and perhaps the Toyota C-HR. But the front-end is pure, modern Mitsubishi. Those chrome strips that aggressively underline the headlamps and then sharply curve towards the bottom of the large front fog lamps is a standout Mitsubishi design feature which I have come to love.

The rear-light strip that seems to split the middle of the rear window in two doesn't really impair visibility, and adds that little something special, from an aesthetic perspective.  The Eclipse Cross has won a few design awards, so it's not just me who thinks it looks hot.

On the inside?

Quality as well as quantity! Most surfaces and switchgear feel upmarket, and the layout is sensible and ergonomic. There aren't too many buttons and it doesn't feel cluttered, but comfort and convenience features are plentiful.

The central touchscreen boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the unit isn't angled at the driver, which makes it hard to read especially when the sun is shining on it. The surface is also very reflective and we recommend that you increase saturation and brightness to the max. Sat-nav is embedded if you don't have your phone on you, and the system is easy to find your way around (pun intended).

The electrically-adjustable driver's seat is ultra-comfortable, and it's quick to find your ideal driving position. The steering wheel can adjust telescopically as well, a feature that can spell the difference between arms that are numb and arms that want to keep driving.

Driving the Eclipse Cross

Two naturally aspirated, two-litre derivatives (with CVT-gearboxes) will be available initially, until a 1.5-litre turbo-charged unit makes its appearance later. (Oh, and there are some more new Mitsubishis coming later this year, like the upgraded Triton which is looking ultra-swish, as well as the upgraded ASX, and the all-new Xpander...)

Our first romp took place in the front-wheel driven Eclipse Cross, which behaved impeccably on the straight N7 en route to the Swartland. For the all-wheel drive models there was a short gravel section which we decided to sample anyway, since most people will probably buy the nearly 50k-cheaper 4x2 model.

As we merrily made our way across the pretty gravel route, we were impressed by how effortless the Eclipse Cross felt to pilot over the slippery, rutted road, as the traction and stability control kept things neatly in check  when a slight touch of uncertainty could be felt underfoot.

After lunch, we repeated the same gravel section in the  AWD model, and my co-driver and I agreed that the 4x2 model would probably be the better-value offering, unless you're going to be driving on snow or gravel on a very regular basis (the AWD model offers Snow, Gravel and Auto settings). Both cars' suspension feel pliant and supple, and are well-suited to the city as well as the country life. I didn't get the chance to drive the Eclipse Cross on a tarred and curvaceous mountain pass yet, so I have yet to gain a more in-depth opinion of steering and fleet-footedness.

Performance and fuel consumption?

The 2.0-litre petrol-engine is sufficiently lively with 110 kW and 198 Nm under its belt, and Mitsubishi's INVECS-III CVT auto transmission (with 6-step Sport Mode) is one of the best in the business, in my books. It's quiet, smooth, and comes with standard 'flappy paddles' on the steering wheel if you want change gears yourself.

Both our test models seemed to be slightly on the heavy side with regards to petrol usage, with average consumption figures of 11 and 12 litres per 100 km respectively. However: the fat lady hasn't sung her final consumption song until I've driven the Eclipse Cross (sensibly) for at least a week, so watch this space for a more detailed review. 

Verdict

The Eclipse Cross has plenty going for it, plus it's slightly more affordable than the above-mentioned Tucson, RAV4, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5 against which it competes. I love the way it looks and (so far) the way it drives , and I think it's going to be very popular.

Pricing

• The Eclipse Cross 2.0L CVT 4x2 is priced at  R399 995.
• The Eclipse Cross 2.0L CVT AWD costs R449 995.

Both models are covered by Mitsubishi’s Manufacturer’s Warranty of 3 years or 100 000km, a 5-year / 90 000 km Service Plan and a 5-year / unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.

Safety, comfort and convenience spec

• Safety features include 7 airbags, ISOFIX anchorage points, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill start assist, stability and traction control, an electric parking brake, keyless start, park distance control (front and rear) and a rearview camera.
• Interior features include leather seats, heated front seats, electrically adjustable driver's seat, USB ports, rear air-con duct, head-up display, paddle shifters, Bluetooth with hands-free voice-control.
• Exterior features include electric fold-away mirrors, projector halogen headlights with a manual levelling device, daytime running lamps, dusk-sensing headlamps, front fog lamps, headlamp washer, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a front bumper, 18-inch alloys, and roof rails.

(Click here to read our review of another favourite of ours, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.)