Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T GLS (2021) review - the underrated alternative
2021 has seen many changes take place and for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, these changes are subtle, yet effective. Find out what has changed for the 2021 model year and see why you should be considering an Eclipse Cross as your next car.
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We'll be the first to admit that we were a little bleak when Mitsubishi revived the Eclipse nameplate only to have it present itself as a crossover SUV. The days of the aggressively-styled sports coupe are long gone and now there's yet another contender in the crossover segment. Initial impressions weren't exactly stellar either. Presented with only an asthmatic 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine to start with, our hearts sunk even further. Thankfully that was rectified with the introduction of a 1.5-litre turbo model that gave the Eclipse Cross a much-needed kick in the shorts.
Related: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T GLS (2020) - Video Review
A little more than a year later and the Eclipse Cross has been refreshed, giving it a subtle tech and styling upgrade with a revamped interior to make it a little more appealing. While this is a rather quick turnaround for a lifestyle update, the Eclipse Cross has been on sale in foreign markets since 2017.
Falling in between the ASX and Outlander, the Eclipse Cross is the roomy, rather agreeable alternative for those that don't need all the rough and tumble features of the Outlander.
Styling
When addressed from head-on, you would have to be a rather well-trained Mitsubishi employee or an eagle-eyed enthusiast to spot the differences in the new Eclipse Cross. The upper DRL elements have been reprofiled and are now slimmer than before, resting on top of the chrome Dynamic Shield spars that flank a new grille. Where the previous model had a grille element finished off in chrome, the new Eclipse Cross has neutral, black bars in their place.
The twin, oval headlights that rest low down in the bumper are now fitted with projector LEDs and feature self-levelling while the lower section of the bumper sees a revised lower air dam and skid plate section.
The new Eclipse Cross is also 140 mm longer than before and the rear changes can be seen at the rear. Where the first incarnation sported a split-window arrangement for the rear hatch, the new model sees this replaced with a more traditional single-piece glass, improving rearward visibility and giving the new Cross a more contemporary look and feel. This has also necessitated a taillamp redesign with the new tails sporting a 3-dimensional look now.
18-inch alloy wheels round off the ensemble in a similar design to before, once again painted black with machined spokes.
Space & Interior
It's more of the same once you climb inside. The look and feel are still very similar to the outgoing model and the devil is in the details, or so they say. A wash of new features makes the updated Eclipse Cross easier to live with. The increased size also translates into more cabin space, or more specifically, more load volume. The 437-litre boot can expand to a full 1 074-litres when the rear seats are folded forward.
Up front, electric adjustment for both the driver and passenger seats help the front passengers get comfortable while the rear passengers still enjoy the same comfort levels as before. There are minor changes to the layout, with the centre fascia receiving the bulk of the attention. New switchgear in the centre console complements the redesigned infotainments system setup. The binnacle that used to house the infotainment system has been replaced with a floating screen setup, helping free up some space and making the cabin feel more airy.
Comfort & Convenience
The infotainment unit fitted is Mitsubishi's SDA that features both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone tethering. In addition to this, the unit will support USB and Bluetooth connections, should your device not support the aforementioned tethering options. Audi is played through a Mitsubishi Power Audio system and while not on an audiophiles Christmas list, the reproduction is fair and clear at all road speeds.
This unit also features a native operating system with a tiled home screen. From this screen, you are able to access HVAC controls, vehicle information and a multitude of other vehicle settings. Heated seats, a multifunction steering wheel, and rear USB ports further bolster the convenience of the Eclipse Cross.
Performance
Our test model was, thankfully, the 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder. This mill produces 110 kW and 250 Nm torque and while the naturally aspirated 2.0 produces the same power, the torque figure of 198 Nm feels the pinch somewhat. This is particularly evident at the reef where the altitude losses affect the 2.0 to a far greater extent. It's simple really, at the coast the 2.0 is just fine, but at anything above seas level, the 1.5 will be the one you want.
Power is sent to the front wheel through a CVT gearbox that is fairly pleasant to interact with. It's largely a case of set and forget, and one will only encounter the detractions of a CVT when attempting to pass or under hard acceleration. A traffic light racer the Eclipse Cross is not but for the daily grind there is more than enough get-up-and-go to keep you satisfied. It's the sensible choice for sensible drivers.
Fuel Economy
The claimed fuel consumption figures on the combined cycle are reported to be 7.7 l/100km for the 1.5 turbo mill. The 2.0 fares a little worse with claims of 7.9 l/100km. Our averages were closer to the 10 l/100km mark but we will concede that this was after predominantly urban commuting.
The 63-litre fuel tank will give you a theoretical range of 818 km but one can expect closer to 650 km from a full tank. A full tank, calculated with today's fuel price, will set you back R1 231 for a full tank of 95 unleaded.
Safety
There's no shortage of safety features in the updated Eclipse Cross and Mitsubishi prides itself on creating safe vehicles, especially when intended for family use. As such, you get no fewer than 7 airbags, side-impact protection bars, ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist (BAS). The driver benefits from Active Yaw Control and Hill Start Assist while an Active Stability and Traction Control (ASCT) helps keep the Eclipse Cross pointed the right way. All of this is housed in a body shell that is constructed according to Mitsubishi's RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) architecture.
Electronic Power Steering and an electronic hand brake with auto-hold function makes driving the Cross less of a chore and help contribute to the overall safety of the Eclipse Cross. A rear view camera and anti-theft system further aid the owner's peace of mind.
Price
The Eclipse Cross is rather well-specced to start with and the only options that you have come from the accessories catalogue. Here you will be able to find hard-wearing mats, bike racks and the likes. All the equipment mentioned above is included in the price.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0 GLS | R459 995 |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T GLS | R499 995 |
Competitors
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross competes in a hotly contested segment of the market and the R499 995 price tag sees it compete directly with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Peugeot 2008, and KIA Seltos with the Kona offering the best performance. The Eclipse Cross does offer class-leading space and the standard equipment rivals the best in the segment.
Verdict
The Eclipse Cross is not one of those cars that you will dream about owning, yet you'd be foolish not to consider it. While it may not set your pulse racing, there's something endearing and familiar about it. My time behind the wheel passed before I knew it and I found myself handing it back with a bit of sadness. It really is a welcoming environment to spend time in and its road manners make it a pleasure to drive. It's like an old pair of shoes, you know you're not going to run the Comrades in them, but they just work. They fit well, don't cause you any discomfort and you feel good wearing them. The Eclipse Cross is massively underrated and you, like so many others, should give it a chance.
