The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross recently received a facelift with a number of revisions to the design and standard equipment. The new makeover comes as a strategy to extend its presence in the highly competitive compact crossover segment in which established products such as the Kia Seltos and Volkswagen T-Roc are currently reigning supreme.
Quick Facts
Model: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1,5T GLS
Price: R499 995
Engine: 1.5Litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Power: 110 kW
Torque: 250 N.M
Fuel Consumption: 7.7 (Claimed)
Transmission: CVT
Maintenance: 3-year/100 000 km warranty
Exterior
With regards to the exterior design of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the most notable revision is made to the rear end which previously featured a two-piece glass window with a light bar in the middle. Previous criticisms pointed out that this design cue restricted the driver’s visibility so the brand employs a seamless single-piece glass.
The front end received a subtle facelift to create a more modern appearance. This includes a narrower pair of LED daytime running lights and a blacked-out Dynamic Shield front grille which gives the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a classier look compared to the previous design’s twin-chrome blades. The side of the Eclipse Cross shows off strong body lines that flow from the front fenders along the side of the body to the rear, where the 3D Y-string-shaped rear LED taillight gives the coupe silhouette a sportier stance.
Standing off the ground by 140 mm, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross rides on a set of dual-tone silver and black 18-inch alloy wheels to round off the dynamic look.
Interior and Practicality
Like the exterior, upgrades have also been made to the interior. Changes within include a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system which retains its Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring as well as Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility. Upon operation, the new system is a bit lethargic to the touch and quite limited in terms of parameter customization.
The interior is filled with soft-touch materials, covering the dashboard and upper door panels which feels quite cheaper to the touch compared to its rivals. Another dynamic element in the cabin is a set of piano-black inlays on the steering wheel, center console, and door trims that tend to get marks and scratches easily.
While the interior of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross may not be as elegant and modern as its competitors, it does feature several amounts of useful features fitted as standard. This includes a semi-digital instrument cluster with an adjustable head-up display and a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters. The interior also features two USB ports and a 12-volt power socket up-front. Eight-way power-adjustable leather seats with heating for the driver and front passenger are included to enhance comfort levels. What I did notice, however, was the lack of lumbar support adjustment which would have been useful for preventing lower back pain during long-distance driving.
when it comes to practicality, the updated Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross interior offers a comfortable and spacious cabin with plenty of storage compartments. The rear passenger experience is just as comfortable, with tilt-adjustable seats and a middle armrest that houses a set of cup holders. Legroom and headroom space are adequate, even for adults. With a claimed boot space capacity of 437 L/dm3, relatively smaller than its competitors due to its raised boot floor that hides the full-size spare wheel. Space can be extended by up to a claimed 1 224 dm3 via the 60:40 split-folding rear seats to facilitate storing items such as mountain bikes and surfboards.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes equipped standard with a total of seven airbags, ABS with brake assist, EBD, and active ESP. park assist with both front and parking sensors as well as a reverse-view camera.
The drive
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can be had with one of two petrol engines. The entry-level model sports the firm’s naturally aspirated 2,0-litre four-cylinder mill while the flagship that we’ve driven, makes use of the turbocharged petrol 1,5-litre four-pot will good for 110 kW and 250 N.m of torque. In this car, power is transferred to the front wheels via a CVT.
This engine and transmission combination performs best at low speeds and when driven moderately. When pushed hard, the transmission struggles to deliver enough power on demand, especially when it comes to overtaking situations. The crossover boasts a smooth ride quality thanks to a well-sprung suspension that soaks up road imperfections impressively. On the dynamic front, a little bit of body roll is noticeable when cornering.
During my time with the car, the average fuel consumption of 8,4 L/100 km was achieved after a combined mixed driving condition.
Verdict
With consumers’ expectations set quite high for the standard of a modern compact SUV, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lacks quite a bit in terms of interior styling and technological refinement. It offers a comprehensive list of standard features and a pleasant driving experience. Cabin comfort levels and a smooth ride quality further enhance its appeal. The Eclipse Cross is good value for money but is pitted against a tough set of rivals.
