2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
You get an eclipse when one heavenly body moves in front of another. In this case you got an Eclipse when one terrestrial body moved in front of the rest. In this case, the body in question is the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Crossover 1.5-litre turbo petrol.
This new SUV joins the recently- launched Eclipse range as the top offering. Since introduction at the Geneva Motor Show in 2017 and launch in 2018, the Eclipse has been a top seller and prize winner for Mitsubishi. It won a Chicago Museum of Architecture and Design Award on launch, and was named the Japanese Automotive Researchers’ & Journalists’ Car of the Year 2019 as well.
The Eclipse fits in size between the smaller ASX and the bigger Outlander, giving Mitsubishi well-balanced range of SUVs.
The new turbo gives the same 110kW as the 2-litre normally aspirated mill, but adds a jaw-dropping 250Nm at only 3 500rpm. Like its 2.0-litre siblings, the turbo uses a ‘six-speed’ CTV to get the power to the front wheels. Some say a CTV cannot shift, but in the ‘eight-speed’ sports mode the Turbo Eclipse goes from 0 – 100 in under 9 seconds.
This performance is made possible by direct fuel injection, and an exhaust manifold integrated cylinder head, sodium-filled exhaust valves and a very broad torque range. It is the most fuel-efficient of the range, using only 7.7-litre/100km in a combined cycle. CO2 emissions measure 174 g/km. The paddle shifts behind the wheel give you instant control to get the most of the CVT.
Inside the turbo is as roomy as its brothers, but with carbon fibre door inserts giving a spaceship look. This is further enhanced by the full-colour HUD (heads-up-display) which gives you all the driving information you need without taking your eyes off the road.
The steering wheel tilts and telescopes and has multi-function audio and cruise control. The Eclipse has Bluetooth with voice control and automatic aircon with rear-passenger vents. The seats are leather, the front ones heated and electrically adjustable as well.
The large 18” alloy wheels come with a full-sized spare. The headlamps and fog lights are LED, as are the daytime running lights. These are linked to automatic dusk sensing. Front and rear park distance control gives you peace of mind, while the windscreen wipers will sense rain and do its thing automatically.
Furthermore, the Eclipse has the full safety package, including seven airbags, side-impact bars, ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS, active yaw control, electronic brake-force distribution and hill-start assist, to name some, but not all.
The turbo enjoys same 3 years/100 000km warranty, a 5-year/90 000km service plan and 5-year unlimited roadside assistance.
You are welcome to come and look at this new model or test drive the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at your nearest Group1 Mitsubishi dealership.
