Stylish crossover is aiming to Eclipse stiff competition
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS 4
TIt’s a pie that is without doubt big enough for everyone to have a piece of – the compact and mid-sized crossover having pretty much replaced the hatchback as the family car of choice.
Mitsubishi have made small-ish SUVS before but the Eclipse Cross is probably its first proper venture into crossover territory.
Max speed: 0-62mph: Combined mpg: Insurance group: CO2 emissions: BIK rating: Warranty:
Given the marque’s rich four-wheel-drive pedigree one would expect its take on a scaled-down SUV to be a decent effort – and indeed it is.
The Eclipse Cross is certainly an eye-catching contender in a fairly congested segment, managing to combine a familiar SUV chunky presence with some sleek styling too.
Its loud and proud front end combines well with a wedge-shaped rear end to create a profile that is easy to like.
The interior has an element of familiar Mitsubishi ruggedness and overall it feels like a solid and well put together car. The cabin has a nice open feel and the elevated ride height helps to engender a big car kind of feel.
Space up front is abundant and legroom in the rear is generous too and can be varied via a sliding rear bench. It offers 448 litres of boot space.
The styling overall on the inside is fairly conventional but the controls are well laidout and easy to navigate.
The infotainment system offers Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard via a seven-inch touchscreen.
There’s just one engine choice for now, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit.
It produces 163bhp and will take the Eclipse to a top speed of 125mph and sees it reach 62mph from a standing start in less than 10 seconds.
This car had the optional CVT automatic gearbox which certainly made suburban driving easier, even if it did feel a little jerky at times.
The Eclipse has commendable ride quality and handles nicely for a vehicle that sits quite high. There’s the option of either front or four-wheel drive and I liked the added reassurance and grip this four-wheel drive version offered in the midst of winter.
The Eclipse delivers exactly what most crossover owners want – the genuine look and feel of an SUV in a scaleddown package.