Snug fit for new Eclipse Cross
IT’S seems an absolute age since Mitsubishi brought out anything new but that has all changed now with the arrival of the Eclipse Cross model.
It’s a medium sized SUV which fits snugly between the ASX and Outlander in the company’s line-up of crossover vehicles.
With bold design cues and an athletic stance the Eclipse Cross looks impressive from any angle and with a pricing strategy that starts from just £21,275 it aims to draw buyers away from the likes of the Toyota C-HR, Nissan Qashqai, SEAT Ateca and Kia Sportage.
At present there is just one engine available – a newly developed 1.5-litre 163hp petrol unit, but there are plans to introduce a hybrid version later on and the company has not ruled out powering the car with a diesel engine.
Buyers can choose between manual or auto transmissions and there is the further choice of two or four wheel drive. Trim levels called Eclipse Cross 2, 3 and 4 are all generously equipped and there is a First Edition model that is limited to just 250 cars.
We tried out the First Edition model which is finished in a stunning premium red diamond colour and features some specific design traits to help it stand out in the Eclipse Cross line-up.
The first model, priced at £26,825, featured the six-speed manual gear- box and had 2WD. The car has the same performance capabilities as the Eclipse Cross 4 so can sprint from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds, maxes out at 127mph and has combined fuel efficiency of 42.8mpg with carbon emissions of 151g/km.
In town centres, the Eclipse Cross was agile and easy to manoeuvre and the driver’s all-round visibility is good. Then out on the faster roads the acceleration through the gears is both smooth and responsive.
We also tried the Eclipse Cross First Edition 4WD model with eight-speed automatic gearbox costing £29,750.
This car can reach 62mph from a standing start in 9.8 seconds, tops out at 124mph and, according to official figures, can achieve combined fuel economy of 40.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 159g/km.
Once again this Eclipse Cross was a pleasure to drive and despite being fitted with a CVT gearbox, there was no sign of screaming sounds under heavy acceleration.
The Steplogic gearbox feels like a normal automatic unit and there is a sport mode that can be accessed via steering wheel paddle shifters.
The car also featured an on demand all-wheeldrive system with auto, snow and gravel settings.
All in all, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a fabulous new arrival into the bursting compact SUV sector and the company has set a target of 6,500 sales this year, but expects the real figure to be more.