FRESH SIGN OF LIFE

Edgy 2018 Eclipse Cross gives compact CUV hunters a new viable reason to visit a Mitsubishi dealership to comparison-shop

Back when I was learning how to drive, Mitsubishi sold sports coupes in the United States. My dad bought into the fastestgrowing car company of the 1990s with a 195-horsepower Mitsubishi Eclipse with a five-speed manual.

When the all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross showed up in my driveway, memories of a manual sports coupe clashed with a crossover with more safety aids than a preschool.

Aside from the budget-or-bust Mirage, Mitsubishi only sells crossovers in the U.S. now. The strategy has resulted in yearover-year sales growth since 2012.

The Eclipse Cross is the most important vehicle for the brand’s survival and growth in the U.S. It is a compact crossover competing in America’s bestselling segment.

The Eclipse Cross is not sporty like its namesake but is very well-appointed at a very good price. The tester came with allwheel drive, power folding side mirrors, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and all the latest modern touches for just over $31,000 in top SEL trim. That’s at least a few thousand less than the competition.

Its styling has the edgy angularity of the latest crop of Japanese crossovers, but things get a bit odd with a bar that splits the rear hatch window. That bar houses the LED taillights and the third safety light. From the inside the split rear glass is a bit annoying in the rear-view mirror.

Inside, there’s decent room for front- and rear-seat passengers or for cargo. Softtouch black surfaces contrast nicely with chrome-like trim pieces for an upscale feel. The center console houses a touch pad to control the 7-inch display screen. The steering wheel controls are basic.

The 152-horsepower, turbocharged fourcylinder engine is new. It’s not powerful but it delivers enough of a burst to make passing maneuvers with confidence. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission that has paddle shifters featuring an eight-step “sport” mode.

The smooth ride is on the louder side on the highway, due in part to the panoramic sunroof (part of the $2,500 touring package with advanced driver assistance systems such as forward collision and lane departure warnings).

Minor complaints aside, the Eclipse Cross is crucial for the brand and a good option for value-oriented consumers.