A CROSSOVER SUPERSTAR
With so many compact crossover SUVs around, comparing like for like in this burgeoning segment is as easy as spotting a horse at a polo match.Yet, when one of the cars in question does (almost) everything it needs to so well that equating becomes petty, you can bet your last cent that the crossover in question probably has a Mitsubishi badge on it. As is the case with the Eclipse Cross that received a much-needed boost – in the form of a brand new 1.5-litre turbo engine – earlier in 2020.
For a variety of reasons, the original Eclipse Cross was a hit in our books, when it launched more than a year ago. Progressive styling, loads of gadgets, ample cabin space, a great sound system, and exceptionally comfor table seats, all count in the Eclipse Cross’ favour.
When the Japanese automaker announced the local addition of a 1.5-litre turbo, paired with a constant velocity transmission (CVT), one of the few marks against the Eclipse Cross could be erased and replaced.
A MORE THAN COMPETENT CVT
If there’s one thing that motoring journos generally agree on, it is that CVT gearboxes are (mostly) annoying, cumbersome things that do little else than convert fuel into noise.
Much to our surprise, however, the 110 kW 1.5-litre turbo engine and CVT combination on the Eclipse Cross GLS is sublime, and kicks to touch most notions of what a CVT should feel like to drive, especially when accelerating hard.
This combo intelligently hits the torquey-est sweet spot when urgency is required, and coolly cruises in the lower rev ranges when coasting along. Peg it from standstill (in Sport mode) and the Eclipse Cross pounces from zero to 100 km/h in a not-so
leisurely 8.9 seconds, while avoiding too much of this kind of hurrying should see you return fuel consumption figures in the mid- to high 7.0 l/100 km range.
A MINOR NIGGLE OR TWO
Naturally, no car is perfect, and the Eclipse Cross still features a few oddities that might trip it up against established rivals such as the Suzuki Vitara, Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Venue, or Kia Seltos.
High on the list is the split rear window, which impairs manoeuvring visibility somewhat. Fortunately, the rear camera picks up some of this slack, but a decent number of drivers still battle to reverse with a camera, so expect a few potential buyers to pull their noses up at this issue.There is also the matter of ride firmness that might bother some who prefer a more compliant ride.
FINAL SAY
Finding good things to say of the Eclipse Cross is not hard. It turns heads, feels great to drive, and does everything it says rather well.The bulletproof engine and excellent overall build quality (it’s built in Japan), decent mix of new technology (including a headup display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and serious safety credentials (seven airbags), make this car an almost unbeatable option in its segment. It really is that good.