A total Eclipse of the heart
WE BRITS really love our SUVs. The so-called sport utility vehicle is now the bestselling style of car in the UK. It even outsells the more conventional family hatchback, previously our go-to choice for everyday drivability and usefulness.
It’s easy to see why. Sales of this kind of car – vehicles we once called 4x4s and expected to see off-road – are sky-rocketing because consumers seem to like the security, utility and elevated seating of an SUV.
It seems every car manufacturer wants to get in on the act.
Mitsubishi is bringing its new Eclipse Cross to the fray to compete against rivals including the Seat Ateca, Toyota C-HR and Peugeot 3008, as well as the segment-leading Nissan Qashqai.
The Eclipse Cross is certainly an unusual entrant and not just because the Mitsubishi remains something of an enigma in the UK.
One look at the Eclipse and it is clear Mitsubishi wants to differentiate itself from the competition. This Eclipse Cross is TASTEFUL: Interior features bright metal chrome and brushed aluminium the first in a new wave of SUVs inspired by Mitsubishi Group’s heritage outside of car-making in shipbuilding, defence and aerospace.
Designed to look strong, robust and utilitarian, the Eclipse Cross is meant to look like the kind of car you can depend upon.
If you’re expecting yet another boxy-looking SUV though, you’ll be pleased to know the car looks more svelte in real life. It’s helped by coupé-like styling and an unusual rear split-screen which fulfils a dual purpose.
Not only does it provide a sporty fast-back look to the car, it also allows a good view out from the driver’s seat.
It’s really quite handsome and distinctive, sporty and exciting GLASS ACT: The rear split screen gives a sporty look and great visibility looking even. It certainly doesn’t resemble any other SUV on sale.
The Eclipse Cross will be sold in the UK with a choice of diesel or petrol engines with different transmission and drive options.
The first is the turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine which can be specified as a two-wheel drive manual or a four-wheel drive automatic. A 4WD 2.2-litre fourcylinder turbo-diesel will follow later next year.
The 160bhp 1.5-litre 4WD CVT version gets you from 0 to 60mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph, with an average fuel economy of 40.3mpg and 159g/km emissions.
The 160bhp 1.5 2WD manual model offers slightly better fuel economy (42.8mpg) and emissions