Determined to stay in tune with Australians love for SUVs Mitsubishi has added a third model to its range. Called Eclipse Cross it sits between the compact ASX and the medium-large Outlander.
The Eclipse name does have some history for Mitsubishi having been used in a mid-sized sports coupe sold in overseas markets between 1990 and 2012. During much of that period a closely related model called Mitsubishi Galant was built at the company’s Tonsley Park plant in Adelaide.
The timing of Mitsubishi’s early preview of the Eclipse Cross is interesting in that it coincided almost to the hour with the launch by Nissan of its latest Qashqai, likely to be one of its closest competitors. No doubt with the hope of having potential buyers holding off for the Eclipse Cross release on December 22.
Eclipse Cross is no shrinking violet with a couple-like styling that’s sure to grab plenty of attention. The front features angular lines with the Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield grille flanked by LED headlamps and daytime running lights. The most striking feature are the deeply recessed foglamps and turn indicators sitting below the headlamps.
The rear features double rear screens split by a full width bar with LED brake lights. Such an arrangement can restrict rear visibility, something that we’ll report on when we road test the car early next year.
Three variants will be available: LS 2WD; Exceed 2WD; and Exceed AWD. All are powered by a new lightweight 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine with peak power output of 110 kW. There is 250 Nm of torque at 1800 rpm. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight pre-set manual overrides.
Fuel consumption is listed at 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres with 2WD and 7.7 L/100 km with AWD. CO2 emissions are 165 and 174 g/km respectively.
A diesel 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is available on other markets but unlikely to be added to the Australian range in the foreseeable future, if at all.
Standard safety features across the range include seven airbags; ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, emergency stop signal and automatic emergency braking; two IsoFix child seat mountings; reversing camera; automatic headlights and windscreen wipers; and hill start assist. There are energy absorbing structures around the front of the vehicle for pedestrian protection.
The Exceed variants add adaptive cruise control; blind spot warning; lane change assist; rear cross traffic alert; auto dimming inside mirror; accidental acceleration mitigation; and around view monitor.
Eclipse Cross Exceed also has an enhanced head-up display with ten different features that can be displayed.
Infotainment is based around the Mitsubishi Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) connectivity system and displayed on a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen. The system is compatible with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. There is also a new touchpad controller in the centre console, however it is not compatible with Android Auto.
We’ve yet to drive new Eclipse Cross which doesn’t go on sale until just before Christmas but look forward to testing it early in the new year and providing a full review.
MODEL RANGE
Eclipse Cross LS 2WD: $30,500
Eclipse Cross Exceed 2WD: $36,000
Eclipse Cross Exceed AWD: $38,500
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mitsubishi dealer for drive-away prices.
