The Eclipse Cross is the stepping stone for a new generation of Mitsubishi product, positioned in between the slightly smaller ASX and the slightly larger Outlander. A little bird tells us that both these vehicles will see some changes soon, which will make the stylish and contemporary Eclipse Cross sit a little more comfortably in between them.
What the Eclipse Cross also introduces is a new engine for Mitsubishi – the 1.5-litre turbocharged MIVEC four cylinder – a compact unit that is a real sparkler and pumps out 112kW of power and 254Nm of torque. Mitsubishi’s commitment to improving efficiency is evidenced by the easily attainable fuel consumption figures of 7.3 L / 100 km.
Mitsubishi’s inclusion of an 8-speed CVT with paddle shifters should not go unmentioned either. Typically, CVTs find little favour with motoring critics, but the one in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – well, it’s a little different – in a good way.
We see the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ‘natural hunting ground’ being in the concrete jungle, but it can just as comfortably stretch its legs on the open road too, making it ideal for the between-city travellers, requiring independent and easy to operate transport options when they reach their destinations.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross keeps you in touch with whomever you need to stay in touch with too, thanks to the joys of Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity and Touch Pad Commander. Every Eclipse Cross comes standard with forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning, 7 airbags, all adding up to a 5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating.
We really enjoyed our time with the Eclipse Cross. To prove how capable it is in city environments, we deliberately braved tight parking spaces (thanks to the brilliant reversing camera) and densely populated areas, and it passed with flying colours, it is very useable small SUV around town.
You know what? We reckon we’d be just as happy to go and do it all over again, it was that good.
For more information go to www.mmnz.co.nz/vehicles/eclipse-cross
