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Originally launched in 2018, I got to review the Eclipse Cross in early 2019. I felt that car to be good, ranking it a 7/10 as an overall score.

A few years on, the 2021 refreshed model sees the Eclipse Cross include several striking new exterior design, an extensive list of comfort features, improved practicality, proven performance, impressive safety credentials, enhanced technology and connectivity, and greater value for money.

Its design is a balance between the sporty wedge shape of a coupé and the practicality, space and comfort of an SUV, with an increased length of 140mm. In addition, Mitsubishi’s “dynamic shield” concept gives it an expressive dynamic front face, while new details such as twin oval headlamps contribute to a decidedly high-tech image.

The rear has evolved too –  the split rear tailgate window has been replaced by a sharply sculpted hexagonal design with a single piece of glass. The rear boot end has also undergone a styling change, boasting a sportier look. The  rear lamps now have a distinctive three-dimensional Y-shaped design and extend upward and inward elegantly to follow the shape of the outside of the tailgate glass.

Additional exterior features include:

• Electrically adjustable foldaway mirrors with indicator light
• Projector LED headlights with levelling device
• Daytime running lights (DRL)
• Dusk-sensing headlamps
• Front fog lamps
• Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
• Front and rear park distance control
• Rear spoiler with high-mounted stop lamp
• Front bumper skid plate
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Roof rails

Spaciousness is one of the greatest strengths of the new Eclipse Cross. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy thanks to electric seat adjustment, now standard for both the driver and passenger seats, whilst maintaining plenty of head and leg room for all occupants.

The longer length of the body also means a larger boot capacity of 437 litres, increasing to 1 074 litres with the rear seats folded flat without compromising on the spare wheel tyre size.

Other interior highlights include:

• Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) featuring:
• Android Auto and Apple Car Play mirroring
• Trip information
• Fuel consumption data
• Vehicle health indicators
• Air-conditioning comfort display settings
• Other onboard customer functions
• New premium Mitsubishi power sound system
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Multi-function leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control
• Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free voice control
• Paddle shifts
• Electric windows front and rear
• Central locking with auto door lock
• Fully automatic air-conditioning with rear passenger vent duct
• Leather seats
• Electric seat adjustment for driver and front passenger
• Heated seats up front
• 60/40 split rear seats
• Accessory sockets and USB ports

The new Eclipse Cross will be offered in two derivatives. Both are front-wheel drive and feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

There are two engine options, the first being Mitsubishi’s latest 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It delivers an impressive performance of 110 kW at 5 500 r/min, with 250 Nm of peak torque on tap between 2 000 r/min to 3 500 r/min. This powerplant is coupled with an eight-step automatic CVT gearbox which supports smooth, powerful acceleration and outstanding fuel efficiency.

The second engine option is the 2.0-litre MIVEC DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine, which uses a multipoint fuel injection system and offers 110 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 198 Nm at 4 200 r/min.

Coupled to this engine is Mitsubishi’s six-step CVT. It delivers effortless acceleration from any speed, slick gear changes and a smooth ride. What’s more, because it keeps the engine at optimum performance at all times, fuel efficiency is enhanced.

The new Eclipse Cross boasts a full complement of advanced active and passive safety features: seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, active yaw control, Hill Start Assist, electric parking brake with an auto-hold functionality, keyless operation system and rear-view camera amongst others.

The Eclipse Cross also features Intuitive Technology –  an integrated system of innovations working in unison to guide, protect, alert, connect and even entertain. One of these is the ead-up display (HUD), which reflects relevant vehicle information in full colour on a glass panel above the instrument cluster for easy viewing. The image brightness and display height can be adjusted to suit driver preferences and time of day, and the screen is equipped with auto-retract functionality.

The new Eclipse Cross also features the addition of Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) system. Connected to the vehicle’s eight-inch display and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it facilitates access to a smartphone’s compatible apps to get directions, make calls, send and receive messages as well as listen to music.

I’m pleased to say these enhancements have taken what was a unique-looking vehicle with a comparable product offering that is in line with its competitors, and elevated it somewhat with its enhancements.

Competition

Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR and VW T-Roc

Pricing

Eclipse Cross 2.0 GLS R459 995

Eclipse Cross 1.5t GLS R499 995

Service and Warranty

Enhancing the value proposition is a three-year/100 000 km warranty, a five-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.

www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za