New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross sets to take center stage in the compact SUV market

JOHANNESBURG – With the introduction of the second-generation Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi Motors is promising to disrupt the highly competitive compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market. The newcomer is not only a game changer for Mitsubishi Motors in terms of the competitiveness of its SUV line-up, but is a segment breaker in the market with its sleek, sporty design and SUV capabilities. The Eclipse Cross is a compelling value proposition for customers, considering the quality and value it offers.

“Through dynamic performance, spirited design and progressive technology, the new Eclipse Cross is crafted to ignite passion. It will inspire customers to be bold and to break away from the norm,” explains Nic Campbell, general manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

Key features of the new Eclipse Cross range include a 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.

Striking exterior design

The new model’s vibrant styling expresses a fresh sportiness and stylishness, while the sharply sculpted character lines make a bold statement on the road. Its design is a balance between the sporty wedge shape of a coupé and the practicality, space and comfort of a SUV. Apart from lending the Eclipse Cross an adventurous character, this creates a sense of undeniable sophistication.

With an increased length of 140 mm, the Eclipse Cross has evolved from being muscularly agile to sleekly athletic. 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The rear has evolved from the previous shape and the split rear tailgate window has been replaced by a sharply sculpted hexagonal design with a single piece of glass.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

More interior styling, comfort and practicality

In keeping with the exterior, the cabin of the new Eclipse Cross has an upgraded sporty design and is packed to the hilt with an extensive selection of features.

“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,” says Campbell.

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

• Full 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

Proven performance

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 turbo charged petrol engine. It delivers 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 INVECS-III 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 INVECS-III CVT. It delivers effortless acceleration from any speed, slick gear changes and a smooth ride, and because it keeps the engine at optimum performance at all times, fuel efficiency is enhanced.

Impressive safety credentials

Like all Mitsubishi models in South Africa, the new Eclipse Cross boasts a full complement of advanced active and passive safety features.

These include:

• Reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body construction

• Seven airbags

• Side-impact protection bars

• ISOFIX child seat anchors

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist (BAS)

• Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)

• Active yaw control

• Hill start assist (HAS)

• Active stability and traction control (ASCT)

• Electric parking brake with an auto-hold functionality

• Electronic power steering

• Anti-theft protection

• Keyless operation system

• Rear view camera

Impressive technology and connectivity

Mitsubishi Motors’ Intuitive Technology (MiTEC) is an integrated system of innovations working in unison to guide, protect, alert, connect and even entertain.

One of these is the head-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.

“Of course this improves safety – something that is at the core of Mitsubishi Motors – as drivers do not have to take their eyes off the road,” adds Campbell.

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 in order to get directions, make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music. Enhanced with the latest premium Mitsubishi power sound system, the Eclipse Cross promises to make each journey a memorable one.

Greater value for money

The new Eclipse Cross range is priced aggressively, starting from R459 995 for the 2.0 GLS derivative and R499 995 for the 1.5t GLS offering. Considering the host of added features and benefits over the outgoing model and the marginal difference in price, the new Eclipse Cross is well positioned to cement its place as a class leading compact SUV.

“When one considers that the Eclipse Cross has a strong SUV heritage and represents all the best attributes of the Mitsubishi brand, this makes it stand out amongst vehicles that offer affordability and very little else. Here you have a unique, high-quality vehicle that is packed with standard features and offers exceptional value for money too,” Campbell enthuses.

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.

“Since its launch in South Africa in 2019, the Eclipse Cross has cemented its place as one of the pillar models for Mitsubishi and has contributed immensely towards the growth of the brand over the last 12 months. The latest 1.5t offering with an eight-step CVT transmission is in a class of its own and has been well received in the market. We are looking forward to the introduction of the all new Eclipse Cross, which we are certain will add further success to the brand,” concludes Thato Magasa, managing director of MMSA.