Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0 (2019) Review - Style With Purpose

With a striking design, sophisticated cabin and oodles of practicality, Mitsubishi has finally launched its new Eclipse Cross in South Africa. Hot off its SA media launch, we decided to spend some time driving the Japanese newcomer.

Quick Facts:

• Priced From: R399 995 (March 2019)
• Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol
• Gearbox: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Fuel economy: 7.9 L/100 km (claimed)
• Power/Torque: 110 kW/198 Nm
• Striking Design: Bold & Practical

Fitting in just above the compact crossover that is the Mitsubishi ASX, the Eclipse Cross brings with its some larger dimensions than its smaller sibling, but manages to maintain a profile which is compact enough to not be too much of a handful around the congested city, nor want for any extra space.

Design

Striking a great balance between design and practical appeal, I really like what Mitsubishi has done in terms of its angular retro style styling, a blend which meets real-world practicality.

Well Specced As Standard

With a price just shy of R400,000, the Eclipse Cross comes well loaded. Heated seats, climate control, a head-up display, leather trim, automatic headlights and wipers, a backing-up camera, as well as front/rear park distance control, are just some of its standard kit. Taking centre stage, the newcomer features a very intuitive, bright and easy to use 7-inch multimedia system, with the likes of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and Navigation on-board.

On the safety front, the Eclipse Cross also features, 7-airbags in the cabin, ISOfix child seat anchors, ABS with EBD and brake assist, active stability-, traction and yaw control, plus a hill-start assist system.

To say that you will want for nothing certainly can be applied to this family crossover.

A Practical Joy To Drive

The engine is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol motor. Peak power outputs of 110 kW and 198 Nm, ensure that the motor puts down more than ample power both in and around city conditions and on the open road.

Though most motoring journalists will tell you why they don't like the thought of continuously variable transmissions (CVT's), I am delighted to report that the CVT fitted to the Eclipse Cross is one of the best which I have experienced. In case you are wondering what the upshot of a CVT is? The main focus is on fuel economy and returning favourable results, Mitsubishi's claim just 7.9 L/100 km. I was able to achieve around 9-L/100 km mostly in urban conditions, a result which is certainly not bad within this space and segment of motoring.

While the luggage load space is affected by the presence of a full-sized spare wheel, the Eclipse Cross still manages to offer 378-litres of boot space.

To conclude

Modern lines, practical thinking and affordability seem to be the order of business with the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. I certainly enjoyed my time driving it and think it's well worth the consideration of anyone looking for a vehicle within this market segment.

Full written review and SA pricing available at:

Also, be sure to watch our drive in the latest Mazda CX-5:

The Kia Sportage:

And finally, the Hyundai Tucson SUV:

Catch Test Drives & Reviews at:

Twitter: @TechnoBokMedia

Instagram: @technobok_media

Embedded Video/Logo Components: All embedded video/logo/audio components remain the property of their rightful and respective owners - all rights reserved

Music
Credits:

[tony-ceqp]

thanks for that review, most i have seen they are lost and know nothing about mits....thank you, tony d!

[warcrabcyber]

It's actually a 1.5 turbo petrol engine. 4b40 . Not a 2.0 for petrol , there may eventually be a 2.2 disel variant.