Mitsubishi fans who were expecting a resurgence in performance vehicles manufactured by the brand, will be disappointed. Though the Japanese automaker has revived the Eclipse nameplate, the vehicle that carries the name, is a crossover.
The angular styling is inline with Mitsubishi’s current design language, and overall, the Eclipse Cross has a silhouette that is a cross between a hatchback and an SUV. The raked roof, elongated rear taillights and overall compact dimensions give it an almost car-like presence.
Sporting similar looks to the Outlander SUV, the Eclipse Cross is powered by an all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that develops 163bhp and 250Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic one with Sport mode.
The automatic unit features step logic technology that enables it to offer the efficiency of a CVT but the responsiveness of a standard geared transmission. It sends power to the wheels via the latest generation Super All-wheel Control (S-AWC) system.
Available in a number of trim levels, the Eclipse Cross is fitted with sophisticated infotainment system with smartphone compatibility (support for Apple Play and Android Auto), six speaker system and a touch-pad controller.
The vehicle comes with the latest safety tech that include Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) that uses radar technology to detect a risk of collision, ABS, Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist, seven airbags, dusk and rain sensors and automatic operation of the headlamps’ dipped beam.
Other features include leather trim, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, electric opening panoramic roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and keyless start, electrically folding door mirrors and of course, silver side sills.
Though many consider it a major let down, the new vehicle does add to Mitsubishi’s SUV portfolio, which should help boost its bottom line. Evidently, the automaker is done with producing fast sedans, instead, its focusing on building capable and electrified SUV styled vehicles.
