New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5 TURBO improves performance, consumption and value for money
Early last year - 25 February 2019, to be exact - Mitsubishi Motors South Africa surprised conscientious SUV buyers with the arrival of one of the most anticipated models in its impressive product line-up - the all-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
Mitsubishi Motors' first new-generation SUV, with global sales already into 6-figure territory, turned heads from the word go. The all-new Eclipse Cross 1.5 TURBO offers gutsy performance, stylish design and functionality for trendy individuals.
"The new Eclipse Cross was a hit from the word go,"
says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors SA (MMSA).
"The new model builds on this success and will attract lifestyle-orientated buyers looking for outstanding value to complement Mitsubishi Motors' excellent safety offering across all our models."
The Eclipse Cross is the first car in the Mitsubishi Motors range making use of Mitsubishi's new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, which is designed and built to impress and excite every time, all the time.
The newly developed MIVEC engine, a 1 499 cc unit and slightly smaller than the originally-launched 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated power plant, delivers impressive performance - 110 kW at 5 500 rpm with 250 Nm on tap all the way from 2 000 rpm up to 3 500 rpm.
The slightly smaller four-cylinder engine, coupled to an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode, is optimised for fuel efficiency and turbo-charged to put highly responsive performance at your command.
Virtually identical to its 2.0-litre big brother, the new Eclipse Cross 1.5 TURBO with the same advanced "DYNAMIC SHIELD" front-end design, expresses sporty and dynamic looks while offering the same, extensive equipment and outstanding safety features as well as two new body colours.
"The new blue and silky white colours we are introducing, are based on customer research,"
says Campbell, confirming the close relationship MMSA's dealers have with their growing South African customer base.
"Eclipse Cross is produced at the Mizushima Plant in Japan and is such a popular design that globally it is selling up a storm."
New engine
Downsized for efficiency and turbocharged for powerful torque at low-to-mid engine speeds, the newly developed engine gives the driver instant acceleration when required.
This highly responsive performance from the smaller power plant was made possible by direct fuel injection, an exhaust manifold integrated cylinder head, sodium-filled exhaust valves and Mitsubishi's Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC).
MIVEC offers variable valve timing (VVT) engine technology specifically developed by Mitsubishi Motors. The system varies the timing of the intake and exhaust camshafts which increases the power and torque output over a broad engine speed range while also being able to help spool a turbocharger more quickly and efficiently.
The all-aluminium engine offers direct fuel injection and a single-scroll turbo charger upping the power to 110 kW. Combined with the automatic CVT gearbox driving the front wheels, the Eclipse Cross 1.5T accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just under 9 seconds in Sport Mode.
Transmission
The advanced all-new 1.5L turbo engine is coupled to an 8-step automatic CVT gearbox which supports smooth, powerful acceleration and outstanding fuel efficiency.
The new automatic CVT combines an 8-step-shift control specially designed for the 1.5-litre turbo engine, offering a highly satisfying sensation of "shifting gears".
"One of the outstanding attributes of the more compact yet powerful engine is fuel economy,"
says Campbell.
"The Eclipse Cross uses 7.7 L/100 km in the combined cycle with CO2 emissions measured at 174 g/km."
Confidence-inspiring driving
The new Eclipse Cross 1.5T does not only offer excellent acceleration, but also agile handling.
One of the outstanding features of the Eclipse Cross 1.5T is its metal paddle shifts within fingertip range behind the steering wheel that increase the sporty driving dynamics of the vehicle to give you even better response from the engine's turbo characteristics.
"The relative abundance of torque means you can give the throttle a moderate prod and receive comfortable acceleration, whereas many of its competitors would demand you to step down hard on the accelerator and keep your foot on the floor,"
says Campbell.
Mitsubishi's unique MiTEC design concept (Mitsubishi Motors Intuitive Technology) is an integrated system of brilliant innovations in action, working in unison to guide and protect, alert and connect, even entertain.
Interior
The interior of the new model is similar to that of the Eclipse Cross 2.0L launched in South Africa a year ago, which local buyers fell in love with right from its arrival on local shores.
For the 1.5T, the use of carbon fibre door inserts further enhance the dynamic character of Mitsubishi Motors' new addition to the product range.
Spaciousness in the Eclipse Cross range is its great strength, especially for its compact size.
"From the driver's seat, you could find a very comfortable driving position with loads of head space and leg room with a comfortable high seating position offering loads of visibility,"
says Campbell.
Being a compact crossover with sporty characteristics, the generous headroom in the Eclipse Cross prevents you from a feeling of sitting on top of the car. The front seats have thick, soft cushions offering luxurious comfort.
It is extremely easy getting in and out of the Eclipse Cross. The door opening is quite large, thanks to a high roof and reasonably low floor, plus the relatively high seat. This kind of easy ingress and egress is something not seen often.
Even more impressive than the space in the front is the generous room in the back, including extensive head and leg room.
The complete Eclipse range boasts a full-size alloy spare wheel which doesn't take anything from the boot space, leaving plenty of room for luggage for all occupants and even a kid's bicycle or baby pram.
The full range also has head-up display (HUD) which reflects relevant vehicle information in full colour on a glass panel above the instrument cluster for easy viewing without the driver having to take his or her eyes off the road. The screen, which extends or retracts when the ignition is turned on or off, is available on all Eclipse Cross models.
This, together with the fingertip paddle shifts giving the driver complete control of gear changes, gives the Eclipse Cross 1.5T driving dynamics with a sporty twist.
LED technology for the lighting package is standard in the Eclipse Cross 1.5T.
Apart from the new LEDs and HUD, the sporty, meticulously crafted cockpit includes next-generation technology and connectivity, enhancing driver awareness and control, including:
- Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
- Multi-function Leather Steering Wheel with Audio and Cruise Control
- Bluetooth with Hands-free Voice Control
- Paddle Shifts
- Electric Windows (front and rear, with Auto up/down function)
- Automatic Air-conditioning with Rear Passenger Vent Duct
- Leather Seats, including Heated Front Leather Seats
- Slide and tilt-adjustable rear seats with 60/40 split
- Electric Adjustable Driver Seat and Heated Front Seats
- Accessory Sockets and USB Ports
Exterior
A well-designed TURBO decal on the rear of the vehicle distinguishes the new-comer from its 2.0-litre sibling.
Standard features include:
- Electric Adjustable Fold-away Mirrors with Indicator Light
- LED Headlamps with built-in LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) linked to the Automatic Dusk Sensing function
- LED Fog Lamps
- Rain Sensing Windscreen Wipers
- Front and Rear Park Distance Control
- Rear Spoiler with High-mounted Stop Lamp
- Front Bumper Skid Plate (Silver)
- Tailgate Garnish (Chrome)
- 18" Alloy Wheels
- Full-size spare wheel, and
- Roof Rails
Safety and handling
The suspension of the new Eclipse Cross 1.5T is tuned for comfort while it forms a perfect balance with the ride quality.
Due to the slightly lower weight of the all-aluminium 1.5-litre TURBO engine, handling is stable, intuitive and predictable. Wherever you aim it, the vehicle goes with unerring precision and poise thanks to a fine-tuned suspension, responsive steering and supreme body rigidity - reinforced by increased spot-welding points, structural adhesives and a standard strut tower bar over the engine.
At the same time, all passengers enjoy an extremely comfortable ride on every road wherever you travel.
"Throttle applications evoke very little engine noise - much less than expected. Highway cruising is pleasurable and quiet - just what we want from crossovers in this class,"
says Campbell.
Safety is taken care of by a wide range of active and passive safety measures, including:
- RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) Body Construction
- 7 Airbags, including Front, Driver, Passenger, Driver Knee Airbag and Curtain Airbags
- Side-impact Protection Bars
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- AYC (Active Yaw Control)
- EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
- BAS (Brake Assist System)
- HAS (Hill Start Assist System)
- ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control)
- EPB (Electric Parking Brake)
- EPS (Electronic Power Steering)
- Central Door Locking with Motion Lock
- Anti-theft Protection Device
- Keyless Operating System, and a
- Rear View Camera
Range in SA
The 1.5T joins the existing 2.0L range of two- and all-wheel-drive models which offer massive value-for-money-offerings to prospective customers
Pricing:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T enters its segment with better performance figures than that of its 2.0L sibling. The new model is positioned at the top of the range with its high-technology high-performance engine and technological improvements such as the
8-step automatic CVT and turbo-charged performance.
Eclipse Cross 2.0L CVT (two-wheel drive) - R409 995
Eclipse Cross 2.0L CVT (AWD) - R449 995
Eclipse Cross 1.5 T CVT (two-wheel drive) - R459 995
Warranty and Service
The new model is covered by the same Mitsubishi's Manufacturer's Warranty of 3 years or 100 000 km, a 5-year / 90 000 km Service Plan and 5-year / unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance.
Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
