Soon after its 2019 introduction, Mitsubishi has released the second generation of its front-drive compact SUV contender, the Eclipse Cross, with a raft of improvements to styling, safety, technology and performance.
So, what’s new?
- An exterior design makeover adds a more athletic aspect to the familiar wedge shape. The sharp shoulder lines and new twin oval LED headlamps with daytime running lights are now complemented by 3-D tail lamps with a new Y-shaped design.
- A new hexagonal rear window replaces the previous split glass, and the rear sheet metal has been given a more sporty tuck.
- Adding 140mm to the car’s overall length has enhanced bootspace, which is now a generous 437 litres, expanding to 1047 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
- Apart from obvious new features such as 18-inch wheels and the roof rails essential for the SUV looks, the Eclipse Cross has been given electrically folding rear-view mirrors, front and rear park distance control, front fog lamps, a stop lamp in the rear spoiler and rain-sensing wipers.
- The interior has been restyled and upgraded with a new premium sound system and added connectivity via an 8-inch display screen using Mitsubishi’s Smartphone-Link Display System (SDA), running the familiar Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Safety equipment and driver aids are now at an even higher level, and include a head-up display, rear-view camera and electric parking brake, in addition to safety features such as stability control, ABS brakes, seven airbags and hill start assist.
- A key drivetrain improvement is the introduction of the latest 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine derivative, putting out 110 kW and 250 Nm, through a new eight-step Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This flagship model is priced at R499 995.
- The older 2.0-litre MIVEC DOHC engine is the second choice, offering 110 kW and 198 Nm, through a six-step CVT. This model commands a price sticker of R459 995.
