The Eclipse Cross offers what has not been offered for a long time Mitsubishi more: Lifestyle and sportiness in a striking shell!
Mitsubishi wants to reposition itself - image, brand identity and models should be refined in the future, but above all, the future is called: SUV. The Japanese, thanks to the first off-roader PX33, 1936 presented, traditionally appointed SUV specialist and want to be compared in the future with the specialized Jeep and Land Rover brands.
The new Eclipse Cross fits perfectly into this roadmap and bridges the gap between ASX and Outlander. The latter acts as an organ donor and contributes the platform for the Eclipse Cross. Despite nearly 30 centimeters of length advantage for the Outlander, both models have the same wheelbase, which promises cheerful proportions in series two. Therefore, this driving report starts right there and states a coherent: Fits. The backrest of the split rear seat can be individually adjusted to the desired inclination, the seats move through the room even in an adjustment range of a proud 20 centimeters. In the rearmost position there is then footwell in the upper class format and despite fashionable sloping roofline enough headroom.
The petrol engine in the Eclipse Cross is brand new
After the tester's thumbs up at the rear, including the large cargo space that is customary for this class and perhaps somewhat limited in height, the journey can begin. A completely newly developed 1,5-liter petrol engine that promises 163 hp has taken place under the hood. That sounds like home cooking in an SUV coupé that would like to confidently compete with the BMW X4, but it doesn't even feel that way. At around 1,5 tons, the Eclipse Cross is quite well trained for this vehicle class. From the very bottom, at the start of the traffic lights, there is a tiny gap in the range of services, but from 1.000 tours at the latest, the four-cylinder perks up and pushes almost like a diesel. However, his thing is not really sporty, for lap records another driving device has to be selected.
When gasoline Mitsubishi also offers a newly developed CVT transmission, the later appearing diesel gets an eight-speed automatic torque converter. Anyone who is skeptical about the idea of a variable link chain automatic for reasons of aesthetics should nevertheless try the new CVT of the Eclipse Cross, because it is really well done. With programmed stages, it simulates shifted gears, trusts in intercity traffic to the maximum torque already available from 1.800 revolutions and leaves the engine speed in the cellar. Only when the order is called Full Ride ahead, it seems through, the CVT gene, with the highly acclaimed continuous speed. Nevertheless, closer to the classic automatic transmission with fixed gear ratios was not yet a "variator".
CVT transmission is well tuned
One must also pronounce a recommendation for the Eclipse automatic for other reasons: The manual transmission is only available for the front-wheel drive variant, and does not drive so well. Because even with medium-strong acceleration, you will get traction problems with the two-wheel drive Eclipse Cross and above all nasty steering influences, which actually have not existed in this presence for years. The automatic four-wheel drive, however, lamb-friendly, behave dynamically and despite the at higher speed somewhat overly sensitive steering steering with a clean line.
If you do not look too much at the order to the euro (final prices are only in the fall), will be spoiled with emphasis. The claim to open a new chapter in Mitsubishi's processing, design and feel is fulfilled by the Eclipse Cross. Maybe too fuzzy on some of the scattered buttons, but pretty to look at and nice to touch, with foamed surfaces and shiny applications. Heading #Neuland is the multimedia system on the move, whose screen stands out fashionably from the dashboard. Because a navigation system in the true sense is not offered, the Eclipse Cross is based on the generation Smartphone and wants to be fed by the user's mobile phone. Android Auto and Apple Car Play are integrated, the latter was extensively used on the first test drive. All you have to do is plug the smartphone into one of the USB sockets via cable, and the menu with the usable apps pops up on the screen. Works perfectly and seems more sustainable than a rigidly built, expensive navigation computer that relies on regular and costly map updates.
And finally ...
The acceptance of the body design of the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lies with the viewer, the Japanese want to express polarize with the design, which has succeeded. For its vehicle size, the car is quite spacious, the driving comfort dignified, the CVT automatic succeeded and clearly to prefer compared to the basic variant with front-wheel drive. At the touch factor, the interior reaches a level not previously known by the brand in this segment.