First Look: 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Alvin Lee December 1, 2017 New Car Price, News 3,312 Views

Mitsubishi has today announced its all-new Eclipse Cross SUV will go on sale in Australia from late December.

The all-new Eclipse Cross, the first of a new generation of Mitsubishi models will join the brands current lineup of SUVs: the ASX compact SUV and the Outlander and Outlander PHEV mid-size SUVs.

The latest SUV from Mitsubishi is said to be a fusion of sharp coupe looks and dynamic SUV mobility with “signature Mitsubishi styling and performance”. At the front it adopts the company’s Dynamic Shield front fascia design theme with a blacked out grille flanked by chrome highlights.

The rear is lifted by the tubular LED brake lights and the central LED hi-mount stop light, joined to form a single bar of light running across the tail, giving Eclipse Cross a “broad appearance” from the behind.

All versions of the Eclipse Cross will be powered by an all-new 1.5-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine developing 110kW of power and 250Nm of peak torque from 1,800rpm to 3,500rpm. The engine is matched to a new CVT with 8-stepped manual mode.

At launch, the model range is available with two or four-wheel drive, the latter incorporating Mitsubishi’s Super All-wheel Control (S-AWC) system that offers a choice of three drive modes – Auto, Snow and Gravel. AWD models also gain brake-based torque vectoring at the rear axle for sharper dynamics.

All models come with MacPherson struts at the front suspension and a multi-link set-up at the rear that have been developed for handling precision, cornering performance and ride comfort.

“Mitsubishi has a long history in developing innovative and exciting new models and the Eclipse Cross will build on our reputation as a leader in the SUV segment,” said Mitsubishi Australia’s CEO, John Signoriello. “We are excited to be able to announce the details of the forthcoming Eclipse Cross and we are looking forward to a strong 2018, as our expanded SUV range hits the road.”

Model Range

Three variants will be offered in LS and Exceed specification levels.

Eclipse Cross will be competitively priced from $30,500 plus on-road costs for the LS 2WD model which is equipped with direct injection turbocharged engine, 8-speed CVT automatic transmission, 18” alloy wheels, Smart key, 7” touchscreen and 7 airbags.

The high specification Exceed adds dual-zone air-conditioning, leather interior, power and heated front seats, LED headlamps with auto levelling and double panoramic sunroof. 2WD Exceed is priced at $36,000 plus ORCs.

At $38,500 plus ORCs the range-topping Eclipse Cross AWD Exceed comes standard with the same luxury appointments and comprehensive safety package as featured on the 2WD Exceed with the addition of Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control four-wheel drive system.

Safety

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is equipped with seven airbags fitted in the front driver and passenger, side, side curtain and driver’s knee position. It’s been awarded a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating.

Standard active safety technologies across all model variants include:

Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Automatic High Beam (AHB)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)

Additionally, the Exceed models are equipped with the following advanced safety technologies:

Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS)
Around View Monitor (AVM)

Interior

Inside, the Eclipse Cross’ horizontal dashboard features silver metal highlights on top of a black/silver monotone colour scheme which Mitsubishi says create a refined interior that is both dynamic and sporty.

Making first application in a Mitsubishi model is the new Touchpad Controller for operating the infotainment system, while Head-Up Display (Exceed model) and Smartphone Link Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be available.