The Mitsubishi Eclipse was launched one year ago in South Africa with just one engine option.
The 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder offered adequate power, but you could definitely feel it struggle up at Gauteng altitude.
Mitsubishi now offers a new model with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, slotting in above the existing range.
The newly developed MIVEC engine 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. It’s mated to a CVT gearbox with a sport mode. Mitsubishi claims it can sprint to 100km/h in under nine seconds.
Mitsubishi says 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”. As an added bonus, this Eclipse also comes with metal gear shifters behind the steering wheel.
The Eclipse Cross uses 7.7 L/100 km in the combined cycle with CO2 emissions measured at 174 g/km.
The interior of the new model is similar to that of the Eclipse Cross 2.0L. The full range 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.
The standard kit also includes:
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 TURBO decal on the rear of the vehicle distinguishes the new-comer from its 2.0-litre 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-inch Alloy Wheels
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
Pricing:
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
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.
