This week, we’re ‘driving’ the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, arriving in SEL trim with AWC (all-wheel-control). The Eclipse Cross debuted in 2018 and sits in the middle of the three crossover SUV vehicles Mitsubishi Motors offers, ala the smaller Outlander Sport and larger Outlander. Two cars are available in the U.S. market, including the compact Mirage G4 sedan and the little subcompact Mirage sedan. For those in the electric motivation market, the Outlander PHEV Plug-In Hybrid is available.
The major difference between the three above named Outlanders is vehicle length, specifically 4.3 metres for the Sport, 4.4 metres for the Eclipse, and 4.7 metres for big brother Outlander. All three Mitsubishis ride on a 2.6 metre wheelbase while the larger Outlander offers three-row, seven-passenger seating whereas the Sport and Eclipse models from Group 1 Mitsubishi are five passenger designs. One thing notable upfront is Mitsubishi pricing, which is very attractive. Dealer incentives and special discounting also add to Mitsubishi’s draw for cost-conscious consumers. For 2020, both front-drive and AWC are available across the line of four trims, including ES, LE, SE and SEL. Our top-line SEL features 4x4 AWC. The Eclipse helps in promoting its sibling Outlander models and adds to current day expanded showroom displays, even though the word Outlander is not used in promoting the Eclipse Cross. Still, with its 10 year/100,000-mile warranties across the entire line, the Eclipse fits in as a “mid-size Outlander on steroids” using a popular name from the past. Specifically, the Mitsubishi Eclipse sports cars from the 1990s were as popular as a Ford Mustang with the young generation. Size and naming aside, there’s lots to like about the Eclipse Cross. Its exterior is very well done for a crossover and gets many looks from both young and old. The front end is sporty, and further along, the motif finds nice side panels and doors that lead to a rear two-window treatment with spoiler. The two-plane rear reminds me when Honda first introduced its electric hybrid Insight 30 years ago that was unimpressive. But it works well here and the overall 2020 Eclipse Cross design receives an “A” from this scribe. Power comes from a direct injection 10-1 compression, 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 152 horses and 249Nm of torque. On paper, it looks adequate, but when you load the Eclipse up with a few passengers and some cargo, you can tell the engine is labouring a bit. Eclipse Cross features an “eight-speed” Sport Mode CVT automatic transmission that helps a bit while the combo results in delivering good fuel mileage at 25 city and 26 highway the EPA numbers. Front-drive models do better on the highway by a few with 25 city and 28 highway. The Eclipse Cross additionally features large paddle shifters, the latter for those seeking more control over the engine RPM, torque delivery and fuel consumption management. The AWC (4x4) is an electronically controlled active front differential unit with push-button activation that engages all wheels when needed. The ride is average to good, overall, but cornering is adequate at best because of the height and small build factor of the Eclipse. Still, on the highway, it’s a pleasant cruiser and easy to park in the city. Our Eclipse Cross SEL includes standard fare like heated front leather seating, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, power-folding side heated mirrors, cruise, all the powers, high contrast instrumentation and a six-speaker 7.0-inch display high-definition stereo Sirius/XM/USB/HD radio, Bluetooth, high-density LED headlamps, fog lamps, rear LED taillights, 45-cm tires on nice two-tone alloys, Apple/Android compatibility, two 12-volt outlets and dual USB ports. There are numerous additional standard features your Mitsubishi dealer is waiting to explain. Our tester featured a highly recommended Touring Package that adds high-tech safety items like forward-collision mitigation with high-speed braking, pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise. You also receive a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate Premium nine-speaker stereo system, heated rear seats, roof rails, auto-dimming Homelink rearview mirror and a beautiful panoramic dual-pane panoramic sunroof. This option is worth every penny if safety enhancements and superior stereo/amenities are buyer priorities. On the safety side, four- and five-star government safety ratings result in top overall ratings while standard features include seven airbags, stability control, traction control, hill start assist, a head-up display, ABS disc brakes, electronic brakeforce, enhanced rear multi-view safety camera and more. Important numbers include a wheelbase of 2.6-m, 1594.8kg. curb weight, 20-cm ground clearance, from 639 to 1385-litres of cargo space, and a 163-litre fuel tank. In summary, the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a good example of a manufacturer getting back in the game with some new models. As for a higher spec Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, be prudent and remember that the lower priced models combined with dealer discounts may be better buys. Overall, Eclipse Cross is a good value especially considering Mitsubishi still offers its 10-year/160,000 km warranties and 5 years of Roadside Assistance. Give it a test drive if shopping this category. Article source: https://www.the-dispatch.com/business/20200323/test-drive-2020-mitsubishi-eclipse-cross
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