Want a compact crossover that doesn’t look like every other? Get the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross from Group 1 Mitsubishi.
For some reason, the Mitsubishi’s compact crossover vaguely reminds me of Pontiac’s long-departed Aztec model. Except it’s much more handsome, and much more reasonable in size and proportions, and much less monumentally misconceived than the Aztec was. Still though, the Eclipse Cross does have a bit of an odd feel to it, design-wise. Most notable of course is the light bar that spans – and splits in two – the back window. If you’re tucked in behind this SUV on the road, you likely won’t mistake it for any other, and there’s certainly something to be said for that kind of distinctiveness in this age of largely cookie-cutter urban utility models. What’s new? For 2020, not all that much visually, save for a few esthetic tweaks, which is to be expected given the model only debuted in 2018 (after first appearing at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show). A mid-cycle refresh, if there is one, won’t happen for another year or two. Otherwise, Mitsubishi has boosted the offering of included equipment in 2020, once you move beyond the base model that is. Also, there’s a new kid in town in the form of the Limited Edition version, which is the one we had occasion to drive. The versions The Eclipse Cross comes in four versions in SA in 2020: the 2.0L CVT 4×2 base model, the 2.0L CVT AWD, and the 1.5T GLS CVT. The 2020 Eclipse Cross base model comes with heated (but not power-adjustable) front seats, fabric upholstery, automatic climate control, 7-inch screen, Auto CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and 4-speaker audio, as well as a drive mode selector (Auto/Snow/Gravel) that goes with the S-AWC system. It’s not actually the most generous offering for a base model, which becomes clearer when you look at what comes into play with the base model, next up the ladder: outside, a chrome grille, heated, power-folding side mirrors and rains-sensing wipers; and inside, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters on the back of it, upgraded-cloth seating, a floor central console with large armrest and cup holders and a rear centre armrest with cup holders. The climate control system becomes dual-zone, plus you get fast-key keyless entry with push-button start and 6-speaker audio. Inside, this version delivers heated rear seats, black headliner and roof pillars, heated steering wheel and aluminium pedals. Lastly, there’s the top-spec, which as far as the drive-assist functions go throws in lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise and auto high beams. The black side-door garnish is switched out for silver and there’s a panoramic sunroof. Inside, it comes with a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather seating, head-up display, premium 710-watt, 9-speaker and multi-view camera system. The powertrain The 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross uses either the 2.0L MIVEC DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder Engine or the 1.5L 4-cylinder Direct Injection Turbo Charger Engine working in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which actually has a Sport mode (that makes precious little difference). It’s a unit that produces 152 hp and up to 249.47 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 RPM, and it’s a unit that won’t blow anyone’s socks off, in terms of brute power but also because it’s constrained by the CVT and the limitations that type of transmission entails. Of course, no one’s going to buy one of these to go street racing, so that’s not too much of an issue. Just be aware. The interior The 2020 Eclipse Cross seats five comfortably unless all five are big adults. But really, there’s no complaint to be made regarding space in the passenger area. Both rows provide decent head-, leg- and shoulder-room, and the seats themselves are reasonably comfortable. There is quite a bit of cheapish plastic all around, and the interior does not feel like a particularly high-end environment. Always worth noting when shopping for a compact crossover is how much stuff you can actually cram in the back. Here that funny-looking split rear window comes into play, as from where I stand it probably adds a few litres of space due to its odd shape that allows for fitting bulkier items. Total capacity is 640 litres, or 1,385 litres with the second row folded down (In comparison, the Subaru Crosstrek offers 588/1,565 litres). On the road, the Eclipse Cross drives fairly positively due to the pleasingly crisp steering, but the good vibes are mitigated by the typical droning of the CVT. You have little choice but to be reasonable with the accelerator if you don’t want to be in a constant battle with the engine. In terms of fuel consumption, the official figures for the model are 9.6L/100 km/h and 8.9L/100 km. In my week I averaged about 9.5L in the city, but a very encouraging 7.3L during runs on the highway (the upshot of that CVT is, it tends to bring down fuel use because it discourages aggressive accelerating). Overall, the sedate drive of the model doesn’t quite match up to its more dynamic exterior design. That’s not a deal-breaker, but you need to have realistic expectations when you climb into the Eclipse Cross after looking it over from the outside. Original article from: https://mitsubishipaparazzi.wordpress.com/2021/01/05/mitsubishi-eclipse-cross-2020-review/
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