As far as compact SUVs go, the list cannot be complete without the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. From a stylish 2-door liftback sedan to a 5-door subcompact crossover SUV, it has everything you need and more. The SUV was first featured in 2017 and came in many various trim levels, which include the ES, the ES Sport, Exceed and the Exceed AWD.
The Eclipse Cross name takes its origins back to the Eclipse launched as a Mitsubishi 2-door coupe in 1970. Over the years, the coupe underwent various changes in drivetrains from the all-wheel-drive for the first and second generation to front-wheel drive for the third and fourth generation. However, manufacturing came to a halt in 2012.
Come 2017, Mitsubishi announced its return as the Eclipse Cross, a modern-day compact SUV, which is a slight variation of the Mitsubishi RVR and ASX product range. The new model came with a 1.5-litre T4 petrol engine attached to a CVT automatic transmission.
History
1990 -1994
The first-generation Eclipse was an entry-level coupe designed for the American market. It was a four-cylinder sports coupe available in 4 trim models, namely: the Eclipse, the Eclipse GS, the GS, Eclipse CST, and the GSX. The drivetrains were:
- Front-wheel drive for the base, GS and GS turbo models
- All-wheel drive for the GSX models
1995 -1999
1994 saw a facelift in the Eclipse product range. Mitsubishi widened the target markets for 1995 and included features like dual airbags, rounded styling, and a more spacious interior. The Japanese automaker introduced the Eclipse Spyder as a convertible model for the GS in 1996. Mitsubishi opted to use their 4G63 as their go-to turbo engine.
1999 -2005
The third-generation Eclipse came with new powertrain options including a 2-litre 16-valve SOHC 4G64 (110 kW) and a 3-litre 6-valve SG72 engine (163kW). Later on, Mitsubishi released the Eclipse EV fitted with lightweight electric motor and lithium-ion battery.
2006 -2012
Mitsubishi introduced a minor style upgrade from the second generation but retained the front fascia from the first generation. It updated the drivetrain with a 2.8-litre V6 MVIM engine producing 19kW for the GT trims and the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder MVIM engine that produced 121kW for the GS trim. The fourth-generation releases had similar trims to the previous generation with minimal improvements per trim to increase output.
The Eclipse Cross
In 2017, Mitsubishi introduced the Eclipse Cross at the Geneva Motor Show. It is a crossover SUV with features and designs different from its sporty namesake. Instead, the Cross looked similar to other compact SUVs in Mitsubishi's product range like the RVR, ASX and Outlander. It displayed advanced technology such as keyless entry, lane-change assist, LED headlights, heated seats, collision warning, fog lights, electronic brake distribution, multi-functional display, rain-sensing wipers, halogen lights, cruise control, and traction control.
The Eclipse Cross came out in the following trim levels:
- Exceed 2WD which had a 1.5L T4 petrol engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission system (110kW, 250Nm, 7.3L/100km)
- Exceed AWD which ran on the same 1.5L powertrain but consumed 7.7L/100km
- LS 2WD which had the same 1.5L powertrain and fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km
The LS trim came updated with cruise control, halogen headlights, and traction control.
In 2018, the Eclipse Cross included the following equipment and trims: multimedia infotainment system, front and rear parking sensors, dark tinted windows, lane departure warning, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Exceed package comes with leather fittings, active cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning.
The same engine powered the different trim levels, including an ES Sport Edition. The sport model featured a painted grille, auto climate control, cruise control, electric parking brake, lane change, and departure assist.
For 2019, the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine provide power for the Eclipse Cross. It also consumes a standard 7.3L/100km as stipulated by the factory. It comes in four trims: the Black Edition 2WD, the Black Edition SAM 2WD, the ES 2WD and the ES Sport Edition.
New trims for the latest model include electronic brake force distribution, forward collision warning, roof rails, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, smart key access and keyless entry. The SAM edition features a sound system with six speakers and a surround camera system. The ES trim comes with engine immobilisers, a leather gear knob, a multi-functional control screen and display, and paddle shift gears on the steering wheel. The ES Sport Edition came with added traction control.
The 2020 model sports angular headlights, chrome highlights, extended tail at the back, a roof spoiler, dynamic shield systems, and a new All-Wheel Control system.
The Cross was awarded a safety rating of 5 out of 5 by the Australasian NCAP. It is available in Japan, America, and Australian markets in the GLX, GLS and limited versions.