2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

JOINING Mitsubishi’s family of SUVs as of right now, is the all-new Eclipse Cross, the first of a new generation for the brand.

The mid-sized Eclipse Cross claims a ‘sharp’ exterior design, engaging driving characteristics, appealing interior, advanced technologies and safety features.

Available in front and all-wheel-drive, all versions have an all-new direct injection turbocharged petrol engine developing 110kW and 250Nm, matched to a new 8-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, manual override and paddle shifters.

The transmission uses ‘logic technology’ to combine the cost benefits of a CVT with the smoothness of a traditional auto.

The cockpit-style cabin has slide-and-recline adjustment for the 60:40 split rear seat on all models and the rear seat back has eight reclining settings and the base has up to 200mm of travel.

The vehicle also has the full kit of active and passive safety features and a official 5-star Ancap safety rating.

Styling is a welcome change from the customary boxy lines of SUVs with a tapered roofline, giving it coupé-like styling with short overhangs.

Up front, the foglights and indicators are set lower in the bumper recesses, while the LED headlights and daytime running lights are in the main headlight assembly. A mesh grille gives the car a sporty look.

The rear end has double screens divided by high-mounted LED brake lights. There’s also a roof lip spoiler and ‘venturi’ style lower bumper profile.

Carbon and piano black accents are used for the dash, steering wheel, centre console and door panels andthe front seats have body-hugging side bolsters.

Adding to the overall roominess, the clever twin bubble roof design ensures plenty of headroom, a benefit which isn’t compromised if the car is equipped with the panoramic glass roof.

Other features are wide-opening rear doors, multiple storage areas including a double-compartment glovebox, centre console with sunglass tray, underfloor cargo box and a ‘Sync’ function for the air conditioning to synchronise the left and right temperature.

Mitsubishi’s Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA) enables compatible smartphone connectivity through Android Auto and Apple Car Play systems. Users can connect to selected apps, including navigation, stored on their smartphone through the system’s 7-inch colour touch screen or via voice control. The system also allows users to make calls or send SMS messages hands free. SDA is a standard feature on all Eclipse Cross models.

Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB+) is standard on all variants, plus traditional AM/FM tuner.

There are three variants in LS and Exceed specification levels.

Prices start from $30,500 for the LS 2WD model, the Exceed, with adds dual-zone air-conditioning, leather interior, power and heated front seats, LED headlamps with auto leveling and double panoramic sunroof, is $36,000 and the flagship Eclipse Cross AWD Exceed is $38,500.