Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0 FWD test drive: when a new-old engine is for the best
Let’s get acquainted with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross car using the twice-updated version as an example. After all, first of all: before us is a crossover with an updated appearance and interior. And secondly: before us is a car with a naturally aspirated 2-liter engine, which is a novelty for this model. So, what is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross anyway? And what is the 2-liter version in particular?
Design: there was a coupe – now a crossover
Experienced car fans react to the phrase Mitsubishi Eclipse with the mention of a small sports coupe of the 1980s-1990s-2000s. However, closer to the 2020s, the concept changed, and the appearance of the word Cross in the model name clearly indicates the vector of changes – now we have a crossover called the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
The car was released about five years ago, and then it was remembered for its very original design: for example, the rear window, divided in half. However, several years have passed – it’s time for an update. It happened under the slogan “simplification and improvement”. Believe me, this happens, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an example of this. The most important thing is that the trunk lid has become simpler, the glass is now unified, and the lights have received traditional shapes. The front part has also changed: the main headlights have moved down, the front bumper has changed, and the radiator grille has been updated. In general, now the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross car looks more concise, which frankly suits it.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a C-class crossover (length 4.55 meters; width 1.81 meters; height 1, 69 meters; wheelbase 2.67 meters), which tries to hint at its own belonging to the world of sports with a dynamic tilt of the rear window. The update did not change the design in general (white car), but compared to the first incarnation of the model (red car), it added conciseness to the design while forgiving some elements.
A similar story happened with the interior as well: the update of the model brought a new 8-inch display (Mitsubishi Connect 2 system), which is now installed closer to the driver. And therefore, convenient touch control is possible thanks to pressing directly on the display. And therefore – you can abandon the original, but not very convenient touchpad on the central console. Accordingly, this same central console has also changed.
The rest of the interior elements are already familiar: the classic steering wheel and the classic instrument panel, the familiar “climate” unit, the addition of silver and glossy black decor (oh, be careful with scratches!), these “eternal” buttons for turning on the seat heating. By the way, the front seats are quite comfortable – with developed lateral support and a long cushion. And the rear sofa is not bad: there is plenty of space, there is a central armrest, 3-stage heating, adjustment of the backrest angle. Let’s look even further and find the trunk: large in area, but with a high floor level position. The explanation for this is that there is a full-size spare wheel hiding underneath.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross attracts attention with a soft front panel – which, by the way, has changed somewhat with the appearance of a new touch screen. The steering wheel and instrument panel are familiar, there is plenty of space behind, the trunk is surprising with a high floor (but pleases with what is under it). Everything is simple and clear – sit down and go! By the way, what will we drive?
Equipment: naturally aspirated 2-liter engine, front-wheel drive, obscure AYC
The main technical feature of the updated car is the appearance of a 2-liter 4В11 engine, which is news for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross model specifically (because in Ukraine the car initially started with a 1.5 “turbo” 4В40 engine), but not for the Mitsubishi company in general (because this engine has already been known for many years). Although its historical “fame” and naturally aspirated design are probably an additional advantage in the eyes of traditional buyers.
This engine on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is offered togther with a CVT variator and front-wheel drive. Among the technical features, it is possible to note only the AYC system – it is an abbreviation of Active Yaw Control. In theory, this system should monitor the car’s turning angle and selectively apply the brakes to slightly steer the car in the desired direction of travel. Similar to ESP, but should work more actively and improve controllability. But I tested the car in a variety of conditions – understeer/oversteer, starting with different surfaces under the right/left wheel, sharp turns – and not once did I feel any effect of the AYC system on the car’s driving.
The basis is a supporting body, GS platform, independent suspensions. Among the features of the design, it is worth noting the high level of high-strength alloys (about 55%) and the amplifier, which combines the front shock absorbers and the motor shield. Updated car Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross received a 2-liter naturally aspirated 4В11 engine with a MIVEC variable valve timing system; this version has only front-wheel drive and a CVT variator. The potential advantage should be the AYC system, but in reality the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross drives like a normal 2-liter front-wheel drive crossover should. How exactly?
Driving: a sensible and calm character
Perhaps the best words to describe the car’s driving are the words “softness” and “calmness.” The car does not provoke any dynamic drive, here the emphasis is on something else…
Here, the first seconds of starting from a standstill are very active, so you can quickly accelerate from a traffic light or have time to drive onto the main road from a secondary road. However, at a speed of 30-50 km/h, the ignition fades and the usual extended variator acceleration begins. But try to press the accelerator pedal all the way – and you will get revolutions of about 5-5.5 thousand to simulate gear changes, in order to save the engine from “hanging” in one range with boring howling. Or vice versa: be careful with the accelerator pedal – and you will get the softest reactions, revolutions of 1.5-2 thousand, silence in the interior, low fuel consumption. Yes, there is no dynamic drive here. However, there is softness, calmness, prudence. This car knows that you can keep up without rushing.
In general, the chassis behaves similarly. The suspension turned out to be quite soft, it perfectly “swallows” a series of bumps. Of course, such settings promise body rolls during turns. However, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is difficult to call the “king of turns” with its light and “long” steering wheel, which makes about three full rotations. So, if you focus on comfort and peace of mind while driving, then everything turns out very well. Only one remark – sharp work of the rear suspension on speed bumps.
Naturally aspirated 2-liter engine and CVT variator seem to set the general character of the car – calmness and prudence, without any hints of aggression or sport. The “automatic” lever gives the opportunity to choose the usual position D (Drive), or to switch to the manual selection of “gears”: in fact, these are certain selected gear ratios – i.e., fixed positions of the discs – cones of the CVT variator. Passport specifications: maximum speed – 188 km/h; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds; fuel consumption in the city – 10.1 liters; consumption on the highway is 6.7 liters. My own observations: acceleration to a hundred km takes about 11 seconds; fuel consumption in the city more or less corresponds to the passport (on average 10 liters, the minimum is 8-8.5 liters, the maximum exceeds 11 liters); on the highway in the range of 80-120 km/h fuel consumption is 6-8 liters per 100 km.
Cost: how much is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and who is the competitor?
Currently, two versions of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross car are offered in Ukraine, and they differ significantly both in terms of technology and equipment.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Intense costs 1.2 million hryvnias or about $30,000 – in fact, this is an example of a test car. So, we have: a naturally aspirated 2-liter engine, a CVT type variator (six fixed Sport Mode positions), front-wheel drive, a separate 2-zone “climate”, LED headlights, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, cruise control, multimedia system Mitsubishi Connect 2 with touch 8-inch display, rearview camera, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, heated windshield, front and side airbags, side safety curtains, knee cushion, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, upholstery of seats made of artificial leather and fabric.
One level above is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ultimate for 1.4 million hryvnias or $35 thousand – this option is significantly different from the above. For example, a 1.5-liter “turbo” is installed under the hood, S-AWC all-wheel drive is used, and the CVT variator already has eight fixed Sport Mode positions. In addition, the car offers extended equipment: leather seats, a premium audio system (eight speakers and a 510 W amplifier), all-round cameras, a retractable projection display, etc.
The big advantage of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross model is the “arrived, selected, bought – and everything is already there” configuration. For example, even the starter version has a lot that rivals offer in higher configurations or as paid options. By the way…
Literally one paragraph about competitors. For example, Mazda CX-30 SUV offers a wider choice of versions and more modern equipment, but such a car is tougher on the road, and its interior provides less space. Other Japanese ones include Toyota C-HR and Toyota Corolla Cross: the first model offers limited interior space, and the emphasis is on design instead of practicality; the second model is already better in these aspects, plus it adds an excellent hybrid – but it is much more expensive; both models cannot offer all-wheel drive. That is, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV seems to try to “walk between raindrops”. Among the most successful competitors are Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson: a wide selection of versions for every taste and budget, spacious interiors, different engines and types of drive, more modern equipment. And among others, you can mention Opel Grandland, Suzuki S-Cross, Skoda Karoq.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross test drive results
As strange as it may sound, I think the design/interior update and under-the-hood simplification is the best thing that could have happened to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Why so?
Just remove the word “Eclipse” from the name (for example, let it be Mitsubishi ASX 2) and everything will immediately become clearer. We have a normal crossover of the 2020s – with a spacious and comfortable interior, sufficient equipment, Japanese origin. A real ideal for average costumers. Plus, they will like the more traditional design and familiar naturally aspirated engine. Also, thanks to the update and the appearance of new versions, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross received a second breath in the race for the attention of potential buyers – and that’s great.