House and Leisure – July 2019

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is back, but it’s far

from the compact sports car it was in the

early ’90s. Hoping to regain the massive

following the vehicle once had, Mitsubishi

has given its latest SUV the same name,

but the similarities end there. There are

no physical resemblances between the

two models, and Mitsubishi’s new design

language brings the Eclipse Cross to the

forefront of the local compact SUV market.

Boasting a futuristic look characterised

by a wedge-shaped profile and angular lines,

it’s not difficult to see why the Eclipse Cross

received multiple international design

awards – including the Japan Institute

of Design Promotion’s Good Design Award

for Design Excellence and Innovation.

‘The wedge profile is very striking,’

said the Good Design Award committee.

‘The line that cuts sharply into the sides is

distinctive, and there’s attention to detail

in the styling. We were impressed with how

the design uses different cross-sections

for the front and rear roof edges to create

a coupé-like silhouette while providing the

cabin with the space needed in an SUV.’

The influence of Japanese craftsmanship

can also be seen in Mitsubishi’s new Red

Diamond body colour, whose intensity is

offset by chrome detailing that emphasises

the Eclipse Cross’ styling. Inside, you’ll find

a sporty, minimalistic interior with soft-

touch surfaces and bolstered seats. While

storage compartments for small items are

plentiful, the boot space is conservative,

offering only 341- 448 ℓ depending on

whether the back seats are folded flat or not.

In terms of functionality, the Eclipse

Cross features a touch-screen radio, a tilt

and telescopic multi-function steering

wheel, Bluetooth with Hands-free Voice

Control, paddle shifts for more driver

control, and Apple CarPlay and Android

Auto for further connectivity. There is

also a retractable Heads Up Display that

shows essential driving information in

full colour, which the driver can reference

safely and with ease.

UNDER THE BONNET

Model: New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Engine: 2.0ℓ: 110kW and 198 Nm

Combined fuel consumption: CVT 4X2:

7.9 ℓ/100km; CVT AWD: 8.1ℓ/100km

CO 2 emissions: CVT 4X2: 184g/km;

CVT AWD: 192g/km

Price: From R399 995

For those who like to venture off the

beaten track, an all-wheel drive version of

the Eclipse Cross is available and offers

good driving dynamics on rugged terrains

such as gravel. Excellent suspension allows

the vehicle to effortlessly absorb even the

largest of bumps and inconsistent surfaces.

With an impressive list of standard specs

together with a contemporary design, the

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is well suited to

those looking for a value-for-money vehicle

that caters to an active, stylish lifestyle. O

Caira-Lee Durand is the digital editor

of womenonwheels.co.za

Mitsubishi’s new design

language is beautifully

reflected in its dynamic

Eclipse Cross SUV

COMPILED BY CAIRA-LEE DURAND

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF

THE HEART

VIEW / MOTORING

JUN JUL 34

PHOTOGRAPHS: SUPPLIED