Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2018 Review

Price squeeze

Mitsubishi’s fresh five-seater Eclipse Cross, launched in February this year, sits between the Japanese carmaker’s compact ASX (from $27,000) and family-sized Outlander (from $50,490) SUV ranges in terms of size and price.

But it also sits at the upper end of the overcrowded small SUV segment when viewed against its rivals –especially true if you opt for the top-spec Exceed, which adds $5500 to the price tag of the LS.

The Eclipse Cross range kicks off with the two-wheel drive LS, which is priced from $30,500 (plus ORCs). The high-spec Exceed 2WD is next at $36,000 (plus ORCs), and is topped only by the all-wheel drive Exceed which caps the range at $38,500, again plus those pesky on-road costs.

That’s a big jump in price between the two grades, placing the top-shelf Exceed at the pointy end of the small SUV market. What’s more, that market is teeming with worthy rivals, meaning the Eclipse Cross faces some pretty stiff competition.

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An attractive proposition

With little to separate the pair in terms of size and price, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will face cross-shopping against its smaller sibling, the uber-popular ASX – as well as strong-selling Japanese rivals that include the Honda HR-V and Nissan QASHQAI. But we reckon that style will help the Eclipse Cross’ prospects.

Both variants boast an attractive coupe-like exterior and an interior that is not only tasteful, but also full of nifty storage solutions.

For the entry-level LS variant we find generous equipment levels that include keyless entry and ignition (although you have to be extremely close to the car to get the former to work), dusk-sensing headlights with automatic high-beam, and hill-start assist, which is great for nervous drivers.

Up-spec Exceed models add a dual-panel sunroof, to really lighten the mood, and niceties that include powered and heated leather-trimmed seats, head-up display, and dual-zone climate control.

Despite the raked profile of the Eclipse Cross’ body, outward visibility isn’t bad – it just takes some getting used to. The design means the rear window is split in half by a row of LED brake-lights, which I must admit took some getting used to. The sensation is like having something in your eye at first, or a broken pixel on your TV screen.

More hip, less zip

The Eclipse Cross LS and Exceed share the same engine – a 1.5-litre turbo petrol making 110kW/250Nm – and it’s lacking power in both variants. Zippy manoeuvres require a pedal-to-the-metal attitude, the car feeling heavy (up to 1555kg kerb) and tractor-like at city speeds.

Both variants put power to the wheels via an eight-step continuously variable transmission (CVT) that can be shifted manually via the gear stick or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Neither method resulted in summoning any additional performance, and did little to help fuel economy. On test we managed 10.0L/100km against a claim of 7.3L/100km (7.7L/100km in the AWD).

I also found the shock of some lumps and bumps were not been totally absorbed by the time they reached the driver. The ride could be smoother, if I’m honest. On the plus side the Eclipse Cross is very manoeuvrable, and with the help of front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera on Exceed variants, is a cinch to park.

The Eclipse Cross offers safety features that include seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane change assistance, rear cross-traffic alert,and something called an ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system – which is a complicated way of saying the car will prevent you from pushing the wrong pedal.

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Tech slam

For me, the omission of proprietary satellite navigation is a huge – HUGE oversight. Sure, there’s Bluetooth connectivity for your phone, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but I feel buyers in the segment want to know where they’re going without using their data allowance.

The Bluetooth pairing process is also a little off-putting. It’s involved and temperamental, and demands that you stop the car -- something that is particularly irksome when you have a willing passenger to do your bidding while you focus on the road.

I also found the touchpad beside the gearstick – used to navigate the features of the infotainment system – tricky to use when on the go. It’s meant to make the touchscreen’s controls more accessible but in reality is little more than a distraction.

One final complaint – the heavy doors require a real slam to shut properly. More than once I pulled away from the kerb and was halted by the incessant pinging letting me know that gentle breeze I could feel was coming through the crack between the rear door and the car. Whoops.

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Full of potential

Without the quirks, the Eclipse Cross could well be the ideal first car for a young couple planning to start a family. It boasts an impeccable safety rating and is roomy if not gigantic.

It could also serve as an excellent second car for a larger family, to do the grunt work of school runs or grocery shopping trips. And with the AWD option fitted, the potential to be a solid getaway car for the weekend adventurer

In terms of value for money, the LS has to take the cake of the two variants. Aside from the daggy seats it’s incredibly well equipped and at a much more attractive price point than the Exceed.

Sure, you’ll be giving up a sunroof and seat heaters. But it’s extra coin you could use towards the ever-painful rego and insurance fees, or spend on your next overseas trip.

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS pricing and specifications:
Price: $30,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 7.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 165g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2017)

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Exceed AWD pricing and specifications:
Price: $38,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 174g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP (2017)