We’ve only had the chance to try the disappointing petrol model so far, which features a CVT gearbox that takes away any driving pleasure, but there is a diesel on the way soon which certainly has potential. The petrol’s poor economy means it’s tough to recommend even next to other petrol rivals, although if that’s not so much of an issue the unit itself is refined and punchy enough.
The Eclipse Cross enters an incredibly competitive class, including some fantastic cars such as the Peugeot 3008, SEAT Ateca and Toyota C-HR. So even though the new model is worth a look for anyone in the market for a compact family SUV, it’s only nipping at its rivals’ ankles for now.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an all-new small SUV that competes with
the Peugeot 3008, SEAT Ateca and Toyota C-HR. It fits into the
Mitsubishi range above the ASX and below the Outlander,
which the brand says will change accordingly to accommodate this new
model. The firm also says the Eclipse Cross marks a change in its
direction. This car is the start of a strategy to steal sales from rival
companies by building better cars - which sounds like a sensible tactic
to us.
To that end the Eclipse Cross comes with a brand new 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is the only model we’ve tried so far. A 2.2-litre diesel car is also on the way for sure - and while the petrol is available with manual and CVT gearboxes, the diesel will be automatic only. A hybrid model is also expected to arrive later.
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Manual petrol cars are front-wheel drive only, but automatic versions of petrol cars will be available with four-wheel drive and it’s standard on the diesels. A system called Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) is fitted to these 4x4 versions as well, which controls torque to each wheel, sending power where it’s needed most. A selectable driving mode can change how it responds - there are Auto, Snow and Gravel modes.
Eclipse Cross specifications haven’t been confirmed for the UK yet, so all we know about pricing is that it will be competitive with similar cars - that means we expect prices to start at around £21,000 and rise to over £30,000 for top-spec versions.
The Eclipse Cross name comes from a small sports car called the Mitsubishi Eclipse that was on sale until 2011 in the US, China and some other markets. It’s choice for this SUV is a reference to the sporty styling, while the Cross part refers to the crossover aspirations. It’s based on the same platform as the Outlander, so a future hybrid version is likely to use tech from the popular PHEV version of that car - though it won’t be a plug-in itself.
To that end the Eclipse Cross comes with a brand new 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is the only model we’ve tried so far. A 2.2-litre diesel car is also on the way for sure - and while the petrol is available with manual and CVT gearboxes, the diesel will be automatic only. A hybrid model is also expected to arrive later.
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Manual petrol cars are front-wheel drive only, but automatic versions of petrol cars will be available with four-wheel drive and it’s standard on the diesels. A system called Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) is fitted to these 4x4 versions as well, which controls torque to each wheel, sending power where it’s needed most. A selectable driving mode can change how it responds - there are Auto, Snow and Gravel modes.
Eclipse Cross specifications haven’t been confirmed for the UK yet, so all we know about pricing is that it will be competitive with similar cars - that means we expect prices to start at around £21,000 and rise to over £30,000 for top-spec versions.
The Eclipse Cross name comes from a small sports car called the Mitsubishi Eclipse that was on sale until 2011 in the US, China and some other markets. It’s choice for this SUV is a reference to the sporty styling, while the Cross part refers to the crossover aspirations. It’s based on the same platform as the Outlander, so a future hybrid version is likely to use tech from the popular PHEV version of that car - though it won’t be a plug-in itself.
Engines, performance and drive
Decent dynamics let down by a poor petrol CVT powertrain
Hop into the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and you’ll find a relatively
high-up driving position, but it’s comfortable enough thanks to the
supportive seats and well-placed pedals. Initially the car feels as
though it will be a little on the uncomfortable side, as the low-speed
ride isn’t as smooth as a Peugeot 3008’s, but once you get going it
rides well.
It’s at its best on a motorway or main road, as big potholes tend to thud into the cabin - although it’s no worse than a SEAT Ateca, and the seats help take the edge off things. We’ve only tried the car on Spanish roads so far, so we’ll reserve judgement on the ride quality until we get the chance to try the car here in Britain.
Body control in corners is good, while the reasonably quick and direct steering means it’s actually pretty good to drive on a sweeping road. There’s not much feedback through the wheel, but that’s common to SUVs in this class - and while the Mitsubishi isn’t as good to drive as the 3008 or Ateca, it’s not a long way behind by any means.
However, a CVT gearbox in the only car we’ve tried so far takes a big toll on the driving experience. If you only ever drive in the city, the efficient gearbox system will probably work well but put your foot down and the revs soar noisily as the gearbox resists the need for a higher ratio. It’s common to so many CVTs, and while manufacturers say they are efficient, they just aren’t enjoyable to drive.
The CVT in the Eclipse Cross mimics a normal auto gearbox, but because of that it’s actually the worst of both worlds: it slurs shifts into simulated ‘gears’, while still holding revs unpleasantly high for too long when you want to accelerate. Paddles behind the wheel offer a manual mode of sorts, but it’s incredibly unresponsive and unpleasant to use - even though the paddles themselves are beautifully designed.
A manual is available with the petrol engine at launch, and a traditional automatic will be available with the diesel engine - all look like better options on paper.
A diesel version will also be available in the UK, and this engine has 148bhp and 400Nm of torque, although performance and economy figures are not available yet.
It’s at its best on a motorway or main road, as big potholes tend to thud into the cabin - although it’s no worse than a SEAT Ateca, and the seats help take the edge off things. We’ve only tried the car on Spanish roads so far, so we’ll reserve judgement on the ride quality until we get the chance to try the car here in Britain.
Body control in corners is good, while the reasonably quick and direct steering means it’s actually pretty good to drive on a sweeping road. There’s not much feedback through the wheel, but that’s common to SUVs in this class - and while the Mitsubishi isn’t as good to drive as the 3008 or Ateca, it’s not a long way behind by any means.
However, a CVT gearbox in the only car we’ve tried so far takes a big toll on the driving experience. If you only ever drive in the city, the efficient gearbox system will probably work well but put your foot down and the revs soar noisily as the gearbox resists the need for a higher ratio. It’s common to so many CVTs, and while manufacturers say they are efficient, they just aren’t enjoyable to drive.
The CVT in the Eclipse Cross mimics a normal auto gearbox, but because of that it’s actually the worst of both worlds: it slurs shifts into simulated ‘gears’, while still holding revs unpleasantly high for too long when you want to accelerate. Paddles behind the wheel offer a manual mode of sorts, but it’s incredibly unresponsive and unpleasant to use - even though the paddles themselves are beautifully designed.
A manual is available with the petrol engine at launch, and a traditional automatic will be available with the diesel engine - all look like better options on paper.
Engines
The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine we tried has 161bhp and 250Nm of torque, and it feels punchy enough to take on similar units in rival cars. It’s reined and smooth too, so we’re looking forward to trying it with a manual gearbox. 0-62mph takes 9.8 seconds in the CVT model, and 10.3 in the manual.A diesel version will also be available in the UK, and this engine has 148bhp and 400Nm of torque, although performance and economy figures are not available yet.
MPG, CO2 and running costs
Petrol engine isn’t particularly economical, especially next to efficient rival cars
Mitsubishi is launching its new Eclipse Cross with a brand new
1.5-litre petrol engine, which isn’t very cheap to run. It’ll manage
just 42.8mpg in front-wheel drive cars with a manual gearbox, while the
CVT version with 4WD returns 40.4mpg.
The Toyota C-HR with a 1.2-litre petrol engine returns 47.9mpg, and even claims 74.3mpg for the hybrid model that shares running gear with the Prius. A 1.0-litre petrol SEAT Ateca will return 54.3mpg, and a 1.2-litre Peugeot 3008 manages 55.4mpg. All are significantly better figures than the Eclipse Cross, so you’ll find that almost all of its rivals are cheaper to run.
CO2 figures of 151g/km (manual) and 159g/km (CVT) are also behind the competition, and will mean higher company car tax bills as well - although new VED rules mean almost all cars in this class will cost £140 a year to tax.
The Eclipse Cross will soon be available with a 2.2-litre diesel, but there are no official economy figures from this version yet - expect it to be a better choice for low running costs.
There’s also no data on depreciation or insurance groups so far, so it’s tough to say how the new Mitsubishi will fare when it comes to running costs - but check back soon, as when we’ve got the data this page will be updated with the latest info and a more definitive verdict.
The Toyota C-HR with a 1.2-litre petrol engine returns 47.9mpg, and even claims 74.3mpg for the hybrid model that shares running gear with the Prius. A 1.0-litre petrol SEAT Ateca will return 54.3mpg, and a 1.2-litre Peugeot 3008 manages 55.4mpg. All are significantly better figures than the Eclipse Cross, so you’ll find that almost all of its rivals are cheaper to run.
CO2 figures of 151g/km (manual) and 159g/km (CVT) are also behind the competition, and will mean higher company car tax bills as well - although new VED rules mean almost all cars in this class will cost £140 a year to tax.
The Eclipse Cross will soon be available with a 2.2-litre diesel, but there are no official economy figures from this version yet - expect it to be a better choice for low running costs.
There’s also no data on depreciation or insurance groups so far, so it’s tough to say how the new Mitsubishi will fare when it comes to running costs - but check back soon, as when we’ve got the data this page will be updated with the latest info and a more definitive verdict.
Interior, design and technology
Neat interior design and quality materials meet handsome exterior looks
If it looks familiar, that’s because the exterior design comes from the
Mitsubishi XR PHEV II Concept car - and with its sloping roofline and
sculpted bodywork the Eclipse Cross has a coupe-SUV look to it, similar
to the Toyota C-HR’s distinctive styling.
Mitsubishi’s wide grille and large badge sit at the front of the car, but the nose is dominated by sharp chrome design highlights that move from the headlights inwards, pinching up the lower grille area and accentuating the headlights and foglights. A silver skid plate gives it a hint of off-road feel too, as do the roof bars.
At the side you’ll notice the sloping roofline and rising shoulder line, but unfortunately this moves up towards the rather awkward boot hatch. A split rear windscreen allows the steep roof angle without losing practicality or visibility as a result, but it looks awkward - a shame considering the rest of the car is quite handsome.
On the inside, the Eclipse Cross fares rather better, with its fairly Lexus-like design. The materials used inside are typically Japanese - high-quality but a bit ugly-looking. However they are for the most part soft to the touch, with only a few scratchy plastics lower down. The design mimics the angular outside looks, but it’s much more cohesive - and there are smart-looking, comfortable seats as well.
Where the screen loses points is in the fact that there’s no sat-nav included. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
which some buyers will prefer to an in-car sat-nav anyway, but if you
don’t have a compatible phone then you’ll be stuck without navigation -
and you’ll have to pay data charges to your phone carrier when you need
to get somewhere.
Mitsubishi’s wide grille and large badge sit at the front of the car, but the nose is dominated by sharp chrome design highlights that move from the headlights inwards, pinching up the lower grille area and accentuating the headlights and foglights. A silver skid plate gives it a hint of off-road feel too, as do the roof bars.
At the side you’ll notice the sloping roofline and rising shoulder line, but unfortunately this moves up towards the rather awkward boot hatch. A split rear windscreen allows the steep roof angle without losing practicality or visibility as a result, but it looks awkward - a shame considering the rest of the car is quite handsome.
On the inside, the Eclipse Cross fares rather better, with its fairly Lexus-like design. The materials used inside are typically Japanese - high-quality but a bit ugly-looking. However they are for the most part soft to the touch, with only a few scratchy plastics lower down. The design mimics the angular outside looks, but it’s much more cohesive - and there are smart-looking, comfortable seats as well.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
A seven-inch touchscreen display comes as standard on the Eclipse Cross, and sits on top of the dash like in a BMW. the screen itself looks smart, and it’s pretty responsive to the touch. There’s a trackpad controller not he centre console, but it’s easier to use the display itself to select the functions you need - and there are heater and air-con controls as physical buttons, unlike in the Peugeot 3008 - an important feature.
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Practicality, comfort and boot space
The versatile and spacious interior means the Eclipse Cross will work well for families
The Eclipse Cross is a five-seater only, although the rear seats can
slide back and forth to change between extra legroom and more boot
space. The front is spacious enough, with a decent driving position and
plenty of storage cubbies within easy reach.
Visibility is good front and rear, although the split rear windscreen means there’s a solid line straight through your main mirror that could get distracting. The side mirrors are nice and big, though, which helps when you’re changing lanes on the motorway.
A braked towing capacity of 1,600kg isn’t bad, but for pulling a caravan or larger trailer you’re better off with a stronger diesel model - and the 2.2-litre car coming soon will up that figure to 2,000kg.
The Eclipse Cross place its driver fairly high up, although getting
in and out isn’t a problem - it’s only a small SUV, after all. Its
dimensions place it firmly in the compact crossover SUV class, and even
without getting the measuring tape out you’d easily be able to tell that
it’s about the same size as its rivals.
The opening is nice and tall, but it could be wider and the sides of the boot aren’t flat. The floor is, though, which is the most important thing - and the seats fold down with no lip. A small loading lip shouldn’t cause too much trouble for big items either.
Visibility is good front and rear, although the split rear windscreen means there’s a solid line straight through your main mirror that could get distracting. The side mirrors are nice and big, though, which helps when you’re changing lanes on the motorway.
A braked towing capacity of 1,600kg isn’t bad, but for pulling a caravan or larger trailer you’re better off with a stronger diesel model - and the 2.2-litre car coming soon will up that figure to 2,000kg.
Size
The new Mitsubishi measures in at 4,405mm long, 1,805mm wide and 1,685mm high, which places it between the ASX and Outlander in the Mitsubishi range. It’s shorter and thinner than a Peugeot 3008, but is a little taller - and it’s longer than a SEAT Ateca too. The SEAT is wider, though, and quite a bit shorter.
Image 13 of 19
Leg room, head room & passenger space
A sliding rear seat means that you can easily improve rear legroom - and even with the seats fully forward an adult will just about fit behind a tall driver. Slide the seats back, if you’ve not got much luggage in the boot, and there’s plenty of space in the rear seats. Even with that sloping roofline, headroom is decent back there as well but taller passengers might brush against the roof.Boot
With the seats all the way back there’s 341 litres of space in the boot, but slide them forward all the way and it opens up to 448 litres. That’s not bad, but a Peugeot 3008 has 520 litres in the back all the time - and it’s still spacious enough in the back seats as well.The opening is nice and tall, but it could be wider and the sides of the boot aren’t flat. The floor is, though, which is the most important thing - and the seats fold down with no lip. A small loading lip shouldn’t cause too much trouble for big items either.
Reliability and Safety
Lots of safety kit and a reputation for reliability are good signs
As the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is so new, it’s hard to gauge how
reliable it will be in the long run - it certainly feels well
put-together, though, and Mitsubishi has a strong reputation of building
reliable, long-lasting cars. The brand failed to rank in our 2017 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, however, as it’s not a large-volume manufacturer.
Euro NCAP hasn’t tested the car for safety yet, but the Outlander PHEV it’s based on scored five out of five stars in 2013 - scoring highly for occupant protection as well as in-car safety kit. We expect a similar result with the new Eclipse Cross, as it’s stuffed with the latest equipment.
Available safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, auto city braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and auto high beams. A set of cameras allows a bird’s-eye view of the car when you’re parking using the seven-inch screen on the dash, which is a huge help in tight spots. The adaptive cruise control can go right down to a standstill, which holds the car when you’re in traffic until you press the gas pedal and it moves up to match the speed of the car in front automatically.
Euro NCAP hasn’t tested the car for safety yet, but the Outlander PHEV it’s based on scored five out of five stars in 2013 - scoring highly for occupant protection as well as in-car safety kit. We expect a similar result with the new Eclipse Cross, as it’s stuffed with the latest equipment.
Available safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, auto city braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and auto high beams. A set of cameras allows a bird’s-eye view of the car when you’re parking using the seven-inch screen on the dash, which is a huge help in tight spots. The adaptive cruise control can go right down to a standstill, which holds the car when you’re in traffic until you press the gas pedal and it moves up to match the speed of the car in front automatically.
