Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Pinterest
Flipboard
Email
Messenger
WhatsApp
7 Reasons You’ll Love the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Before Christmas, we were lucky enough to spend three sun-soaked days behind the wheel of the new 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV while exploring the picturesque surrounds of Port Stephens. The trip north served as more than an excuse to escape the city. It was an opportunity to put the new SUV through its paces, and we were pleasantly surprised by the results.
It’s a car we would recommend; especially to those who want to experience the benefits of a mid-sized all-wheel drive without it costing an arm and a leg. Here are the seven main reasons why you’ll love the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:
1. She’s a Bold Beauty
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross breaks from the family car stigma without actually sacrificing anything that would make it suitable for hauling the kids to and from weekend sports.
It’s all thanks to the new look which brings a more masculine on-road presence, with bolder styling across all surfaces. The flush wheel arches remind us of those present on Ford’s popular pony while the blackened and chromed nose feels equal parts race-inspired and futuristic. The front is complemented by new LED headlights presented as striking ticks on each side.
The sculpted lines that run from the doors to the rear are further reminders that this SUV is a statement piece first and a people mover second. The tailgate is shaped as a distinct hexagon further adding to the on road presence with new wraparound LED taillights.
Scroll down a little, and you may notice that the latest Cross is also upgraded with 18-inch alloy wheels. Overall, it’s a design that you would be proud to show off whether you’re cruising the coast heading north or on your daily commute about the city.
2. The Punchy Performance
You can expect a punchy SUV that’s surprisingly quick off the mark. The Eclipse Cross features a MIVEC 1.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine. It offers 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque. It’s impressive performance for a small-to-midsize SUV, and you will undoubtedly feel the acceleration when making your way around town.
Off-road enthusiasts will want to opt-in for an AWD model that has electronically controlled 4W4 capabilities. Mitsubishi integrated its established Super-All Wheel Control technology which brings stability control and anti-lock braking to the table and Active Yaw Control to regulate braking force and torque.
Four drive modes can tailor to a variety of conditions with straight-line stability and improved manoeuvrability on slippery roads. The revised rear suspension includes larger shock absorbers, springs tuned for response and precision.
Behind the wheel, the Eclipse Cross feels very sporty with tight handling. It’s a pleasure to drive.
3. Grand (Interior) Designs
The Eclipse Cross’ interior is equal parts luxury and function – which is what an SUV needs to be. And especially when you choose to go with either the Exceed or Aspire packages. Both are available without breaking the bank. Start-stop ignition and a leather bound steering wheel come as standard, but an upgrade to Exceed or Aspire will make the wheel heated along with the seats. There’s even an optional heads up display for that desirable touch of futuristic safety. Another must-have extra is the double panoramic sunroof.
Mitsubishi introduced a new 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard. Based on customer feedback, the new display is now shifted closer to the driver. The Exceed package also features integrated sat nav, and an eight speaker Mitsubishi Power Sound System provides the ambience.
The trunk is bigger than ever, upgraded with an additional 14cm in length for a 405-litre capacity without bothering the rear passengers. You might not see the difference, but you will experience it when cramming the luggage for a weekend away.
4. Fuel Efficiency
COVID may have provided a reprieve from exorbitant fuel prices, but it won’t be too long before we’re back to paying top dollar. That’s why you will appreciate that the Eclipse Cross has impressively reasonable fuel consumption. We’re talking 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres, which is on par with its class but then there’s the bonus of that punchy torque. Overall, this SUV is anything but a gas guzzler.
We took the SUV from Alexandria north to Port Stephens for three days of sun and sights and the back again. All up it was just under a 500km round trip, and you better believe we had plenty of fuel remaining by the time we made it home.
5. The Price Point
A lot of the SUVs that we feature here warrant a six-figure annual income just to make their monthly repayments. That’s why you will be surprised and relieved by just how affordable the Mitsubishi Eclipse is. With five configurations available, prices start at $30,290 for the 2WD 1.5L CVT. At the top end, you’re looking at $40,790 for the AWD. You could spend a few thousand more to upgrade to the Exceed or Aspire models, and around $900 more for metallic or pearlescent paint. A small price to pay for luxury, performance, style, fuel efficiency and so on.
6. Playing it Safe
Nobody wants to talk about safety when car shopping, but it’s become a real selling point for modern rides. And even if you have no idea what ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system means, you can appreciate the fact that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross earned a five star ANCAP rating. Here’s a quick look at some of the Eclipse Cross safety features:
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Warning and Lane Change Assist
- Lane Departure warning
- Forward Collision Mitigation
- Multi Around Monitor
- Automatic dusk sensing headlights
- Automatic rain sensing wipers
- Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System
- Hill Start Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic High Beam
With these safety features as standard, we’re sure all the parents will be wanting you to be doing all of the school drop-offs and pickups.
7. Reliable Service
The 2021 Eclipse Cross benefits from the Mitsubishi Diamond Advantage program. This includes ten years capped price servicing. If you service with a Mitsubishi authorised dealer your five year/100,000km warranty is automatically increased to 10 year/200,000km, with up to four years of free roadside assistance.
So ditch your current roadside assistance and let Mitsubishi flip the bill for the next few years. And considering most of us don’t keep a car for ten years or over a distance of 200k, rest easy knowing that you’re covered for the long haul.
That’s just a sample of why the 2021 Mitusbishi Eclipse Cross stands out and breaks from its rivals. Launching in early December 2021, you can test drive one of these beauties today and purchase one in your choice of colours: White Diamond, Red Diamond, Lightning Blue, Sterling Silver Metallic, Titanium Grey Metallic, White and Black.
Mr Mark Jessen
Mark Jessen studied English at Brigham Young University, completing a double emphasis in creative writing and professional writing/editing. After graduating, Mark went to work for a small publisher as their book editor. After a brief time as a freelance writer, Mark entered the corporate world as a copywriter. These days, his hours are spent mostly in proofing and editing, though he continues to create content for a wide variety of projects. In 2017, Mark completed UCLA's Creative Writing Certification. A prolific writer, Mark has over 20 years of experience in journalism.
