New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross approaches mid-sizers

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has detailed the local pricing and specification of its updated new Eclipse Cross, with the compact crossover being treated to a myriad of visual changes and standard equipment upgrades for the 2021 model year with only marginal price increases across the range.

Now starting from $30,290 plus on-road costs, the entry-price for the base-model ES has risen by just $300, largely setting the trend for the rest of the range with the biggest price increase belonging to the flagship Exceeds which have both gone up $1300.

With its new Dynamic Shield front end, MMAL has brought the Eclipse Cross into line with the vast majority of its other models while an extra 140mm has been added to its overall length, increasing both rear legroom and cargo space.

In fact the Eclipse Cross has grown so much its dimensions now resemble that of a mid-sized SUV rather than a compact one, being just 5mm shorter than the current Mazda CX-5.

MMAL were unable to confirm the exact segment plans for the Eclipse Cross but alluded to it remaining as the brand’s dedicated small SUV offering.

Regardless, boot space has increased from 374 litres to 405L.

Sticking with the rear of the car, the tailgate has also been given a workover to now feature just a single rear window instead of the previous split arrangement, again bringing it more into line with the rest of the brand’s SUV range.

Inside the cabin meanwhile the big news is the addition of a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (up from 7.0 inches) which has been moved closer to the driver to improve ergonomics while the old touchpad control has been removed.

Revision have been made under the skin in order to improve steering linearity and ride comfort including beefier rear dampers while all-wheel-drive versions score an updated version of MMAL’s ‘Super-All Wheel Control’ system.

Standard equipment on the ES includes 18-inch alloy wheels, aforementioned 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB+ digital radio, paddle shifters, reversing camera, climate control, LED daytime running lights, audio streaming and voice control, rear roof spoiler, two USB ports, hill start assist, cruise control, four-speaker stereo system and a cargo blind.

The LS variants (2WD/AWD) build on the ES’ kit list, adding a smart key, LED fog lamps, one-touch start, rear parking sensors, privacy glass, express windows, rain sensing wipers, black roof rails, illuminated vanity mirror, dusk sensing headlights, heated power folding mirrors, rear armrest with cup holders, automatic high beam, illuminated front door trim, six-speaker stereo, brake auto hold, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an electric park brake.

New to the range for the 2021 model year is the mid-range Aspire, priced from $34,990.

Described by MMAL product strategist Tony Dorrington as “the sweet spot” of the range, the Aspire mimics the ES in being exclusively front-wheel drive and builds on the LS twins’ spec.

Standard equipment on top of what has been outlined above consists of micro-suede and synthetic leather seat trim, Mitsubishi power sound system, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, power adjustable driver’s seat, surround-view monitor, heated front seats, front parking sensors, leather door inserts, dual-zone climate control and electrochromatic rearview mirror.

Finally at the top of the range are the Exceed twins, which add leather seat trim, LED headlights, power adjustable passenger seat, TomTom satellite navigation, double sunroof, driver’s seat back pocket, head-up display, heated steering wheel and rear seats and a black interior headlining.

Standard safety gear on all models includes seven airbags, traction, stability and yaw controls as well as forward collision mitigation with each variant adding more features.

All Eclipse Crosses are powered by the same turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing an unchanged 110kW/250Nm sent to the road via a continuously variable transmission.

The range will be expanded next year with the addition of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, however timing has not yet been finalised by MMAL.

“We listened to customers, and we are pleased to bring to market an elegant enhancement to the driving experience by bringing comfort, technology and driving dynamics for their next adventure,” Mitsubishi Motor Corporation chief product specialist Minoru Uehara said.

MMAL has sold 3583 Eclipse Crosses so far this year ending October, accounting for 4.8 per cent of the sub-$40,000 small SUV segment.

2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs