New engine derivative in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross range
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, launched during February of last year, is now offered with a new turbocharged engine.
The Eclipse Cross was first introduced in South Africa with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine but now will feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged motor. The Eclipse Cross will be the first car in Mitsubishi’s range to feature the new engine. The newly developed MIVEC engine produces 110 kW with 250 N.m of torque and comes mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode. While for the most part, the new variant is mostly indistinguishable from the 2.0-litre derivative, Mitsubishi will be introducing two new body colours along with the new vehicle.
“The new blue and silky white colours we are introducing are based on customer research. The Eclipse Cross is produced at the Mizushima Plant in Japan and is such a popular design that globally it is selling up a storm,” Nic Campbell, General Manager, Mitsubishi Motors SA
The torque at low-to-mid engine speed is made possible by the incorporation of direct fuel injection, an exhaust manifold integrated cylinder head, sodium-filled exhaust valves and the Valve Timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC). The MIVEC system results in quicker spooling turbocharger and higher power and torque figures across the rev range using variable timing of the intake and exhaust camshafts. The 8-step CVT gearbox which contributes to the manufacturer claimed 7.7L/100 km combined fuel consumption figure will also allow the Eclipse to sprint to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The interior is similar to that of the 2.0-litre derivatives although the addition of carbon fibre door inserts speaks to the character of the new variant. The new derivative retains the tilt and telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel controlling the audio and cruise control settings as well as Bluetooth with voice control, paddle shifts, front and rear electric windows, automatic air-conditioning, leather seats, including heated front leather seats, slide and tilt-adjustable rear seats with 60/40 split and the accessory sockets and USB ports.
On the exterior, the 1.5-litre turbo comes standard with electric adjustable fold-away mirrors with integrated indicator lights, LED headlamps with built-in LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front and rear park distance control, rear spoiler with high-mounted stop lamp, front skid plate finished in Silver, 18-inch alloy wheels a full-size spare wheel and roof rails.
Safety features for the occupants include RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction, 7 airbags including driverside, passenger, driver knee and curtain airbags. It also retains ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS brakes, active yaw control, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist system, hill start assist, active stability and traction control. Central locking with motion lock, keyless entry and start and a rearview camera also come as standard.
Warranty and Service
The 1.5-litre turbocharged, Eclipse Cross comes standard with a three-year/100 000 km warranty, a five-year/90 000 km service plan and is inclusive of a five-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.
Pricing
Eclipse Cross 1.5 T CVT – R459 995
