Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Revival: From “Y.O. Dreams” to a Real‑World SUV
Remember the tiny hunk of muscle that used to sizzle in the back of your garage? That was the original Eclipse, a compact sports car that turned heads faster than a bad joke. But it vanished after the early 2000s, leaving a void that was only filled when Mitsubishi decided to resurrect the name in 2018.
- Fans were hyped, fueling conversations from cafés to car meet‑ups.
- The expectation? Something that screamed speed and punch.
- Reality? A fully‑functional SUV that doesn’t try to look like a sports car.
Why the Revamp Feels Like a Cartoon Swap
The new Eclipse sits on a chassis that’s more about utility than adrenaline. Think of it like swapping your scooter for a minivan: the engine’s still there, but you’re now expecting to haul groceries, not rubber‑soaked track dust.
To Be Honest, It’s a Mixed Reaction
On one side, you’ve got the die‑hard petrolheads amazed by the heritage name; on the other, the practical drivers who see a crossover that fits in their driveway and can carry a whole week’s groceries.
Everything Else Seems Immune to the SUV Craze
Nobody can escape the glide of crossover appeal these days, and Mitsubishi’s Eclipse is no exception. It’s marketed as a lifestyle vehicle, not a racing machine—a mangle that might feel like a foreshortened moment of nostalgia for some.
So What’s the Bottom Line?
If you’re a fan of the original, consider it a nostalgic footnote. If you need an SUV that can get you from coffee shop to the big box store, this new Eclipse is an unexpectedly solid choice—proof that legendary names can keep a family in the driver’s seat while still whispering a few subtle thrills.
Either you like its looks, or you absolutely hate it
Meet the Eclipse Cross: A Fresh Look and Smarter Tech
What’s New?
- Whole new front that fits better with Mitsubishi’s modern lineup: slim dark LED DRLs, shiny chrome trim around a bold Dynamic Shield grille, and a big‑bold LED headlight set.
- Side view gets a leaner, sharper shape that feels like it’s always ready to sprint.
- Top‑tier Style trim rides on 18‑inch wheels instead of the 16‑inch ones of the Classic pack.
- Color talk: “Red Diamond” is literally a gem on wheels—no coincidence at all!
- Rear makeover: single‑piece glass, a slick new tailgate, and better visibility thanks to fan‑out feedback from the owners.
More Space, Less Hassle
With the redesigned tailgate, the Eclipse Cross now delivers 405 litres of cargo room—a sweet win for road trips or those bulkier shopping hauls. Inside, there’re handy mounting points for cargo nets, while the rear seats fold 60:40 for extra flexibility.
Heads Up
One small catch: no power tailgate comes standard, no matter you go Classic or Style. But hey, who needs a fancy lift when you have a well‑designed corner?
The Bottom Line
From an eye‑catching front to a smarter, friendlier rear, the Eclipse Cross gets a sizable fresh coat of paint—literally—and a technology boost that echoes what real owners want. It’s a sleek, practical upgrade that’s ready to steal the spotlight on any road.
Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross: From Eye‑Sore to Slightly Sexy
What We Were Thinking in 2018
When the Eclipse Cross first hit the streets in 2018, we all got a little field‑trip dread. “It looks awful.” That was the unanimous chorus.
- Heads‑first, the grille was fine.
- But looking at the sills, the hood, and the bumper, the proportions seemed off‑beat—as if someone had mixed up a sedan and a sporty coupe.
- In short, the body felt like a half‑hearted attempt at something cool.
Shock, Respect, and Listening
We were sure no one else was shaking their heads in shock. But we recognized Mitsubishi was listening. The auto brand didn’t just sit on the sidelines; they took the feedback, turned it into an engine, and put it into the steering wheel of design.
Fresh Look: The Facelifted Eclipse Cross
The new version? It’s slightly slicker—a small step, but a step in the right direction. The body shape still holds that basic outlook, yet the styling touches have been pushed up a notch.
- New front fascia brings a touch of daring.
- Subtle tweaks to the side panels give it a bit more “edge.”
- Overall, the car looks marginally more fashionable while still keeping its original vibe.
Bottom Line
If you once thought the Eclipse Cross was just a visual disappointment, the facelift might just win you over. It’s not a huge revolution, but a tasteful improvement that, for many, makes the car a little less “meh” and a little more “meh-please.”
Once you dive deeper, you start to see where the Eclipse Cross really shines
Inside the Eclipse Cross: A Cozy Car Hub
Got cavity nerves about the outside? Don’t sweat it! The cabin, however, is a total dream‑state. Backseat travelers don’t have to fight for space – leg‑ and head‑room are generous, and you can tweak the seats to your own angle for that extra touch of comfort.
What Makes It Feel Like Home
- Spacious Rear Zone: More room than a yoga studio, for sure.
- Adjustable Seats: Pitch them right up or flop them down, whatever floats your boat.
- Premium Comfort: Leather seats for added luxury (especially if you opt for the atas Style trim).
Minor Quirks
Only one 12V jack sits on the center console – a bit of a sweetheart if you love to charge. USB ports would have been far kinder to all the smartphones that gather dust in the back.
Driver’s Paradise
The overall driving stance hits the sweet spot – all controls feel just right, no over‑the‑top pushing required. And, talk about refreshing – the Eclipse Cross keeps the old‑school charm alive with analog dials, breaking away from the digital display craze that’s currently swirling around the industry.
Why You’ll Love the Style Trim
Audio that Pops Without a Broadway Cue
The eight‑inch Smart‑Link Display Audio (SDA) system is the star of the show. It’s packed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making your smartphone feel right at home. In our hands‑on test, the connection was faster than a caffeinated squirrel, and the physical volume knob gave a reassuring “you’re in control” moment.
Sound That Keeps It Real
Forget the pricier Bose or Harman Kardon blasters; Mitsubishi’s native stereo system screams “I’ve got your back.” Even the lowest‑tier models surprise with a surprisingly solid auditory experience – an uncommon win in the world of on‑road entertainment.
Front Seat Comfort, No‑Mess Charging
Heated front seats keep you cozy on those chilly drives. While there’s no wireless charger in the Eclipse Cross, you still get two USB ports and a 12‑V outlet to keep your devices humming.
Interior Brilliance
- Space for All – Rooms for you, your passengers, and that extra lap dog you secretly love.
- Comfort that doesn’t quit – Plush seats and a layout that feels like a 5‑star lounge.
- Style that catches eyes – The Style trim keeps your look fresh as you cruise.
All in all, the Eclipse Cross’s interior is a sweet spot of comfort, space, and punchy sound – making every drive feel like a personal retreat on wheels.
Nimble on the roads
Feeling the Freedom of an SUV That’s Surprisingly Light
Most people think of SUVs as oil‑slick, lumbering beasts that demand a bit of a personality to handle. Not this one.
Steering That Feels Like a Swing
The steering feels feather‑light: you swing the wheel and the car responds quicker than a coaster on a tight‑spun track. Potholes? Gone! Tight corners? No sweat. Handling that notch‑and‑cue is A-OK.
Views From the Top & Convenience of the Side Mirrors
- Looking all around, the driver sits high enough that everything looks effortless.
- Those big side‑mirrors? Decked‑out coverage that keep blind spots from becoming nightmare-oleo.
The rear glass is a winning upgrade over the clunky split‑view you’ll find in older models. Big rear visibility means you can peek at tailgaters without guessing.
Parking Made Easy with Sensors
Pulling into a tight spot feels less for a chore. The Style trim sports front and rear sensors—Mitsubishi calls it a “Multi‑around monitor.” Basically a 360‑degree camera that looks at you from every angle.
The Power and Personality of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Engine Whispers: 163 bhp and 250 Nm of Torque
It’s a pretty sweet deal for a compact SUV—just a single inline‑four that’s a true “four‑banger.” Think of it as a high‑school pop‑star: all the right moves, but still fully human.
Drive Modes (In a Different Kind of Way)
- ECO Mode: Toggle it with a little button—like flipping a switch on your favorite coffee Maker.
- Sports Mode: Push your gear shifter into manual and the car’s ready to throw some serious heat.
With the “eight‑speed” CVT, the car feels jumpy at low speeds, rocket‑fueled into a 100‑meter sprint in 9.7 seconds. Not quite breaking the record books, but definitely fast enough to keep in tune with city traffic.
Traditional vs. Electric: A Clash of Tastes
While many automakers are hopping onto the hybrid‑electric bandwagon and calling it the future, Mitsubishi says “Nah, we’re sticking to the good ol’ gasoline boom!” If that sizzles your palate, the Eclipse Cross won’t disappoint. But for eco‑budget shoppers looking to save on fuel costs, it might feel a little “old‑school.”
Fuel Economy: 14.5 km/L
It’s serviceable, but there are other options out there that win in the efficiency showdown. Think of it as a delicious meal that doesn’t necessarily have the fries.
Bottom Line: A “Dinosaur‑Juice” Delight
If you cherish that genuine engine hiss and are ready to pay a bit extra for the experience, the Eclipse Cross stays true to its roots. For the thrifty, the world still offers plenty of greener, leaner brothers to consider.
Never judge a book by its cover
Is the Eclipse Cross Really Worth It?
We’ve poked at the looks of the Eclipse Cross and, honestly, the styling doesn’t sway us that much. What does land us at the table, though, is its solid practicality, useful versatility, and a price tag that doesn’t scream “pump your wallet dry.” But there’s a huge choice point you can’t skip—
Trim Tiers and Their Price Tags
- Classic – $134,000
- Style – $146,000
That’s a hefty $12,000 swing between the two. If the extra bells and whistles don’t tick your boxes, you could pull a full‑stop and pocket that full‑swing in savings. Imagine what you could do with those spare dollars—maybe a coffee machine that doubles as a coffee machine, perhaps?
Why We Still Think It’s a Strong Contender
Beyond the paint job, the Eclipse Cross holds its own in the crowded SUV arena. Whether you’re cruising the city or tackling a weekend adventure, it’s all about the “do-it-all” spirit of this model.
Takeaway
Short answer: yes, it’s a solid SUV, but stop and think—do you really need that Style‑level gloss? Save yourself the mess and the bucks and roll with the Classic instead.
Published originally by Motorist.
