The new flagship is stunning to drive, easy on the eyes and swallows speedbumps with ease.
By Rubin van Niekerk
“We strive to always offer our customers products that are modern and speak to their needs and the refinements to the Eclipse Cross GLS Exceed aim to do exactly that,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
It stands out in a crowded SUV segment thanks to a stylish design that culminates in sculpted character lines. Essentially it blends the sporty shape of a coupé with the space and practicality of an SUV. A sculpted hexagonal design incorporates a single piece of glass at the back, and the rear lamps feature a distinctive three-dimensional Y-shaped design.
Two engine variants include the 2,0 litre MIVEC DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine that generates 110kW at 6 000r/min and 198Nm at 4 200rpm. The Eclipse Cross GLS Exceed is powered with Mitsubishi’s latest fuel efficient 1,5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 110kW and 250Nm. Safety is centred around the RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) Body Construction, with a total of seven airbags and Side- Impact Protection Bars .Standard Equipment includes Isofix Child Seat anchors, ABS with EBD, AYC (Active Yaw Control), Brake Assist System, Hill Start Assist System, Active Stability and Traction Control. The long list of standard features is remarkable. Convenience features that also contribute to overall passenger safety include an Electric Parking Brake, Electronic Power Steering, Anti-theft Protection Device, Keyless Operating System, Rear View Camera.
Mitsubishi Motors’ Intuitive Technology (MiTEC) is an integrated system of innovative technology designed to guide, protect, alert, connect and entertain and includes the Head Up Display which offers critical information in the driver’s field of view.
The new Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System reduces the chance and severity of hitting obstacles 4 metres in front or behind should a driver mistakenly press the accelerator while the vehicle is stationary or when travelling at speeds below 10km/h.
The GLS Exceed model also gains an impressive panoramic tilt and slide sunroof as a standard fitment, which comes standard with an impressive UV protective coating, LED illumination with brightness settings as well as an electrically operated cover which can be opened and closed via the touch of a button.
Pricing ranges from R 479 990 to R 560 000 and includes a three-year/100 000km warranty, a five-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance and a five-year/90 000km service plan.