Mitsubishi has seen a very bright future for its Eclipse Cross SUV, just as we predicted it would have when the smaller-than Outlander-but-larger-than-ASX first made its debut in 2018 or so. The designers have kept to the same brief: make it edgy, make it contemporary, make it stylish and…if you can…make it better.

Well, it would seem the team were up to the challenge, since they delivered a generation II model, which retains all that was great about the Eclipse Cross and refined a few things to improve it. One of the first things to note is the exterior styling which embraces the new shining bright face of Mitsubishi – thanks to LED lights – adding a touch of Eclipse to it with chrome and black, then carries the LED concept round to the back with redesigned taillights complementing the single rear glass section, which replaces the one-time split screen for improved safety over style.

And for those who thought this generation Eclipse Cross looks a little larger, you’d be right; its 140mm longer overall, with the largest part of that given over to an increased cargo area, though cabin occupants are going to notice a bit more leg and headroom as well. The cargo area has grown by some 17 per cent, which means there’s no shortage of space for the family or the toys.

In addition to a five-star ANCAP suite of safety features like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and forward collision mitigation to name but a few, Eclipse Cross now has security of its Super All Wheel Handling control system – giving you push-of-a-button mastery over adventure terrains like snow, mud, and gravel. The system is aided by the new multi around view monitor system, which shows you an image of everything going on around the vehicle for those times off the beaten track or in the close confines of tight parking spaces.

At the heart of the Eclipse Cross is the tried and tested, 1.5 litre turbocharged MIVEC petrol engine, mated to a smooth and sophisticated 8-speed CVT with sport mode.  Eclipse Cross now fits more comfortably between its two stablemates and with the new generation has secured its place in Mitsubishi’s sophisticated adventure vehicle line up, which will look great in town, at the beach, in the snow, out in the country and in your driveway.  

For more information go to https://www.mmnz.co.nz/vehicles/eclipse-cross/