Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 150T: the sporty SUV now with a 5,750 euro discount

Mitsubishi offers the Eclipse Cross with petrol engine from 19,700 euros, including a discount of 5,750 euros. Is it a good buy? Let’s take a look.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which joined the Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Outlander in the SUV range of the Japanese manufacturer in 2018, is now on offer. With 5,750 euros off, you get an Eclipse Cross in Challenge trim for less than 20,000 euros. And it is a good buy.

At launch, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was only available with the 1.5 Turbo petrol engine producing 163 CV. In 2019, Mitsubishi introduced some range updates, including the Eclipse Cross with 148 CV turbodiesel engine. But as we will see, the range configuration, the prices and the good performance of the petrol engine make it the one everyone is looking at.

A compact SUV with an attractive offer

The first point to consider is that, currently, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross with the petrol engine can be chosen in four trim levels: Challenge, Spirit, Motion and Kaiteki. In addition, it is also available in 4×2 or 4×4 drive versions, and with manual or automatic gearbox.

This matters because if you are considering the diesel version, it is only combined with the top Kaiteki trim and is tied to 4×4 drive and the automatic gearbox. The price of this version, including discounts, is 34,300 euros. The same combination with the petrol engine costs 30,550 euros, almost 4,000 euros less.

You need to drive many kilometres a year to amortise the investment. Assuming, of course, that you don’t want to give up everything offered by the top-of-the-range version, and you’re not willing to settle for a lower equipment level.

That being said, and focusing on the petrol Eclipse Cross, which is the one of interest, the entry version with Challenge trim, manual gearbox and 4×2 drive costs 19,700 euros, including the discount. With Spirit trim the price rises to 21,000 euros, and to 22,800 for the Motion version. Note that these discounts always apply when financing the purchase.

The Motion trim is the only one where you can opt for the 8-speed automatic transmission, at an extra cost of 2,100 euros. If you want all-wheel drive, as in the diesel, it has to be automatic and in the most luxurious version, the Kaiteki.

It must be said that the entry version already includes the essential equipment. But it is worth making the effort for the Spirit trim. It costs about 1,300 euros more and you get 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres, design elements that enhance the exterior and interior look, anti-glare rear-view mirror, electrically folding external mirrors, push-button start and multimedia touchscreen with smartphone connectivity. And 21,000 euros remains a good price.

Behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 150T

At a length of 4.41 metres, the Eclipse Cross is an alternative to compact SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai or the Skoda Karoq. It stands out for its coupé-style rear design, which gives it a sporty look. It also offers a good balance of value, equipment and price (with the offer), as well as a well-presented interior.

On the road, its main qualities are the ride comfort offered by the suspension when going over potholes, and the ease of driving, which is very similar to that of a saloon car.

We really liked the driving position, the number of storage spaces and the layout and good feel of all the controls. In the Kaiteki version we drove, the top of the range, a HUD is included that projects information onto a plastic film behind the steering wheel, rather than directly onto the windscreen as in other, more sophisticated systems.

Among the things we like least about the interior is the rear visibility due to the rear design, with the rear window divided by the spoiler. And the touch panel for navigating the multimedia system menus – compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – located on the centre console, is less intuitive than the usual rotary controls.

In terms of versatility, the ability to slide the rear bench by 20 centimetres when needed gives plenty of flexibility in adjusting the space for passengers or luggage. The boot capacity of the 4×2 versions ranges from 380 to 485 litres (the 4x4s lose about 20 litres), a figure lower than other rivals with a more family-oriented design, which easily exceed 500 litres. But it is a respectable figure in any case.

Although its look is that of a sporty SUV, the Eclipse Cross invites you to drive calmly for several reasons. Firstly, because engine noise is noticeable inside more than desired if you drive aggressively, especially in the version with the CVT automatic gearbox. Secondly, because the fuel consumption of this engine, like almost all small-capacity turbocharged petrol engines, is very sensitive to driving pace.

The performance is good, on a par with or even better than other SUVs of its size with petrol engines of similar power, with an engine that delivers remarkable pulling power over a wide range. And the “Eco” mode helps save fuel by modifying the throttle response, which allows real-world averages of around 7.5 l/100 km if you don’t demand everything the engine can give. But if you push it, this figure can very easily rise above 10 litres.

Image gallery Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross