Auto news on Youtube May 1 2018

Sales of small SUVs are accelerating rapidly, which might explain why Mitsubishi now sells

two of them: the ASX and this new one, the Eclipse Cross.

Taking the number of SUVs in Mitsubishi's local line-up to five, the Eclipse Cross shares

its platform with the ASX, but its powertrain has more in common with Honda's larger CR-V.

It's a refined, lively engine, stepping off cleanly at launch and delivering strong performance

in the mid-range... strong enough to induce torque steer.

Coupled to the engine is a continuously variable transmission, driving to the front wheels.

It's typical of the breed, but quieter than Subaru transmissions and a better match to

this engine than the powertrain in the CR-V. The fuel-saving ECO mode takes all the fun

out of exploring the car's performance potential but to its credit the Eclipse Cross can be

very economical.

It posted figures as low as that of a small city hatchback, although around town its fuel

consumption surged.

Dynamically, the Eclipse Cross was not very exciting.

Its roadholding is up to par, but the steering is uninvolving and the handling is safe rather

than exhilarating.

The ride was firm and occasionally choppy, although it will absorb some hard hits from

potholes and bumps.

From the driver's seat, the Eclipse Cross features conventional ergonomic design practice

mostly common to other Mitsubishi models.

The seats are comfortable, the instruments are easy to read and the infotainment screen

allows the user to swipe for different apps.

One app missing is satellite navigation.

Mitsubishi appears to be moving away from on-board systems needing frequent updates,

in favour of CarPlay or Android Auto, either of which permits navigation from a smartphone.

The Eclipse Cross also foregoes functionality for style.

While the hip point is fine for entry and exit from the car, the roofline at the rear

is low, too low perhaps for adults climbing in.

The Eclipse Cross is longer than the ASX and the wheelbase is the same for both SUVs, but

the older car offers larger luggage capacity with the rear seat folded, according to Mitsubishi's

own specifications.

There is more boot space in the Eclipse Cross if the rear seat is slid forward, but that

naturally reduces the amount of legroom available for passengers.

As it is, the rear-seat accommodation is borderline for adults of average height – with headroom

limited by the sunroof fitted.

And there are no adjustable vents back there to keep the kids cool.

Some will question the reasoning behind the Eclipse Cross, when Mitsubishi already has

a perfectly serviceable small SUV in the form of the ASX.

But sales indicate there are buyers out there willing to pay extra to enjoy some panache

for the family car.

Mitsubishi has already sold around twelve hundred units of the Eclipse Cross for the

first three months on sale, and that's almost as many as the well-established ASX.

Maybe Mitsubishi's onto something.