Mitsubishi adds 1.5 Turbo to Eclipse range

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was launched one year ago in South Africa with just one engine option.

The 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder offered adequate power, but you could definitely feel it struggle up at Gauteng altitude.

Mitsubishi now offers a new model with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, slotting in above the existing range.

The newly developed MIVEC engine delivers impressive performance – 110 kW at 5 500 rpm with 250 Nm on tap all the way from 2 000 rpm up to 3 500 rpm. It’s mated to a CVT gearbox with a sport mode. Mitsubishi claims it can sprint to 100km/h in under nine seconds.

Mitsubishi says the new automatic CVT combines an 8-step-shift control specially designed for the 1.5-litre turbo engine, offering a highly satisfying sensation of “shifting gears”. As an added bonus, this Eclipse also comes with metal gear shifters behind the steering wheel.

The Eclipse Cross uses 7.7 L/100 km in the combined cycle with CO2 emissions measured at 174 g/km.

The interior of the new model is similar to that of the Eclipse Cross 2.0L. The full range has head-up display (HUD) which reflects relevant vehicle information in full colour on a glass panel above the instrument cluster for easy viewing without the driver having to take his or her eyes off the road. The screen, which extends or retracts when the ignition is turned on or off, is available on all Eclipse Cross models.

The standard kit also includes:

Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel

Multi-function Leather Steering Wheel with Audio and Cruise Control

Bluetooth with Hands-free Voice Control

Paddle Shifts

Electric Windows (front and rear, with Auto up/down function)

Automatic Air-conditioning with Rear Passenger Vent Duct

Leather Seats, including Heated Front Leather Seats

Slide and tilt-adjustable rear seats with 60/40 split

Electric Adjustable Driver Seat and Heated Front Seats

Accessory Sockets and USB Ports

Exterior

A TURBO decal on the rear of the vehicle distinguishes the new-comer from its 2.0-litre Electric Adjustable Fold-away Mirrors with Indicator Light

LED Headlamps with built-in LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) linked to the Automatic Dusk Sensing function

LED Fog Lamps

Rain Sensing Windscreen Wipers

Front and Rear Park Distance Control

Rear Spoiler with High-mounted Stop Lamp

Front Bumper Skid Plate (Silver)

Tailgate Garnish (Chrome)

18-inch Alloy Wheels

Safety is taken care of by a wide range of active and passive safety measures, including:

RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) Body Construction

7 Airbags, including Front, Driver, Passenger, Driver Knee Airbag and Curtain Airbags

Side-impact Protection Bars

ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

AYC (Active Yaw Control)

EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)

BAS (Brake Assist System)

HAS (Hill Start Assist System)

ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control)

EPB (Electric Parking Brake)

EPS (Electronic Power Steering)

Central Door Locking with Motion Lock

Anti-theft Protection Device

Keyless Operating System, and a

Rear View Camera

Pricing:

Eclipse Cross 2.0L CVT (two-wheel drive) – R409 995

Eclipse Cross 2.0L CVT (AWD) – R449 995

Eclipse Cross 1.5 T CVT (two-wheel drive) – R459 995

The new model is covered by the same Mitsubishi’s Manufacturer’s Warranty of 3 years or 100 000 km, a 5-year / 90 000 km Service Plan and 5-year / unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.