2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

In fact, given the other offerings in the Mitsubishi SUV range, the Eclipse Cross is a total and much-needed breath of fresh air. 

In the Mitsubishi SUV range, the Eclipse Cross sits between the smaller the ASX, and the larger Outlander. This means its rivals would include the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson.   

It has a small, but economical direct fuel injected 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating and is stacked with other technology such as digital radio capability and Apple and Android smart phone integration. 

There are three variants in Eclipse Cross range, comprising the LS 2WD, the Exceed 2WD and the Exceed AWD.  

The LS gets a range of active safety features as standard, including autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. Step up to the Exceed and you get active cruise control, blind spot warning and one of the most underrated safety features, rear cross traffic alert.

The Exceed also gets dual-zone climate control, leather interior, power and heated front seats, LED headlamps and a sunroof. 

Apart from having all wheel drive, the Exceed AWD has the same specification as the Exceed 2WD. 

The Eclipse Cross’s styling is distinctive, but it’s befitting of the category – just look at the Toyota CH-R and Hyundai Kona.

The interior has some gimmickry as well, particularly the touchpad which controls the infotainment system. We’d prefer a rotary dial.     

On the road, the Eclipse Cross rode well given its relative lightness and the 18-inch alloy wheels on our test vehicle. Its handling is taut and responsive – exactly what buyers of a city-based SUV would expect. 

However, among our favourite aspects of the Eclipse Cross is the sprightly yet quiet and economical little 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. 

It makes plenty of torque right where you need it in the rev range, and that makes a big difference in a small petrol vehicle, where buzzy engine noise can often prevail.

Yes, the Eclipse Cross has a silly name. But it’s also clever, safe, fun-to-drive and a welcome young gun in the Mitsubishi SUV range.