Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross review: Value is the name of the game

Mitsubishi might not have the flashiest or tech-laden range of cars, but the Japanese brand has one feature that no one can beat.

Compact SUVs are everywhere, and Mitsubishi has just given its Eclipse Cross a glamorous makeover that is more than skin deep. But does it stand out from the crowd?

Here is everything you need to know about the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

VALUE

Mitsubishi trades on value for money and the Eclipse Cross compact SUV is no different. Prices for the coupe-like SUV start at $30,490 drive-away for the base ES variant and rise to $43,990 for the all-wheel drive Exceed. We are testing the fourth notch up the totem pole, the Eclipse Cross Aspire priced at $36,490.

Mitsubishi has given its Eclipse Cross a big makeover.

The Eclipse Cross has had a substantial midlife upgrade and comes with a very generous list of standard equipment and safety aids.

All Mitsubishis come with a market leading 10-year/200,000km warranty, although there is a catch: to receive the full warranty you need to have your annual service done at a Mitsubishi dealer. Otherwise it reverts to five years and 100,000km.

Servicing is capped for the entire 10-year period and will set you back a reasonable $3790 over that time.

COMFORT

The cabin feels a little dated compared to slicker rivals from Toyota, Mazda and Kia but the Eclipse Cross has all the mod-cons you are likely to need or want.

All Mitsubishis are covered by a 10 year warranty – but there is a catch.

Front seat passengers are treated to heated faux leather and suede trimmed seats. The driver’s seat is electronically adjustable. There are plenty of soft touch plastics throughout the cabin.

An eight-inch touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a pair of USB points will keep your devices juiced.

Rear seats are roomy enough, but the lack of rear air vents and USB charging points is disappointing.

The boot is large, easily accommodating the weekly shop or the kids’ school and sports bags.

The suspension set-up is not ideal — it leans excessively through corners and wallows after bigger bumps.

The cabin won’t wow you.

SAFETY

Mitsubishi has loaded the Eclipse Cross with standard active and passive safety.

It will slam on the brakes when it detects an imminent collision with a car or a pedestrian, while the combination of lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist will keep you on the straight and narrow.

The rear cross-traffic alert function works well, alerting you to approaching traffic when you’re backing out of your driveway. Seven airbags provide further peace of mind.

DRIVING

The Eclipse Cross is made for the urban commute and it performs that task admirably.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine making 110kW and 250Nm. That’s enough to provide easy and smooth acceleration around town but don’t expect a lot of punch off the mark.

The Eclipse Cross performs its urban commuting duties with ease.

Radar cruise control and a well insulated cabin make for comfortable highway cruising.

Corners aren’t the Eclipse Cross’s best friends, but that’s the price you pay for a high-riding SUV.

Fuel use is a claimed 7.3L/100km, but we experienced much higher than that. Thankfully it only requires cheaper regular unleaded.

ALTERNATIVES

Mazda CX-30 Evolve, from about $36,000 drive-away

Smart looking and safe SUV, but lacks the standard equipment, lengthy warranty of the Mitsubishi.

Kia Seltos Sport Plus DCT, from $37,790 drive-away

Strong looks, grunty turbo engine and long list of equipment make a compelling case. Warranty not as long.

Skoda Kamiq, from $29,990 drive-away

Class leading drive, well equipped and enticing price. Dual-clutch transmission isn’t for everyone.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Well priced with plenty of standard equipment, but there are better driving and slicker looking SUVs out there.

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS ASPIRE VITALS

Price: $36,490 drive-away

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol, 110kW/250Nm

Warranty/servicing: 10 yrs/200,000km, $3790 over 10 years

Safety: 7 airbags, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beam, radar cruise control

Thirst: 7.3L/100km

Cargo: 405L