Having talked about this car in an earlier Hooniverse post last year, I wanted to finally see it up-close and personal. Mitsubishi’s newest crossover, the Eclipse Cross brings back a familiar name to Mitsu enthusiasts and new car buyers but in a completely different shape. And I think that shape looks quite well.
Truthfully I don’t particularly like crossovers as I’d rather opt for a straight-up station wagon or an actual SUV, but I think the Eclipse Cross is winning me over towards this ragingly popular automotive segment that’s been selling like hotcakes for years now.
I’m convinced the reason I was so, meh, at the thought of a crossover is based on the fact that they just look lame, and boring, and like, toasters (insert any other kitchen appliance you’d buy at Target here). But the Eclipse Cross honestly wins with the styling. It’s sharp, full of angles and looks in my opinion, a hell of a lot more futuristic and well put together than its competitors. When I saw this white on on display, I actually nodded in acceptance. “Alrighty Mitsubishi, I like it” I said to myself, walking up to it under the show lights.
Let’s get to the basics, first. Standard you get a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 152 horsepower and pairs with a CVT which has an 8-speed sport mode. If someone can explain that magical drive mode to me I’ll buy you a beer, I’m lost. You also get a standard backup camera, LED headlights seven airbags, and all sorts of other power necessities. Options come in with Mitsubishi’s S-WAC (super all-wheel control 4wd) that has a locking differential kid you not, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, advanced safety features that beep at you and alert you when you’re driving like you shouldn’t be, a heads-up display, Rockford Fostage premium auto, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and sleek 18-inch wheels. There’s also a touch pad (like a track pad on a laptop), similar to what you’d see in any new Lexus, to control the infotainment system on the seven-inch display. Not bad.
The Eclipse Cross hits dealers soon, with a starting price just under $25,000. I think and also hope, it sells in the masses to bring a few more dollars signs towards Mitsubishi. Maybe then, we’ll get another sports car or the rebirth of the 3000GT. Fingers crossed, folks.
[All images copyright Robby DeGraff/Hooniverse 2018]
2018 Chicago Auto Show: Up-Close with Mitsubishi's Eclipse Cross
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8 responses to “2018 Chicago Auto Show: Up-Close with Mitsubishi's Eclipse Cross”
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Another cartoon car. Proportions and design elements make it so cute, you can’t really dislike it. My favourite bit here is the rear light/rear view setup. First seen on the VW 2000, now the nicest angle of the Prius, too.
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Ah, but I choose to dislike it, just as I do nearly all in the segment.
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Hating crossovers comes rather naturally to me.
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30 years from now, when we’ll all be driven around in AI controlled Blob Pods™ in The Great Chinese Empire, we’ll be like…❤ crossovers!
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No, I’m prettty sure I’ll blame them, IoT and Elon for the neutering of personal transport.
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Nope. The proportions are all wrong for me. Fat butt, too short rear window that’s split by the taillights, very short rear overhang and the aggressive rake of the bottom of the DLO give it odd, cartoonish proportions. Not a fan.
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Might want to adjust the white balance on these photos, FWIW.
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If you took the badges off I’m sure you could convince most people it is a Honda HRV. I noticed the other day the dealer near me has some, but amusingly the shipping container wrapped in the big Eclipse Cross sign had an Outlander on it; there was a sign promoting the 7 seat version on the end of the container where you could hardly see it.
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