2013 Volkswagen Tiguan TSi h tp: /kaywa.me/8aVDQ Download the Kaywa Qr Code reader (A p Store &Android market) and scan your code! my Kaywa Qr-Code w.valuecarswarehouse.co.nz CELLULAR See page 5 for more info! 2 h tp: /kaywa.me/8aVDQ Download the Kaywa QR Code Reader (a p Store &android Market) and scan your code! REVERSE CAMERAS My Kaywa QR-Code w.valuecarswarehouse.co.nz PARKING SENSORS 0800 212 777 Ce l 021 855 884 GPS/TRACKING motor vehicle purchase See our ad on page 2 40 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Thursday <strong>April</strong> <strong>15</strong> <strong>2021</strong> Bright spot in Mitsubishi’s SUV range I WAS PICKING up Mitsubishi’s new Eclipse Cross from the dealership and entered into conversation with one of the members from the friendly sales team. After being shown around the car, I mentioned that it seemed too soon for the mid-size sport utility vehicle to undergo a generation change. In reply I was told the old model had been around for three years and, although time has obviously escaped me, that is indeed correct. To say the Eclipse Cross is all new isn’t strictly so, there are many elements that are carryovers, yet the popular SUV has had some dramatic changes that enhance its usability and driveability. For one, it’s bigger – 14cm longer in fact – and most of that has gone into the rear of the model, increasing load and rear passenger space. While the engine hasn’t been altered in design, there have been improvements to make it quieter and more responsive. It also drives out of a new all-corner power proportioning system. Well, it’s not new either, but it is new to Eclipse Cross, see it’s much the same system that Mitsubishi has used in its Lancer Evolution models and the old V6- powered Outlander. <strong>The</strong> Super All Wheel Control system is advanced and can be seen largely as a safety system, ROOMY: <strong>The</strong> new Eclipse Cross is longer than the previous model, most of the length has gone into the rear section. MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS: Generation change for <strong>2021</strong>. it also has modes for snow and gravel that can be selected at will by the driver. Of course, not all Eclipse Cross variants have four-wheel-drive, the four-model range starts at $35,990 for a front-drive only model, there’s also a high-spec VRX frontdriver at $41,990. <strong>The</strong> four-wheeldrive range starts at $37,990 for the XLS, the evaluation car was the high spec VRX at $43,990, and it is chock full of goodies. Items such as leather trim (heated seats front and rear), head-up display, dual-zone climate control, active cruise control with speed limiter, keyless entry and ignition, electric sunroof (dual) and paddle-shift eight-step automatic transmission are all fitted. It’s fair to say the controls have all been simplified as well, gone is the old centre console mouse-like device, the new Eclipse Cross has a touch screen display which has large icons for easy understanding and operation. Now at 4.5m the Eclipse Cross has a spacious in-cabin environment; the seats are beautifully supportive and comfortable, while rear seat head and leg room is appropriate, the latter not compromised by that healthy rear load space area – up to 405-litres of storage can be contained there, stretching to 672-litres with the rear seats folded. Bear in mind, though, it is a five-seater only. At the other end sits a turbocharged four-cylinder engine of 1499cc. If you are thinking that it would be underwhelming, you’ll be largely surprised, and take into account that’s the direction Honda has gone with its CRV, the capacity and outputs are very similar. <strong>The</strong> Eclipse Cross’ unit is stateof-the-art in terms of design, and it has healthy figures to support that statement. Mitsubishi claims 112kW and 254Nm power outputs, the latter realised flat across the torque curve spreading from 2000rpm to 3500rpm. If you add in its pairing to a continuously variable automatic transmission, then the ingredients are in place for a smooth transition of power and responsive throttle application. Drive through the CVT is seamless, that’s an area Mitsubishi has long persevered with, and that background has certainly helped with its application mated to a turbocharged engine, the result is a free-flowing spread of power, and good economy and performance figures. <strong>The</strong> Eclipse Cross is rated with a combined cycle average of 7.7-litre per 100km. On a long high-country journey I had no problem meeting Mitsubishi’s fuel usage claim with the readout constantly listing at 8.2l/100km, which was helped by a walletfriendly 6l/100km instantaneous figure sitting at a steady 100km/h, • Price – Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross VRX, $43,990 • Dimensions – Length, 4545mm; width, 1805mm; height, 1685mm • Configuration – Fourcylinder, four-wheel-drive, 1499cc, 112kW, 254Nm, continuously variable automatic • Performance – 0-100km/h, 9sec • Fuel usage – 7.7l/100km the engine loping over very relaxed at just 1800rpm. In terms of acceleration, the Eclipse Cross will cut out a standstill to 100km/h time of 9sec, and it will power through a highway overtake (80-120km/h) in 6.8sec, using the paddle shifters to keep the engine singing happily in its peak power zone. <strong>The</strong>se are all impressive figures which would make a buyer quite happy with his/her purchase. <strong>The</strong> Eclipse Cross is also rather tidy when it comes to tackling a tricky corner or two. I took the evaluation car through the hilly back roads beneath the Malvern Hills between Sheffield and Coalgate, those roads are partly unsealed and I was keen to get the feel of the SWAC system working beneath. However, what happens when grip is low is that all the unseen elements kick in and the driver is quite oblivious as to how that system is working for you. On seal the Eclipse Cross has purposeful steering, the weighting is near perfect and there is solid communication as to how the rubber is reacting to the road surface. <strong>The</strong> tyres are a Toyo brand (225/55 x 18in) and they send strong messages through the steering system so that the driver is fully aware of how the entire car is reacting under cornering pressure. Body movement is low and suspension control is high. It must also be said the Eclipse Cross moves through the air quietly, the ride is controlled, generating a level of comfort not often found in a mainstream, cost-friendly SUV. Mitsubishi are well pleased with their performance over the last year or two. <strong>The</strong>y have a vast product range that hasn’t been overly affected by supply issues due to Covid-19. What’s more, another high-profile, new-generation model is due soon – the Outlander. It and the Eclipse Cross will dovetail nicely in the marketplace, while sales of the evergreen ASX continue to tick over. Any Mitsubishi buyer will be pleased with the purchase, the product is affordable and high in quality. <strong>The</strong>re is also peace of mind, the Eclipse Cross gets a 10- year driveline warranty. has motoring covered! Incorporating ISSUE 667 | FrIday 20 novEmbEr 2020 iggest range of vehicles location! 2011 Jaguar XF Premium $18,999 See inside for this week's 4WD feature! sherborne st, edgeware se Ave | P: (03) 366 7768 | www.valuecarswarehouse.co.nz See page 4 for more info! free best motorbuys Incorporating ISSUE 668 | FrIday 27 NovEmbEr 2020 275 Colombo street, Christchurch For more see their advert on pages 6 & 7 Ce l 021 855 884 Incorporating ISSUE 669 | FrIday 4 dEcEmbEr 2020 See inside for this week's Classic Car feature! 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