It doesn't win any beauty contests, nor any range tests, - and the luggage capacity is not much to brag about. But it has a fantastically good four-wheel drive that makes it a proper Norwegian car.
All-wheel drive can save your day
The freezing cold in Eastern Norway makes for slippery roads. I see cars sliding out at the roundabouts and spinning at the traffic lights. All-wheel drive can save your day. When the car skids, all you have to do is step on the gas and the four-wheel drive intervenes and gets the car back on track. The slippery and slippery roads provide opportunities to familiarize yourself with how the four-wheel drive works. I know a section of road, a T-junction where the surface is mirror-smooth and wrongly dosed - a place where you can put the car wide into the bend, step on the gas and feel yourself being pulled out by the four-wheel system. Just as much fun every time.
This is where Mitsubishi's four-wheel drive impresses. It does more than ensure traction. The S-AWC system contains something Mitsubishi calls Activate Yaw Control (AYC) which actively controls traction and braking force between the left and right wheels based on steering angle, gear speed, traction, brake pressure and wheel speed. That way, the car can correct when it is understeering or oversteering.
The car's greatest strength
The S-AWC system is also used in the Mitsubishi Outlander. When I previously took it out on a long trip on winter roads, I thought the good stability was due to the Gislaved tyres. I had trouble provoking the situations where the four-wheel drive could save me. The system acts proactively. You don't need spinal reflexes to keep the car on the road smoothly. This is Mitsubishi's greatest strength.
Small room for luggage
But it wasn't the four-wheel drive that made me pick up a Mitsubishi Eclipse from Hyre - I needed to transport a chair. It wasn't about any big chair, just an L-shaped package of 76x76x76 cm. The problem was the height. The slanted rear window steals height. So does the drivetrain underneath. In the brochure, Mitsubishi says that there is room for three large golf bags in the boot. But if you're going to transport something that sticks out over about 50 cm in height, you have to fold down one or two rear seats. The problem is that the folded seats steal additional height space. This is the car's biggest weakness.
Golf bags and armchair
Without stigmatizing golfers, I imagine that those who need to transport golf bags would rather choose cars made in Stuttgart or Ingolstadt. With its fantastic four-wheel drive system, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is an ideal car to send family members on a trip even in the winter, but families with young children may unfortunately experience a lack of space for luggage. Fortunately, I managed to place my L-shaped package in a transverse V shape. Miraculously, it worked.
Hybrid benefits
The hybrid solution in the Eclipse Cross is the same as in the Outlander. Stated range is 45 km on electricity, while real range will be close to 30 km. For many, it will be sufficient for daily driving. But the hybrid solution is not only to be able to drive in EV mode, it is also necessary for the advanced four-wheel drive system. In addition, it contributes to increased driving pleasure through extra engine power and a very pleasant sound level. The car runs on electricity when it is not being pushed.
Summary
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is ideal for anyone who has to drive in demanding winter conditions. The "Crossover Coupé" body style is not particularly successful either in terms of luggage space or appearance. Never mind that the model starts appearing in frivolous articles about the world's ugliest SUVs and crossovers – it sends sympathetic signals about being unsnobbish. Maybe something for golfers who want to snob down.
Facts about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Weights and Measures
External dimensions – L, W, H: 455 x 181 x 169 cm
Wheelbase: 267 cm
Net weight: 1900 kg (without driver)
Payload: 450 kg
Total weight: 2425 kg
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 1500 kg
– without brakes: 750 kg
Roof load: 50 kg
Drivetrain
Petrol engine: 2,4 litres, 4 cyl MIVEC, "Atkinson"
Power: 98 HP @ 4000 rpm
Torque: 193 Nm @ 2500 revs
Electric motor 1: Front, 82 HP, 137 Nm
Electric motor 2: Rear, 95 HP, 195 Nm
Total power: 224 HP
Gearbox: Stepless
S-AWC four-wheel drive based on electronic control of the electric motors. The system has its own programs for driving on snow, gravel and asphalt.
Performances
Top speed: 162 km/h
0-100: 11 seconds
Electric car characteristics
Battery pack: 13,8 kw from GS Yuasa (Japan)
Battery cooling: Air
WLTP: 45 km (combined)
Charging (10A socket): 5,5 hours
Quick charging (ChaDeMo): 25 minutes
consumption
WLTP: 0,20 litres/mile
Own measurements not carried out
Luggage compartment
As a five-seater*: 359 litres
*Can be increased by placing the rear seat backs in the vertical position.
As a two-seater: 1108 litres
About the car
Place of manufacture: Okazaki, Japan
Equipment grade: Instyle+
Price: NOK 565
Rented via the app Rent
Model: 2022
Mileage: 7400
Source: Mitsubishi.no, Vegvesen.no
See
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