Hello, Bob Aldons with my review on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS SUV.
Mitsubishi is one of the few manufacturers to have an entrant in all the SUV categories – small, medium, large and full size. ASX, Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Pajero Sport and Pajero give Mitsubishi the most comprehensive SUV line-up in Australia. Nissan is the other with Juke, Qashqai, X-Trail and Patrol.
What is it?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2WD CVT slots neatly in between the ASX and Outlander. And this LS model has a lot of technology that buyers want. Not that it has everything, but if you do want a hamburger with the works then the Eclipse Cross Exceed provides that.
The competition for the hearts and minds of small SUV buyers is wide-ranging. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has an advantage over the rest of its competitors. It’s just that little bit bigger than small but not so large that it’s too big.
Competition?
It’s a very long list. Apart from Mitsubishi, my price guide for Small SUV’s lists the following brands.
Audi, BMW, Fiat, Citroen, Ford, Haval, Holden, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, MG, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda, SsangYong, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and finally Volvo. So that’s 27 brands and a lot more models to consider.
So where are these 27 brands from?
Europe contributes 6, Italy 1, USA 1, France 3, China 2, South Korea 2, UK 1 and the biggest? Japan with 9
How Much?
The Eclipse Cross LS is currently advertised for $32,990 drive away (QLD) with a $2000 factory bonus so $31,990 drive away. 5-year/150,000klm warranty and 3-years capped price service program are included. Eclipse Cross isn’t available in manual transmission.
Introduction
When I first started selling cars, my manager taught me what’s called in the industry, the 6-position walk around. This process asks the salesperson to show a potential buyer everything important about the subject vehicle in terms of features and benefits.
This is how I review cars for you. I relate what I consider to be the most pertinent aspects and leave the high-speed cornering and 0-100km per hour to the ‘experts.
I’m presenting the vehicle on how you’ll use it on a day to day basis. So off we go.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS SUV – Front
Eclipse Cross – Under the Bonnet
- The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS comes standard with a 1.5, 4 cylinder direct injection turbo engine and 8 Speed CVT transmission. The engine produces an adequate output of 110Kw which is sufficient for round town and highway work with its continually variable ‘auto’ transmission.
- Suspension is Macpherson strut, coil spring & stabiliser bar up front and Multi-link with stabiliser bar in the rear. And that provides a comfortable enough ride for most people.
- Lighting is pretty basic – Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS runs Halogen lights for the headlights and high beam and LED Daytime running lights. Fog lights (no too much use in Queensland) are standard.
Mitsubishi Triton Eclipse Cross LS – Down the Side.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross looks a little bit different to most other small SUV’s and that’s not a bad thing. From a safety viewpoint, Mitsubishi have stepped up the game including most of the advanced safety technology that customers are expecting.
With its standard 18” wheels, Eclipse Cross looks the part even though in this model, you’re not going off-road.
Driver and passenger safety is a very important part of the new car buyers decision making process. Most manufacturers have really stepped up the active and passive safety in their cars, and no doubt Mitsubishi has done the same.
One disappointing aspect of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS is that it doesn’t have the complete suite of safety items and that missing item, for me is adapative cruise control.
All other boxes are ticked, but if you buy this vehicle to do a lot of highway work, then you’ll need to take a step up to the Exceed model. For $5,500 you’re getting the rest of the safety tech and more besides.
Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, Electro chromatic rear view mirror, Head Up Display, Multi Around Monitor, Electronic sunroof, Dual Zone A/C, Leather seat facings, heated front seats and Driver’s power seat adjustment, LED headlights and self-levelling headlights as well.
If you’re right into specifications, this link will take you to the Mitsubishi Website. MITSUBISHI
Just depends on how long your hands are or how deep your pocket. For me, it’s worth the investment.
Safety, Security and Driver Assistance
ACTIVE SAFETY
Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Adjustable speed limiter
Automatic High Beam (AHB)
Emergency Stop Signal function (ESS)
Emergency Brake Assist system (EBA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Active Stability Control (ASC)
Active Traction Control (ATC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
Brake Override System (BOS)
AIRBAGS
Driver & front passenger SRS airbags
Driver & front passenger side SRS airbags
Curtain SRS airbags
Driver knee airbag
SEAT BELTS
Front seat belt pre-tensioners
Auto Locking Retractor (ALR) seatbelts on outboard 2nd row seats
CHILD SAFETY
ISO-Fix child seat anchorage 2
Child restraint top tether 3
Child proof rear door locks
Power window lock driver control – passenger windows
DRIVER ASSISTANCE
Cruise control
Electric park brake
ECO drive function
Automatic dusk sensing headlights
Speed sensitive intermittent windscreen wipers
Automatic rain sensing wipers
Intermittent rear wiper and washer
PARKING ASSISTANCE
Rear view camera
Front parking sensors
Rear parking sensors
At The Back
Whilst you wouldn’t expect a high capacity tow system with a relatively small vehicle, Eclipse is fairly reasonable. 1600kg capacity with electric brakes and 750kg without gives you the capability to tow a small camper trailer, medium sized boat or double axel trailer.
In any case, it’s always important to check weights with your dealer (Car, Boat or camper) just to make sure that you’re not overloading.
Eclipse cross has a low load height opening with the tailgate opening vertically and plenty of room for shopping, golf clubs, pram or stroller or maybe all of this.
I’m not so sure about the rear spoiler design however. Driving the Eclipse, this appendage seems to reduce rear visibility in favour of design cues.
It’s big from the back – perhaps in need of some lipo-sculpture, but heck, everyone’s an expert when it comes to shapes and after all, this is just my opinion.
Driver’s Side
So out of the 27 brand options you have to choose from, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is arguably one that stands out.
Given a fresh clean piece of paper, the Mitsubishi design studio needed to make a difference between the smaller ASX and the larger Outlander.
They’ve succeeded with this car. It’s different without being too radical.
Driver’s Seat
For the typical family car buyer, the seats are comfortable and that’s probably the most important aspect of any car.
The dash board, steering wheel and infotainment system are great. And another pleasing aspect is that this LS model has Apple Car Play/Android Auto standard, which does away with the need to have an expensive factory installed navigation system.
There’s plenty of head, shoulder and leg room in the front and nearly as much for the rear seat passengers.
ANCAP
Note to Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited and ANCAP.
I’m annoyed at the lack of attention to providing up to date details about the safety of cars.
ANCAP shows ‘this’ vehicle as a 5-star example on their website, but if you look closer, you’ll see that this is not the case.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was crash tested in 2017 – 2 years ago. Mitsubishi don’t claim 5-star safety on the Eclipse Cross webpage and aren’t plastering the ANCAP logo about their site, so at least that’s a good thing.
It’s time for ANCAP to step up and introduce a new set of rules – rules that clearly don’t allow manufacturers to use the 5-star ANCAP logo or even mention it in their marketing.
If this 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross were to be crash tested today, in my opinion, it would achieve 4 stars. There’s no way that it would score 5-stars without Adaptive Cruise Control.
Green Vehicle Guide – Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS SUV
All but the Exceed in this model are 2WD and achieve the same published fuel economy numbers. 7.3 Litres per 100 kilometres on the highway is mid-field with the other small SUV’s. The Exceed version, being an AWD is slightly thirstier at 7.7L/100km
A 63 litre fuel tank isn’t enormous, but I think will achieve a week of driving with no range anxiety. I did well over 600 kilometres in my time with the Eclipse Cross and had plenty to spare.
RACQ Insurance – Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS
I use RACQ Insurance to give you a guide as to what you’ll pay for your annual comprehensive car insurance. Conditions precedent for this cover are:
- A male driver over 60 years of age, having held a license for over 10 years
- Bronze member of RACQ with 2 other insurance policies
- Has purchased the car for private use and paid cash.
- The car is parked in a driveway overnight.
- The driver resides in postcode 4017
- The car is fitted with an engine immobilizer
- No at fault claim in the last three years, with no license suspensions
- Rating 1 currently, having held that rating 1 for ten years or more
- No driver under 25 will use the vehicle.
The premium quoted online by RACQ Insurance for Private Use $448.30 with a $750 excess. Variations from the information above may result in different outcomes. Check online with RACQ Insurance for your own particular quote.
Service Costs and Warranty
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a 5-year/100,000km warranty. Compeitiors typically have a longer warranty by kilometres (generally unlimited) but are equal on time. Roadside assistance is for only a year, but is extended when you service your vehicle with a Mitsubishi dealer for up to 3 years.
Capped Price Servicing is available through the Mitsubishi network of dealers Australia wide. According to the Mitsubishi website the cost of the first 3 services (up to 45,000klm) is $269 per service or $807 for the 3 years. That’s cheap in anyone’s language. Mitsubishi have 15,000km service intervals on their range, including this Eclipse Cross.
My recommendation would be to have a Mitsubishi dealer service the vehicle making sure that this is the best way to maintain your 5-year Mitsubishi warranty.
After your new car warranty has run its course, you can choose between a dealer and an aftermarket provider.
Me? I stick with the manufacturer for at least 1 year after the new car warranty has expired. And even then, I’ll choose the manufacturer as long as they’re price competitive and don’t be afraid to discuss competitive prices with your dealer. Arguably they’ll match any price you have to retain your business.
And one other benefit of servicing with the manufacturers dealer is that the dealer is able to update software online without you having to ask.
After market providers generally can’t achieve the same level
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – Where to Buy?
Mitsubishi Motors Australia kindly supplied this vehicle for my review. No financial incentives are paid to me by Mitsubishi.
I write what I believe are the important aspects of the vehicle – good or not so much.
If you’re in the market to buy an Eclipse Cross or any other Mitsubishi vehicle for that matter, pick your dealer carefully. When I want to check out the ‘worthiness’ of a dealer, I Google ‘Mitsubishi Dealers Brisbane” where the city is the one that you live in or around and the brand is that particular one you’re interested in.
I only list dealers who have achieved a minimum of 10 reviews with Google and then only those with four stars or higher.
From a South East Queensland perspective here are the dealers I’d visit:
Northside Nundah Mitsubishi 4.3 Stars from 249 Reviews
Southside Motorama Mitsubishi Springwood 4.6 Stars from 299 Reviews
Eastside Barton’s Mitsubishi Wynnum 4.8 Stars from 818 Reviews
Westside Blue Ribbon Mitsubishi 4.2 Stars from 71 Reviews
Gold Coast Von Bibra Mitsubishi Helensvale 4.8 Stars from 137 Reviews
Sunshine Coast Cricks Mitsubishi Nambour 4.4 Stars from 101 Reviews
(Google Stars and review numbers effective 18th April 2019)
I’m Bob Aldons, the owner and founder of The Car Guy, and Car Business, reviewing cars, reporting on car industry matters, car tech, Formula 1, the motoring world at large and helping you to buy #anynewcarcheaper
I’ve spent over forty-one years immersed in the automotive industry from salesman to the owner of a 7 brand multi-franchise dealership and since 2015, as a new car broker.
I know cars.
Find One
If you’re hunting around for a great price on your next new car, you should call me, the car buying expert, from Car Business.
My company, a Brisbane Car Broker, Car Buyers Agent or Car Buyers Advocate, will return your inquiry within 24 hours and make the process of buying a new car easy and stress-free.
Are you tired of salesperson tricks? I protect you from the pressure exerted by car dealer’s salespeople. There isn’t any obligation – just a pretty significant saving in terms of time, stress and financial reward.
You’re where? Seriously, my services are available for you in any Australian state and territory: from Darwin to Hobart, Cairns to Perth. Car Broker Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Darwin – I’m available when you need me to be.
Whether you’re a retail customer, a small company or a large national fleet, I’ll go to work and get that price down. Lower new car prices are my goal. So you’ll get the best prices from me rather than hoping you can do it by yourself.
If I can’t get you the best new car price, better than you can get yourself from a car dealer, I won’t charge you any fee. No Saving, No Fee. – that’s what you should expect from a car buying expert.
Car Business will help you to purchase your next new car – Cheaper
Car Business WILL save you money on your next new car purchase –guaranteed
The Australian Road Safety Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose charter is to reduce serious accidents on our roads through training and education.
Car Business donates to the ARSF for every car we sell. If you’d like to support this worthwhile foundation, donate to the cause, become a member today or buy your next new car from Car Business.
People Also Ask
Car Buyers always seem to need answers on a vast number of topics about their cars.
There are a few questions that I’m asked regularly, so to save you a phone call, check out my “People Also Ask” questions and answers below.
If you question isn’t listed, I’m happy for you to call me on 0418 748 498 or send an email to [email protected]
My advice is free.
Q: Why Should I deal with a Car Broker rather than just going to a dealer?
A: It’s the goal and the job of a car salesperson to make as much money for his dealership as he possibly can. And that applies to the car, finance (finance and insurance), and aftermarket sales (tint, paint, interior, rust).
It’s the role of a car broker or car buyer’s agent to buy the same car at the lowest possible price. Your broker will get prices from at least five dealers or more, get independent finance and insurance quotes and then only recommend the car protection you need rather than the products the dealer wants to sell you. Dealers, on average, make around $3800 on a car sale. An astute broker will get that margin down to around $1800, saving you about $2000 on your vehicle purchase
Q: Should I take Finance and Insurance through a car dealer?
A: Generally no. An average car dealer relies on the car buyer to be exhausted after the trauma and stress of actually buying a car. They depend on their finance manager to make an average profit of $1100 for EVERY car buyer coming into their dealership. The income per finance contract rests around $3000 per contract. In recent times, the ACCC (Australian Consumer and Competition Commission) has looked closely at the way that finance companies and their dealers sell to consumers. Recently, voluntarily, finance companies have reduced the flex rate (the maximum rate allowed to be charged over the base rate for particular consumers) to 4%, down from 8%.
There is still need to be wary of some of the non-standard lenders. For those in our community who have fallen on hard times, have bad credit or are on Centrelink benefits, some lenders are still allowed to charge exorbitant interest rates, upwards of 25%.
Q: It’s a fact that dealers, forced by their manufacturers charge very high prices for genuine spare parts. Recently I needed to purchase a set of head bolts for a 2008 Alfa Romeo Sedan. Price quoted by my local dealer was $294. I picked them up from the UK for $115 including freight to Australia. I expect to receive them at the same time as the local dealer would take to get them from Melbourne.
A: It’s not the dealer’s fault on this occasion. Typically a dealer makes around 20% profit on genuine spare parts sales. It’s the manufacturer/Importer who is charged prices higher than dealers in overseas markets can buy at. Shop around. To determine whether you can buy the part you need, you’ll first need the part number. Get your VIN, ring the local dealer and ask for the part number. They may oblige and if they do, just search on the net through Google. You’ll be amazed. There’ll even be local suppliers who can provide a genuine part for you at around overseas prices. For Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Isuzu Ute and Volkswagen, visit my site www.genuinespares.com.au
Q: If you have a larger vehicle, with a lot of glass area, the chances are that you’ll want or need window tinting. At the point of sale, dealers will want to charge you up to $795 to tint the windows of your car. Again, you’ll want to avoid the stress and pressure of negotiating anymore and sign where you’re asked.
A: Window tinting can be obtained for under $400 through Car Business. My company has arrangements with local tint shops to do just that price – $400. Don’t be overcharged. $400 is the price to pay for the average vehicle
Q: How do I pick the right car for my needs?
A: Typically, car buyers will have a general idea of what sort of car they want to buy. However, in a market like ours with nearly 60 brands and thousands of models, historical ownership doesn’t have to be maintained. Find an honest buyer’s agent and have a chat to them about your requirements. My company, Car Business, offers this service to our customers without any obligation. You can fill out the lifestyle form, by clicking and a representative of Car Business will contact you to discuss your needs. We use the R J Pound Comparative new Vehicle Price Guide to assist buyers in understanding the alternatives. It may not be the one you’re thinking about right now.
Q: I need some accessories for my new car, but I’m not sure that I’m getting the best price from the dealer
A: Accessories are another area that dealers make a lot of their profit. Apart from the window tinting, paint and interior protection and rust proofing, a typical salesperson will run through a long list of accessories. Even the manufacturer has copious amounts of accessories in their new car brochure.
Don’t feel obligated to buy any accessories you want through the dealer. I suggest to a lot of my customers to phone the spare parts department of the same dealer and ask for a quote on the accessories they want. You might be surprised at a price. The other way is to search on the internet. There are lots of retailers who buy the same parts you want from overseas suppliers (even ones that supply the manufacturer directly) and will offer them at a substantially better price. All you have to do it fit them up, but generally it’s a pretty easy thing to do for the home handyman
Q: If I sell my car privately will I get a better price?
A: It is sometimes possible to achieve a higher price with a private sale; however this reduces significantly if your vehicle is not presented correctly and is no longer under warranty. The private buyer today is looking to receive the same benefits they would by purchasing from a Dealer and expect huge reductions in price if they believe they are disadvantaged. Add to this the cost of preparing your vehicle to the same standards as Motor Dealers. Look at such items as Safety Certificates, Service, Tyres, Windscreen, Chips and Scratches, Detailing, and Advertising along with the need to be accessible and available at all times including weekends when prospective buyers will want to inspect your vehicle. It may not be the wise choice to have people you do not know, coming to your home.
Once the costs and time involved are assessed, most people choose to trade their present vehicle or to use a professional Car Buying Service to ensure they get a good price without the expense or hassle.
Q: Do you allow and/or recommend RACQ Inspections on second-hand cars?
A: Yes, we welcome the RACQ Inspection Process in our business and recognise the need for such an independent examination. Once completed, I’ll discuss the report with you and facilitate any repairs that are deemed necessary. You can arrange for the RACQ to visit my business. I can arrange for them to inspect your choice of vehicle and have them send the report directly to you if you prefer.
Q: Why are dealers so expensive for service in comparison to other service centres?
A: Dealers service and maintain vehicles as set out by the manufacturer’s recommendations to protect your new car warranty. They will generally be willing to match other service providers as long as they are comparing “like for like”.
Your circumstances can be taken into account regarding changing some filters and coolants etc. They also have factory trained technicians and have the support of specialised equipment and of course the proper factory support. There are many other reasons such as resale value, and when it comes to trade-in price, car retailers always look at maintained service books and especially if a dealer has serviced them.
On the other hand, if you’re carefully managing your money, we can arrange a log book service at one of our preferred providers.
Do I need to return my vehicle to the selling dealer for service?
The simple answer is NO!
While dealers may suggest or insist that your new car is brought back to their service department, the reality is:
- You can take your car to any of the brand’s service centres for routine or warranty service. Brand X warranty is covered by the manufacturer, not by the dealer. So if there’s a more convenient location to have your car serviced, take it there.
- Dealers may
suggest that you have to have your car serviced at the franchised dealer to
maintain your warranty. Again that’s a falsehood. You can have your car
serviced by any qualified mechanic or technician, provided that they follow the
service guidelines for your vehicle as specified by the manufacturer
- They should use as a minimum the oil grade specified by the manufacturer and also parts that are of the same quality standard. You shouldn’t use inferior parts. While I would suggest using the manufacturer’s parts, there are similarly high-quality non-genuine parts available on the market. Things like brake pads, brake rotors, air and oil filters, spark plugs and the like are often cheaper and as good quality as those supplied but the manufacturer
How often should I check my Tyre Pressures?
I check my tyre pressures monthly. I have a tyre gauge purchased from Repco that I rely on to check the pressures in my tyres. Arguably, it’s probably better to check your tyre pressures every second time that you fill your fuel tank. High volume petrol centres have good quality air pumps, and it only takes a few minutes to do that after you’ve got your fill.
What should I do if my car breaks down at night?
Firstly, I’m suggesting that you be in a roadside assistance program such as provided by the RACQ.
If you’ve purchased a new car, you’ll have coverage under your new car warranty. Kia Motors Australia provides seven years of roadside assistance in coordination with their warranty. Hyundai and Ford have a 5-year program.
Mitsubishi provides roadside assistance after the first year provided you’re having your services done at one of their dealerships.
If you run out of roadside assistance, best sign up with RACQ or your state motoring body. (NRMA, RACV, etc.) It’s far from sensible to break down on a dark or unlit road and then have to do repairs yourself, particularly for younger drivers.
A phone call from inside a locked car is preferable to having to find a phone booth or a ‘friendly neighbour’ to call for help
If you’d like to discuss anything to do with purchase, trade-in, private sale, service, warranty issues or just have a conversation about the motor industry in Australia, please give me a call on 0418 748 498 or email to [email protected]
