[Eclipse Cross News]

Still fully camouflaged, Mitsubishi is giving journalists the opportunity to test drive the new 2018 Eclipse Cross prototype in the Northern Territory ahead of its showroom arrival later this year. Curt Dupriez from CarAdvice was one of those lucky people and he seems to be a fan.

We already know quite a bit about the Eclipse Cross including the fact that its 2670mm wheelbase is the same as its ASX sibling, all-wheel drive is offered, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is hidden under that bonnet and there’s really not much left to the imagination when it comes to the small-midsize SUV’s exterior design. After all, the production ready design was revealed at the Geneva motor show back in March.

But how a vehicle actually feels in motion can’t be gleaned from specs alone. With three adult passengers on board, the mule’s acceleration was smooth and feels punchy though it won’t pin you to your seat. There was even a dirt section and traction was excellent, as was its absorption of small bumps.

“The ride is compliant, there’s no wallowy bounce or crash-through on bumps, and it feels reasonably obedient to direction changes without much ESP intervention once you push on the loose stuff”, Curt noted.

Unfortunately, the test drive was just too short and he still has many questions about the production model. Luckily, it won’t be long until the Eclipse Cross hits showroom floors and then he’ll have a chance to thoroughly test the vehicle both on and off-road.

 

[wasabi]

Great that it doesn't feel wallowy but being too stiff might be an issue if that's what its really like once these hit the road. I hope ride quality is smooth enough, sort of like what Chevy has been able to do.

 

[SolarEclipse]

Only the left-hand-drive spec Eclipse Cross are being produced right now, so I assume that one is left hand as well. Other reviews also made a note to mention how well it absorbs bumps compared to the ASX and Outlander. Good news for everyone even if all you do is drive on paved roads.

 

[wasabi]

Only the left-hand-drive spec Eclipse Cross are being produced right now, so I assume that one is left hand as well. Other reviews also made a note to mention how well it absorbs bumps compared to the ASX and Outlander. Good news for everyone even if all you do is drive on paved roads.

I think that depending on where you look you might find that it shares suspension DNA with the Outlander. Car and Driver sure thinks so as you will see in this quote:

the Mitsubishi’s softly suspended chassis delivers a supremely comfortable ride at cruising speeds, as road irregularities are soaked up with aplomb,

 

[SolarEclipse]

Would it be a somewhat accurate comparison when it comes to suspension if I were to test drive the outlander?

 

[wasabi]

Would it be a somewhat accurate comparison when it comes to suspension if I were to test drive the outlander?

The overall feel would be the closest possible thing you can find right now. There's nothing else out right now I can think of and most people just want to get a feel for what Mitsubishi has to offer. Some things remain the same from model to model and this should be one of them.

 

[SolarEclipse]

I'm more interested in how well the axles oscillate when driven off road if they did take it onto some trails.