GET USED to the ‘Dynamic Shield’ shape of the latest Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or Expander.
Both has revised grille designs and features twin- oval headlights that gives the more sophisticated appeal.
I began my test drive on the Eclipse Cross- and boy it does have power, believe it or not!
The Eclipse features a more conventional rear design with a hexagonal theme. The rear lights feature a striking 3D Y-shape design and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Now, how could one be ‘cross’ with an SUV that provides 7 safety airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control with traction control, hill start assist, active Control and a rear view camera, front adjustable leather seats (upholstery included), as it clogged 100km/h en route from Jozi to Magaliesburg for a birthday fete, as cold/mild and wet weather played itself out all in a day?
It stands at some 140mm longer, load bay offering 437 litres which expands to 1 074 litres with the split rear seats folded down. I put it to the test –as it carried all kinds of luggage associated with females going to a fete! It did not fail. Spacious is the word.
Interior features include an 8-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, Bluetooth and voice control, fully adjustable multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and a heads-up display.
Safety features include 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, and a total of 2 derivatives are available to buyers, both being front-wheel-drive and equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). One can either choose between a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque or a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 110 kW and 198 Nm of torque.
Worth investing, if you may ask.
Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, 5-year/90 000km service plan and 5-year/unlimited km roadside assistance.
Retailing prices:
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0 GLS – R459 995
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T GLS – R499 995
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Fuel 1-10 (4)
Image SLM (The Eclipse Cross enjoying the tapestry of Magalies).
In -comes in the Xpander.
We recently spent a week with it to see what this MPV has to offer, ‘expantially?’
The naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine pushes out 77kW and 141Nm torque which is reasonable, considering I and my colleagues had to travel to Sun City to cover the Celeb City exhibition fight.
The less said about treatment meted out to journos by organisers the better!
What stood out for me from this 7-seat compact MPV segment is the stability and reaction on wet roads. Me think I should be named ‘rrapula’ since all traversing I’ve encountered countrywide has been met with rain, or kanjani?
This MPV segment isn’t where those responsible for awarding aesthetic exterior designs turn to for candidates, mostly because the utilitarian nature of these products usually results in a van-like silhouette as designers look to maximise interior space.
Yes, it might not be an award winning but can carry your family, with peace!
The interior of the Xpander did not click full marks- though.
Many of its trim elements and various surfaces are overly cheap, and as one passenger alluded “simply feel as though the interior quality is not up to standard”.
Standard features, there is a multifunction steering wheel, front and rear electric windows, electrically adjustable side mirrors and rear Park Distance Control. The infotainment system is a colour touchscreen system, it features a reverse camera, Bluetooth, USB as well as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and is acceptably fast, relatively intuitive and has a good resolution.
In June 2021 the Xpander was Mitsubishi’s second best-selling model with 65 new units sold, according to the manufacture.
Xpander is certainly not wanting for space with more than enough room afforded by the second and third-row seats that have a 60/40 split. Additional space is further maximised when the third row of seats can be folded completely flat.
I tested the automatic version and the price includes a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 2-year/30 000km service plan. Its affordable but don’t expect it to be a taxi in the form of a Toyota Avanza.
It retails for R299 995.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (4)
Performance 1-10 (5)
