Its name might be long but the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Exceed is a compact SUV.

Following on from my last review of the Toyota C-HR (and not looking too dissimilar) the Eclipse Cross is another look at the ever more popular small crossover SUV.

In my hands were the keys to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Exceed in the AWD version priced from $38,500.

For my mind, you’re better off in a hatchback or step up to a larger SUV if space is your consideration.

It is additionally hard to fathom its necessity given there is already the Mitsubishi ASX.

But after an extended two weeks in this Mitsubishi it grew on me – it was comfortable and great for driving family members around with no issues even if storage is still a problem.

Exterior

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has the best of modern styling leaning towards the trend of sharp edges and aggressive features.

No more prevalent is this than at the rear of the vehicle with a deep swage line leading the eye to the back where you’ll find the cross bar with brake light and spoiler poking out.

Nicer from the side than from the rear view.

The front also features the angular Mitsubishi grille and black plastic lines the side skirting and fenders.

Interior

In contrast to the exterior, the cabin is basic and not too flash, though neatly presented with chrome finishes on the black background.

The dashboard is straightforward and quiet rudimentary bar the touchpad on the console to control all your audio and vehicle selections on the touchscreen.

Uniquely there are two separate sunroofs for front and rear passengers (?!) and the rear windscreen is similarly split.

The architectural design of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross body creates a two-part window split in half by a crossbar which greatly obstructs the driver’s rear view.

This is especially pronounced at night blocking out the headlights of the trailing vehicle if it’s just at the right distance, combined with the auto dimming rear view mirror, you pretty much won’t know it’s there.

The external design also has a sloping roof limiting the boot storage space, which is a common issue with small SUVs.

Features

You get nearly all the modern features in the Eclipse Cross Exceed such as paddle shifters, push button start, dual climate control, leather seats, touchscreen with digital radio, but no built-in sat-nav.

From the driver’s perspective, there is the comfort of a powered and heated seat and a colour info display.

The touchpad is a nice concept but hard to control especially on the move as it requires some dexterity and you need to be precise. The alternative of using the touchscreen is not encouraging as it is a bit out of reach on top of dash.

The top model in the range comes with all-wheel drive and an AWD button controls the selection for snow or gravel terrain.

I had one minor issue with opening the tailgate not always responding to the proximity key and the electric park brake could do with auto release.

Drive and Engine

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is fitted with a 1.5 litre engine with turbocharger, which, like many turbo-driven cars nowadays, does well to get the most out of a small motor.

However, in combination with the CVT it doesn’t do it easy, sounds like it’s working hard and needs a bit of time to get going.

Everything else about its characteristics are quite average for this type of car in the current market – quiet, steady, with responsive steering.

Fuel consumption seemed a bit thirsty at 12.3L/100km but I’ve found gauges in Mitsubishis not to be so precise.

The only aspect I found really annoying were the incessant beeps from the oversensitive seat belt reminders and lane departure and collision avoidance sensors.

Safety

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Exceed comes installed with all the, now standard, assortment of safety technology including lane departure, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and AEB.

There’s also adaptive cruise control and speed limiter, with front and rear sensors with reverse camera.

Also aiding parking is the side view camera giving a peek down the left side of the vehicle with a short cut button on steering wheel.

Good Bits

• General drive and dynamics
• Features package
• Looks and design
• AWD

Not So Good Bits

• Split rear windscreen
• CVT
• Hard to use touch pad
• Lack of immediate power
• Over sensitive alerts

Summary

I’ve said in the past I can’t get my head around the need for the small SUV class, restricted in cabin space and storage in the boot with an often sloping tailgate.

In this particular case it’s also let down by the power and transmission the obscured rear view the split windscreen.

But for what it is, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Exceed is a well presented package.

With good inclusions, safety features, a balanced ride, AWD and an unique exterior the Eclipse Cross is a satisfactory small SUV option…..if that’s your thing.

Facts and Figures: 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Exceed

• Engine: 1.5L turbo petrol producing 110kW/250Nm
• Transmission: CVT
• Safety: Five Stars
• Warranty: 5 Yrs/100,000km
• Origin: Japan
• Price: from $38,500