Mitsubishi’s SUV claims RAF top-spot but not as you’d know it!

Mitsubishi has become refamiliarised with awards-winning in recent months, writes Iain Robertson, while urging us to contemplate a broader picture of the reasons behind it and its excellent Eclipse Cross model.

From the very first drive that I enjoyed in the latest Eclipse Cross, I could tell that Mitsubishi felt that it was in a better place. Of course, that better place has arisen since it joined the Renault-Nissan strategic alliance, which benefits the brand through both extensive technology and hardware sharing. Every brand needs a partner these days, partly as a means to keep enormous research and development costs at bay but also to prepare for the changing world of the motorcar.



Mitsubishi leads a European demand for plug-in electric-hybrid technology, which its PHEV version of the Outlander has mastered so successfully across all European markets, including the UK. While a greener alternative is not available in the Eclipse Cross, as yet, even though its platform could accommodate it, its 1.5-litre, 160bhp petrol-turbo engine is a true delight to drive, even in CVT (automatic) form. The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel talked about at its UK introduction has not materialised, which is as much to do with the anti-diesel brigade, as the extra cost it would add to the model’s list prices, which are definitely not at the budget end of the table.



A fine build quality, which has always been a Mitsubishi strength, allied to a vast array of detail trim improvements, has lifted the Eclipse Cross into contention with the best mid-range SUVs presently on sale. The car is helped by sound chassis dynamics and comfort levels of at least a class up from it.



Mitsubishi is also one of the ‘brands to watch’ at both Forces Cars Direct and Motor Source Group, because we appreciate the survival programme that the company has endured in recent years and comprehend that a once-great brand is doing its level best to re-establish itself. Therefore, it is heartening to be informed that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has been awarded ‘Best Market Newcomer’, at the RAF (Russian Automobile Forum) award ceremony, held at the Radisson Royal Hotel in Moscow last month.



The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV first appeared in dealerships across Russia in April last year and attracted the attention of Russians immediately, with its bright design, high specification level and SUV capabilities (both 2WD and 4WD versions are available). In 2018, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross collected innumerable awards around the world, as well as achieving a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating.



Osamu Iwaba, President and CEO of MMC Russia, stated: "The Eclipse Cross SUV has won a number of prestigious awards in different countries but this is the first in Russia. We are especially pleased to be leaders in the category as Best Market Newcomer, because it shows the great interest that Russians have with this model and their loyalty to the Mitsubishi brand."

FCD Summary

While this RAF is not quite the same as our RAF, at least it demonstrates that Mitsubishi’s recovery rate is on target to be very much achieved. We have a certain fondness for the brand, its toughness and great reputation for reliability.

Welcome to Forces Cars Direct

If you serve, you save

We provide new car discounts for all
Armed Forces personnel, past and present.

To discover the discounts available for you and to find your ideal car, please select your eligibility from the list below:

Not sure if you’re eligible? Find out if you are here

Join the Priority Club

Whether it’s your weekly grocery shop, reducing your utility bills or looking for a weekend take-away delivered to your door, Priority Club has a deal to save you money!