Since the arrival of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in South Africa in February 2019, the range has comprised two naturally aspirated variants. But now the Japanese firm’s local arm has quietly added a new turbocharged derivative to the line-up.

Interestingly, this new model is the only turbopetrol powertrain in Mitsubishi SA’s current range.

Slotting in at the very top of the Eclipse Cross line-up, the front-driven 1,5T GLS is priced at R459 995, some R10 000 more than the 2,0 GLS AWD variant and R50 000 more than the 2,0 GLS derivative. As with these two other models, drive in the 1,5T GLS is channelled via a continuously variable transmission.

While the older naturally aspirated 2,0-litre engine generates 110 kW and 198 N.m (the latter available at 4 200 r/min), the new 1,5-litre turbopetrol four-pot offers the same peak power but a mite lower in the rev range (at 5 500 r/min). Peak torque for the new engine, meanwhile, is listed as a healthier 250 N.m, which is spread between 2 000 and 3 500 r/min.

Mitsubishi SA has yet to list a 0-100 km/h sprint time for the 1,5T GLS (nor a top speed figure) but the company does claim the newcomer is a little more fuel-frugal than its atmospheric siblings, sipping an average of 7,8 L/100 km.

From what we can tell, the 1,5T GLS features precisely the same standard equipment list as the other two variants. Pricing includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan.

Original article from Car