5-Star Safety Rating for Mitsubishi Motors’ Eclipse Cross from ASEAN NCAP ahead of regional release

- All-new SUV Coupe secures high marks in regional safety test before launch at the Singapore Motorshow.

SINGAPORE  - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced recently that the all-new Eclipse Cross SUV Coupe received a 5-star rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), and has become the first vehicle to achieve a score above 90% based on the organisation’s new safety test protocol. The Eclipse Cross was officially launched across MMC’s ASEAN markets on 11 January at the Singapore Motorshow.

Top-Level Safety Performance

Eclipse Cross achieved top-level marks for overall occupant protection, earning a 98% adult and 88% child rating. Perfect scores were recorded for side impact protection and near perfect marks in frontal impact protection for adult and child occupants alike.

Eclipse Cross’ safety assist systems also earned ASEAN NCAP’s highest class rating, with standard and optional features available that help prevent collisions and enhance driver, passenger and pedestrian safety.

Commenting on the safety performance of the Eclipse Cross, ASEAN NCAP Secretary General, Ir. Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim said, “The SUV market has become increasingly essential as it contributes 17% of the market share in the ASEAN region. The Eclipse Cross is the first vehicle to achieve a score above 90% for ASEAN NCAP’s new test protocol. This shows that Mitsubishi Motors is dedicated to producing safer cars for the ASEAN region in line with our new safety protocol. The Eclipse Cross could be the trendsetter for better SUV safety in the ASEAN region.”

Developed from Mitsubishi Motor’s signature SUV expertise and 4WD technologies, Eclipse Cross combines sharp looks with S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system for an enhanced ride. MMC began shipment of the new Eclipse Cross to ASEAN countries in November, and has officially launched the all-new SUV coupe at the Singapore International Motorshow on 11 January.

About Eclipse Cross

Developed with Mitsubishi Motors' Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) vehicle body, 7 SRS airbags and seatbelts designed for passenger protection, Eclipse Cross provides class-leading safety with unrivaled style. The Eclipse Cross comes with Mitsubishi Motors' advanced S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system, which uses braking to control the supply of torque to the left and right wheels for improved stability and control. The SUV Coupe is also equipped with a high-shock absorbing front end and safety spaces under the engine hood that enhances collision safety performance. Eclipse Cross achieved the highest five-star safety rating in both the 2017 Euro & Australian New Car Assessment Programme, demonstrating that the model is one of the safest sports utility vehicles in its class.

About ASEAN NCAP

ASEAN NCAP is a new addition to the NCAP organisation around the world, which aims to enhance safety standards, raise consumer awareness and encourage a market for safer vehicles in the Southeast Asia region. This is a collaborative effort led by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Global NCAP, in which the latter funded the pilot phase of the project. ASEAN NCAP is also supported by the membership of Automobile Associations from Malaysia (AAM), the Philippines (AAP), Singapore (AA Singapore), Cambodia (AAC) and Thailand (RAAT). The ASEAN NCAP Steering Committee (SC) is currently chaired by the ASEAN NCAP Chairman, Prof. Dr. Wong Shaw Voon, and the Technical Committee (TC) chaired by the ASEAN NCAP Secretary-General, Ir. Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim.

About Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)

Mitsubishi Motors is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has a competitive edge in SUVs and pick-up trucks, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company launched i-MiEV – the first mass-produced electric vehicle – in 2009, which was followed with Outlander PHEV in 2013 – the plug-in hybrid market leader in Japan and Europe. Mitsubishi has 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, China, Indonesia, The Philippines and Russia. Models such as the Pajero Sport, Triton and Outlander play a major role in achieving its growth. Global sales volume in fiscal year 2016 was 926,000 units, and Mitsubishi's net sales for fiscal year 2016 were 1.9 trillion yen.

Komar JOHARI / komarjohari@gmail.com