The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross stands out in the compact SUV segment not only for its stylish design and advanced technology but also for its cutting-edge Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This sophisticated drivetrain technology is engineered to enhance driving stability, traction, and overall vehicle dynamics, providing drivers with superior control in a wide range of driving conditions. Whether tackling slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, or sharp corners, the S-AWC system ensures the Eclipse Cross delivers a confident and engaging driving experience.

What is Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)?

Super All-Wheel Control, or S-AWC, is Mitsubishi Motors’ proprietary all-wheel-drive technology that integrates multiple advanced systems to optimize torque distribution and improve vehicle handling. Unlike traditional all-wheel-drive systems that primarily send power to either the front or rear wheels based on traction, S-AWC actively manages torque distribution between the front and rear axles as well as between the left and right wheels. This dynamic torque control helps maintain maximum grip and stability, enhancing safety and performance across diverse driving scenarios.

At its core, S-AWC combines three major components: Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Stability Control (ASC), and an Electronically Controlled Center Differential (CTM). These systems work in harmony to monitor and adjust power delivery based on real-time driving inputs and road conditions, allowing the Eclipse Cross to respond precisely to driver commands and environmental challenges.

Key Components of the S-AWC System

Active Yaw Control (AYC)

Active Yaw Control plays a crucial role in improving cornering stability and handling. Yaw refers to the vehicle’s rotation around its vertical axis, which affects how the vehicle turns. AYC actively manages torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels to control yaw movement.

When the Eclipse Cross enters a turn, AYC adjusts the torque sent to each rear wheel to generate a yaw moment that helps the vehicle rotate more smoothly and accurately along the intended path. For example, if the vehicle begins to understeer (plowing wide in a turn), AYC can send more torque to the outside rear wheel, helping to pivot the vehicle and improve steering response. Conversely, in oversteer situations, it can redistribute torque to stabilize the vehicle.

This advanced torque vectoring capability results in better cornering grip, reduced body roll, and enhanced driver confidence, especially on winding roads or during evasive maneuvers.

Active Stability Control (ASC)

Active Stability Control is designed to maintain vehicle stability during sudden maneuvers or when driving on slippery surfaces such as rain, ice, or loose gravel. ASC continuously monitors wheel speeds, steering angle, lateral acceleration, and yaw rate to detect any signs of loss of control.

If the system senses that the vehicle is understeering or oversteering, ASC intervenes by selectively applying braking force to individual wheels and adjusting engine output. This corrective action helps bring the vehicle back onto the intended path, reducing the risk of skidding or spinning out.

ASC works seamlessly with other systems within S-AWC to ensure that stability is maintained without compromising driving enjoyment. It also enhances safety by assisting drivers during emergency maneuvers or when road conditions suddenly deteriorate.

Electronically Controlled Center Differential (CTM)

The Center Torque Management (CTM) system is an electronically controlled center differential that dynamically manages torque distribution between the front and rear axles. Unlike fixed or mechanical center differentials, the CTM can quickly adapt to changing traction conditions by adjusting the amount of power sent to the front or rear wheels.

For example, during acceleration on slippery surfaces, CTM can increase torque sent to the rear wheels to prevent front-wheel slippage, improving traction and stability. Conversely, under normal driving conditions, the system can allocate more power to the front wheels to optimize fuel efficiency.

This dynamic torque distribution capability allows the Eclipse Cross to maintain maximum grip regardless of road surface—whether wet pavement, loose dirt, snow, or ice—ensuring confident driving in challenging environments.

How S-AWC Enhances Driving Dynamics

The integration of AYC, ASC, and CTM within the S-AWC system provides a comprehensive approach to vehicle control that benefits multiple aspects of driving performance:

  • Improved Traction: By continuously monitoring and adjusting torque distribution, S-AWC maximizes available grip on all four wheels, reducing wheel slip and enhancing acceleration on low-friction surfaces.
  • Enhanced Cornering Stability: Torque vectoring through AYC allows the vehicle to better follow the driver’s intended path through corners, reducing understeer and oversteer tendencies.
  • Increased Safety: ASC’s ability to detect and counteract loss of control helps prevent accidents caused by skidding or sliding, especially during sudden maneuvers or adverse weather conditions.
  • Smoother Ride: The seamless operation of these systems ensures that adjustments to torque and braking are subtle and precise, maintaining ride comfort without abrupt interventions.

Overall, the S-AWC system transforms the driving experience by providing a balanced combination of agility, stability, and safety. Drivers gain greater confidence behind the wheel, whether navigating urban streets, country roads, or off-road trails.

Real-World Benefits of S-AWC in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The practical advantages of the S-AWC system become especially apparent in real-world driving scenarios:

Improved Handling on Slippery Surfaces

During wet or snowy conditions, maintaining traction can be challenging for any vehicle. The Eclipse Cross’s S-AWC system actively manages power delivery to minimize wheel spin and enhance grip. For example, when accelerating from a stop on an icy road, the CTM adjusts torque distribution to prevent the front wheels from slipping, while ASC and AYC work together to maintain directional control.

Enhanced Cornering Performance

On winding roads or during quick lane changes, the vehicle’s ability to respond accurately to steering inputs is critical. AYC’s torque vectoring at the rear wheels helps the Eclipse Cross maintain tighter, more controlled turns, reducing the need for corrective steering and providing a sportier driving feel.

Confidence in Off-Road or Uneven Terrain

While the Eclipse Cross is primarily designed for on-road use, many drivers encounter gravel paths, dirt roads, or uneven surfaces. The S-AWC system’s ability to distribute torque across wheels optimizes traction even in these conditions, reducing the risk of getting stuck or losing control.

Enhanced Safety in Emergency Situations

In sudden evasive maneuvers such as swerving to avoid an obstacle, the combined action of ASC and AYC helps stabilize the vehicle. By proactively managing torque and braking forces, the system assists the driver in maintaining control during critical moments.

Technological Innovations Behind S-AWC

The development of S-AWC reflects Mitsubishi’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to improve vehicle dynamics. Key innovations include:

  • Integrated Control Units: The system’s control units continuously communicate with each other and with sensors monitoring wheel speed, steering angle, lateral acceleration, yaw rate, and more, enabling rapid and precise adjustments.
  • Electric Actuators: Electronically controlled clutches and brakes allow instantaneous modulation of torque between wheels, providing smooth and effective torque vectoring.
  • Adaptive Algorithms: Sophisticated software algorithms analyze real-time data to predict and respond to potential loss of traction or stability before it occurs.

These technological advancements ensure that S-AWC not only enhances performance but also operates seamlessly, providing intuitive and natural vehicle behavior without distracting the driver.

Comparing S-AWC to Other All-Wheel-Drive Systems

While many manufacturers offer all-wheel-drive systems, S-AWC distinguishes itself through its comprehensive integration of torque vectoring, stability control, and center differential management. Traditional AWD systems often rely on mechanical limited-slip differentials or simple on-demand torque transfer, which may react more slowly or provide less precise control.

By contrast, S-AWC’s active management of torque distribution both front-to-rear and side-to-side allows it to address complex driving dynamics proactively. This results in improved handling precision, better traction in adverse conditions, and enhanced vehicle stability compared to many conventional AWD setups.

Driving Modes and S-AWC

In some Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross models equipped with S-AWC, drivers can select different drive modes that adjust the system’s behavior to suit specific conditions:

  • Normal Mode: Optimizes balance between fuel efficiency and traction for everyday driving.
  • Snow Mode: Prioritizes torque distribution to enhance grip on slippery snow or ice-covered roads, reducing wheel spin.
  • Gravel Mode: Adjusts torque and stability control parameters to maintain traction on loose or uneven surfaces like dirt roads.

These modes allow drivers to tailor the Eclipse Cross’s performance characteristics to the driving environment, maximizing safety and control.

Maintenance and Reliability of the S-AWC System

The S-AWC system is designed to be durable and reliable, requiring minimal special maintenance beyond regular vehicle servicing. However, to ensure optimal performance, it is important to follow Mitsubishi’s recommended maintenance schedule, which includes:

  • Regular inspection of the all-wheel-drive components and differential fluids.
  • Periodic software updates when available to maintain system calibration.
  • Using the correct type of transmission and differential fluids to prevent component wear.

Proper maintenance ensures that the sophisticated sensors, actuators, and control systems continue to operate accurately, preserving the safety and driving benefits of S-AWC over the life of the vehicle.

Conclusion

The Super All-Wheel Control system in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross represents a significant advancement in automotive drivetrain technology. By intelligently managing torque distribution through Active Yaw Control, Active Stability Control, and an Electronically Controlled Center Differential, S-AWC delivers enhanced traction, stability, and handling performance across a wide variety of driving conditions.

This innovative system not only improves safety by helping drivers maintain control during challenging situations but also enhances driving enjoyment with sharper cornering and better road feel. For drivers seeking a compact SUV that combines style, technology, and superior driving dynamics, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross with S-AWC stands out as an exceptional choice.

For more information about the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the Super All-Wheel Control system, visit your local Mitsubishi dealer or explore detailed specifications and driving guides at everydaymitsubishi.com.