 Zoom In |
| For 2009, the Eclipse gets a blackout treatment on the front bumper and grille, mimicking the Lancer's aggressive snout. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
 Zoom In |
| The front seats are supportive and comfortable, but there's almost no space in the back. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
 Zoom In |
| The instrument panel and controls are simple and elegant, and everything is easy to find and operate. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
 Zoom In |
| The GS gets 17-inch alloys with 225/50R17 tires. Our GT-P test car had 18-inch lipless alloys with 235/45R18 tires. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
 Zoom In |
| Though not as aggressive-looking as some of its competitors, the Eclipse still cuts a distinctive, stylish profile. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler Corporation formed a partnership in the late '80s called Diamond-Star Motors. The first and only car marketed under the DSM partnership was a two-door sports coupe sold variously as the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser. It was available with AWD and 190 turbocharged horsepower — features unheard of on a mid-priced sports coupe at that time. In its day, it was considered blisteringly fast.
Mitsubishi bought out Chrysler's interest in Diamond-Star Motors in 1991, and subsequent versions of the car have only been sold under the Mitsubishi flag. The current version of the Eclipse, first released in 2006, is the 4th generation of the car. Although no longer available with a turbocharger or AWD, it is still a contender in the mid-priced, performance sports coupe category.
Mitsubishi has refreshed the Eclipse for 2009 with mostly cosmetic improvements. Most noticeable is the black treatment of the front bumper, grille and intake. This mimics the new look for the Mitsubishi Lancer. It is an improvement, and gives the Eclipse a slightly more aggressive look. A new black treatment to the rear lower apron reduces the general "bubble" appearance of the car's tail, and highlights the also-new dual exhaust system (good for two extra hp over previous versions). HID projector headlamps and the sporty rear wing round out the new-for-2009 features.
While improved this year, the overall styling of the Eclipse is still considered by many to be somewhat "cute." Much too cute for a performance sports car that is primarily aimed at a male target audience, and nothing like some of its more aggressively styled competitors: Nissan 350Z, Mazda RX8 and Hyundai's new Genesis, to name a few. The Eclipse somehow resembles a Volkswagen Beetle, albeit a sleeker, "squashed" version.
The Eclipse GS has a 2.4L 4-cylinder motor good for 162hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The more potent GT-P has a 3.8L V6 which generates a healthy 265hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Each motor version can be had in either a coupe or a convertible "Spider." Our test car was the V6-powered GT-P coupe, which includes virtually everything; ASC (Active Stability Control), 650w stereo (with six-disc changer, 10-inch sub and Sirius Satellite Radio), rear wing, and power sunroof and windows. The only option on the GT-P is a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Upon startup, the V6 makes a wonderful throaty sound. It's loud enough to impress the neighbours without being uncivilized. Once driving, the Eclipse is very comfortable; the multiple-way adjustable leather seats in our test car were very supportive for spirited driving, and comfortable for long distances. The dash and controls are simple and elegant, and everything is easy to find and operate. Switches, dash pieces and the overall interior appear solid and well assembled.
The back seats, however, are virtually useless, as even children will find it claustrophobic back there. When the driver's seat is adjusted for a taller driver, the legroom behind it is essentially zero. The rear seat itself is barely higher than the floor, resulting in knees being up around chin level. And headroom is minimal, with the not-very-soft glass of the rear hatch being the first thing that rear passengers will hit with their heads when going over speedbumps. Obviously this is not meant to be a family car, but one is tempted to ask why the rear seats are even there in the first place.
The Eclipse feels quick, if not blindingly fast. The V6 eagerly moves the car with little effort, and the broad torque band makes it very drivable. In the twisties, the front-wheel drive pulls the Eclipse nicely around corners. Steering input and response feels very solid and comfortable. The 6-speed manual shift feels a bit clunky, but the throw is short, and the car has ample gear ratios that, when combined with the broadly available torque of the V6, will accelerate the Eclipse from any speed. Curb weight is 3,200 - 3,700 lbs (1,450 - 1,678 kg), depending on configuration, which is fairly heavy for a mid-sized coupe, and it certainly feels a little heavy in the corners. Overall, however, the driving experience is good, and the car is comfortable. I looked forward to getting into it each morning during my test week.
Driving in reverse is not so comfortable; the view out the back is compromised by large B and C pillars, a high trunk and the wing. Parallel parking is also a challenge as the high window line makes it difficult to see the curb.
While not the mean machine that it once was, the Eclipse is nevertheless a very pleasant sporty car. At an MSRP of $25,998 for the GS and $34,798 for the GT-P, it appears well constructed and feels solid. The styling updates for 2009 offer a significant improvement on the overall look of the car. For the driver who wants a distinct look, good power and a stylish interior, the Eclipse should be on their short-list.
