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Mitsubishi's new Eclipse a step up in style, but a step down in agility

published October 10, 2005

Published By
( 17 votes, average: 4.4 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.
This is the fourth-generation Eclipse, and it is slightly larger than last year's car, adding a few more inches of head and shoulder room.

Mitsubishi refers to the new model as a grand touring coupe, which seems a little lofty for its screaming Japanese sci-fi styling and a command cockpit performance.


It has been a while since there was something new and good to talk about in a Mitsubishi showroom. The Eclipse comes along now and must bear the stress of being at least a harbinger of prosperity.

This fall, the Raider midsize pickup - a variant of the Dodge Dakota - joins the lineup. Then, the Eclipse Spyder goes on sale early next year, followed by a new compact Outlander wagon and compact Lancer sedan. The Lancer Evo X will be out by the end of 2007.

The Eclipse is a new platform built in Normal, Ill., with the Galant sedan and Endeavor SUV.

Company fathers are proud of their new baby, but a new and retro Mustang it's not. And there is credible four-seat coupe competition in the Scion tC, the Hyundai Tiburon and the new Chevy Cobalt SS and Pontiac G6 coupes.

Fortunately for the Eclipse, it comes in two models, GS and GT, with two engines and transmissions.

Pricing starts at just under $20,000 for the GS with five-speed manual transmission and 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Add $900 for a four-speed Sportronic automatic.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, remote locking, six-speaker CD audio with MP3 playback and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The big attention-getter is the GT, with a stunning 263-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6, hooked up to a new six-speed manual or optional five-speed Sportronic automatic.

Mitsubishi claims zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with the manual and fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 28 highway on 91 octane. Pricing starts at $24,294 and includes traction control, ventilated rear disc brakes, a front strut tower bar and fog lamps.

Safety features on both models include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, front-seat-mounted side-impact and front-side curtain air bags.

The new engine speaks MIVEC, for Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control. The system finesses valve lift and timing to hone horsepower. A dual-stage air-intake system trims back pressure, boosts peak power and makes a good sound as air gets pulled in.

And a low back pressure exhaust doesn't sound bad, either, when the engine's wound out.

The bad news for those who bought the 2005 Eclipse is that the new model is a few hundred dollars less expensive. The good news for them is that their car is lighter and feels more nimble.

I tested several models on the recent media launch in San Diego and - like sampling the three bears' porridge - I liked the GS manual for its lively attitude. The Sportronic saps the fun out of the four-cylinder, but that might not matter for some. And if it were me, I'd upgrade to a higher-performing tire right away.

Improvements and size add weight, and the base Eclipse weighs 3,274 pounds. Even the GT with Sportronic - and the phenomenal-sounding horsepower - is challenged to feel quick and nimble with its curb weight of 3,472 pounds.

The GS is just 77 pounds lighter than the Mustang V-6, which is 8 inches longer, nearly 2 inches taller and 1 1/2 inches wider. Much of that space benefits the back seat.

By the time you put four people in the Eclipse, everybody's uncomfortable.

Still, the interior volume is close between the two cars. The Eclipse has 97.3 cubic feet versus the Mustang's 97.9.

The Eclipse benefits from a split folding seatback that allows a snug 15.7 cubic feet of cargo, versus the Mustang trunk at 13.1 cubic feet, which is really quite roomy.

Unique about the Eclipse is its styling. The GS and the GT have the same appearance - same 17-inch tires, body color mirrors and trim. There are no badging or paint-scheme differences to segregate the four-cylinder buyer from the V-6.

The optional Sun and Sound Package for the GS at $1,500 is a desirable grouping of power sunroof, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers including a 10-inch subwoofer, six-disc in-dash CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a compass and temperature readings in the center display.

The GT Premium Sport Package, $3,270 MSRP, includes the Sun and Sound Package plus automatic climate control, leather-trimmed and heated front seats, six-way power driver's seat, alloy pedals, 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45R18 tires and heated side mirrors.

An accessory option package, $270, adds an alloy fuel door, wheel locks, cargo net, cargo floor mat and sport floor mats.

A gainfully employed first-time buyer could spend $21,000 on a GS, with options, and get a sharp-looking ride that's fairly sporty to drive - with a basic warranty of five years/60,000 miles.

Unfortunately, you can't combine the GT options with 18-inch tires or the premium package.

Sporty cars such as the Eclipse are getting bigger for function and utility, at the expense of sports-car exhilaration - even with the big gains in horsepower. Spending $4,000 more for the GT doesn't mean the buyer gets that much more performance.

The '06 Eclipse is a good evolution and a standout in exterior styling, but it shouldn't bear the cross as a company savior. It's a corporate star to help guide the company fathers.

SPECS BOX
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS

Body style: Front-wheel drive, four-passenger coupe

Engine: SOHC, 16-valve 2.4 liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing

Horsepower: 162 at 6,000 rpm

Torque: 162 at 4,000 rpm

Transmission: five-speed manual (optional four-speed automatic)

EPA estimated fuel mileage: 23 mpg city, 30 highway (23/29, automatic)

Fuel tank: 17.7 gallons, 87 octane recommended

FEATURES
Standard equipment: Remote locking with panic alarm; air conditioning; six-speaker 140-watt CD-MP3 audio; cruise control; rear-window wiper-washer; power windows, locks and mirrors; sport-touch steering wheel and leather-wrapped gearshift knob; steering-wheel audio controls; six-way manually adjusted driver's seat; 50/50 split folding rear seatback; lighted glove box; center console armrest with storage; dual lighted visor vanity mirrors; tinted glass; map lights; cargo area light; floor mats and dual trip meter

Safety equipment: Front, occupant-sensing air bags, seat-mounted side bags, front curtain air bags, belt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 101.4 inches

Length: 179.7 inches

Front head/leg/shoulder room: 38.5/42.8/54.2 inches

Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 34.6/29.2/51.2 inches

Curb weight: 3,274 pounds

Cargo capacity: 15.7 cubic feet

CHASSIS
Suspension: 4-wheel independent, front MacPherson struts with offset coil springs, rear multilink with coil springs; front and rear stabilizer bars

Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion; turning circle, 40 feet

Brakes: 4-wheel disc, front 11.6-inch vented; rear, solid 10.3-inch

Tires and wheels: P225/50R 17-inch on alloy wheels (optional, 235/45R 18-inch)

PRICING
Base price: $19,934, including $595 freight charge

Options: Sun and Sound Package ($1,500) adds power sunroof, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers, 10-inch subwoofer, six-disc in-dash CD changer, steering wheel audio controls with auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass and temperature readings in the center display

Waranty: 5-years/60,000 miles, basic limited coverage; powertrain, 10/100,000

Where assembled: Normal, Ill.

Coupe competition: Chevy Cobalt SS, Pontiac G6, Hyundai Tiburon, Scion tC, Ford Mustang

PLUSES: An all-new sports car with screaming Japanese sci-fi styling. Full range of safety equipment.

MINUSES: An all-new sports car with screaming Japanese sci-fi styling deserves better than such low-tech drivetrain items as a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual. Added weight mars sporty drivability, and the Sportronic with the four-cylinder engine is a weak pairing.



Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com

© Copley News Service

published October 10, 2005

( 17 votes, average: 4.4 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.