Vehicle: 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-V6 with GT Premium Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$37198

Performance: The Eclipse is powered by one of two engines. The “adequate” 162hp 2.4L MIVEC or the 3.8L V6 DOHC MIVEC with 263 horses and 260 pounds feet of torque. Despite its 260 lb/ft of torque, it feels somewhat sluggish off-the-line as its maximum torque arrives at 4500 rpm. As you rev passed around 5 grand, the power starts to come out thanks to the advanced Mitsubishi variable valve timing called MIVEC. The variable valve timing really helps this motor thanks to extra breathing. On the other hand, the 6-speed stick has long throw when rowing through gears. While it certainly can’t matched the level of crispness of Honda shifter, at least it got decent ratios to matched the engine’s needs for high rev to get the most out of it. Another pet peeve is the high clutch engagement point. Its not particularly progressive during press and release due to its high grabbing point, good luck when starting on a slope in this Eclipse.

Handling: Dynamically speaking, Eclipse is a mixbag. To begin with, it got an excellent chassis called “Project America” platform that is solid-as-a-rock. Its completely flex and rattles free, unlike its flexy predecessor. Since this platform shares with Galant family sedan and Endeavour soft-roader, it also provides exceptional ride comfort for a sports coupe. Unfortunately, when the road turns twisties. The “sports” quickly disappears into a “touring” in the Eclipse thanks to its sloppy response and level of crumsiness. While its handling dynamics is certainly not as softly sprung as those in a Camry Solara, its not as sporty as what Mitsubishi would like you to think about. Yes, the steering is precise, responsive with decent feedback as with all other “Project America” silibings. But the problem is the vehicle feels heavy and cumbersome through corners. It feels like a heavy piece of metal flying around corners when pushed. There are plenty of body rolls while the understeer is terrible even without pushed hard.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the Eclipse’s braking distance and pedal feel have to be considered as some of the best in class. Its short and very well modulated.

Interior: The interior materials are huge improvement over its el cheapo predecessors. There are plenty of soft plastic on the top of the dashboard and door panels. Sadly, the semi auto climate control knobs feel loose in our tester. The glovebox and center console remain covered with cheap plastic. The cupholder cover has to be one of the flimest I have ever seen. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Mitsubishi designers are smart enough to put stereo on top of climate control for easy access. There are 2 pet peeves, however. The center information display tends to wash out during sunlight. As nicely sound as its Rockford Fosgate sound system is, the ten-inch subwoofer has vibration enough to shake the center rear view mirror.

The cargo space is very much nil thanks to the ten-inch subwoofer and highest liftover I have ever seen in a car.

My last criticism of this new Eclipse has to deal with its side rear-view mirrors. Mitsubishi designed the mirrors very smallish and roundish for aerodynamic reason, however, they are totally useless due to their size. Along with the wide C-pillars and sloppy roofline, shoulder check is a must when changing lane.

Conclusion: The myths and realities are always radically different, the same story goes for the new Eclipse. Mitsubishi would love you to believe it as a capable handler that is able to keep up with competitors like RSX and Mustang. The truth is its a blvd cruiser, pretty much like a Camry Solara, with sharper looks and more youthful attitude. In short, if you are enthuisats who expect to see a curve eater in an Eclipse. Look somewhere else.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT-V6
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Performance: 3.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 2.5/5