2013 Audi A3

LeftField Choices: 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Coupe

 
2,079 views Jan 2, 2010
Follow Jim

mitsubishi_100229325_s.jpgEnlarge Photo
Barring the iconic Porsche 911, sports coupe on average do not experience very long lifetimes on the sales charts. After about two years of strong sales most sport coupes stay on life support for a couple of more years until the automaker is forced to either redesign it or pull the plug.

There is a funny thing that happens when you see a new (or lightly used) Mitsubishi Eclipse on the road:  it still looks fresh and new. Is that because Mitsubishi hasn't sold as many as the last generation or does it say something about the way this sports coupe adheres to such old school sporty coupe stereotypes.

To be honest, with the Celica, Prelude, RX-7, VW Corrado and more all gone now from this Earth it is only natural for car enthusiasts to search out where the affordable sports coupe flame is burning brightest. Thats right. It is burning at your local Mitsubishi dealer. The Eclipse is also available in GT form with a 3.8 liter V6 pumping out 265 horsepower but it really doesnt fit the nature of the car. And besides, a manual V6 GT costs $29,000 (370Z territory) whereas an Eclipse GS only costs $21,444 nicely equipped.

The manual transmission links to the engine in a very mechanical way: the throws are not swift but you can always tell what gear you are in. The engine makes a low humming noise at most cruising speeds but under full throttle acceleration it can make a noise as extroverted as the exterior styling. There is also an automatic transmission available but it takes a lot of the fun away especially when combined with the rev-happy four cylinder. If you need an auto go for the GT version. You would be much happier with that.

There interior is full of interestingly organic shapes and features like door handles that were modeled after the look of cell phones (well, cell phones from 8 years ago). The one problem with this already space deficient interior is the fact that it is so overwhelmingly dark in there. The lip of the rear hatch conspires with the C-Pillar to create a pretty bad blind spot, as well.

Might I recommend that Mitsubishi makes a tan seat fabric/leather option to help brighten up this gloomy cabin? Its too bad it is so dark in here because it makes it difficult to appreciate the unique design and soft touch feel to all of the controls. With that, this marks the Eclipse as having the best interior of any Mitsubishi on sale today. Heck, I dare say it is the most interesting Mitsubishi on sale today. Full Stop. Period.

Mitsubishi Eclipse GS: (Starting at $21,444)

Power: (162 horsepower 2.4 liter 4 cylinder)

Economy: (20 city/28 highway)





Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.