Mitsubishi Eclipse 2009: It's about the looks!

I remember back when you couldn’t buy the Eclipse in Canada. It was one of those mythical vehicles, to the extent that some sport coupe aficionados had practically created a sacred cult in its honour. Its equivalent here was a Chrysler import called the Eagle Talon. In those days, the Eclipse wowed drivers with its power, and a high-end version enhanced with a supercharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Not surprisingly, this car captured the attention of car racers, too. 

When Mitsubishi finally landed on Canadian soil in 2001, they brought us a new generation of the Eclipse, but which came up short in terms of both style and drive. With a V6 engine and a new platform, it handled more like a weekend car than a genuine sports car. At the time, the manufacturer said that these changes reflected public demand, but after seeing the subsequent sales levels, it seems more likely that these technological choices resulted from the company’s partnerships, and not an effort to appeal to a wider client base.

The all-new GT-P

The current generation, which came out in 2006, still doesn’t look as dynamic as it could, but I’ll admit its style will turn heads and it offers greatly improved overall quality. The Spyder cabriolet positions itself as the perfect vehicle for taking a spin with your hair in the wind, and is spruced up with a hint of exoticism – all for a competitive price. While it’s true that there isn’t much selection in its category other than the Ford Mustang, Mitsubishi definitely took a step in the right direction with this edition.

For 2009, the Eclipse comes with a few modifications, especially in the way it looks. And yet, the line of models has changed little. The GT is now called the GT-P, but other than that, the Eclipse is still offered in four versions – the main difference between them being the type of engine they offer. While the GS coupes and cabriolets don’t quite have race-car status with their 2.4-litre 162-hp 4-cylinder engine, their affordability will certainly pique buyers’ interest (the base model costs just over $25,000). Drivers who want to combine performance with a more eye-catching style will like the GT-P cabriolets and coupes. They’re more like real sports coupes with their powerful 6-cylinder engines. Generating 265 hp at 5,750 rpm and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, the V6 engines give this year’s model improved power. 

More aggressive style

From a mechanical standpoint, not much has changed for 2009. The designers, however, have souped up the aesthetics by injecting the Eclipse with some genes from the Lancer Evolution – the new jewel in Mitsubishi’s crown. The result? A larger air scoop, which gives the front end a decidedly more aggressive attitude. Meanwhile, the GT-P versions have reclaimed some of their predecessors’ style with a beefier rear spoiler and double exhaust pipe. Together, these additions attest to the vehicle’s exclusivity. The higher belt line is a nice touch, as are the halogen lights and wider track. In fact, I consider the Eclipse one of the most attractive sport coupes on the market today, especially in its price range.

Inside, little has changed. It still has a modern look, thanks mostly to the style and positioning of the controls, which are ergonomic and easy to use. The seats hug your body and provide the right support for a more sporty drive. While the 2+2 configuration means the Eclipse can fit two passengers in the back, it’s a bit of a tight squeeze because of the reduced space and the angle of the seats. Full marks, however, for the Rockford Fosgate sound system, which offers 600 watts and nine speakers (including one subwoofer between the two back seats). If this car’s lines catch your eye, the sound system is sure to thrill your ears.

On the road

Behind the wheel, you’ll appreciate how light the V4 model is. It’s true that it’s not as powerful, but it’s well-balanced and more fuel-efficient. What’s more, it means that you can pick up an Eclipse for a lower price, without compromising much. As for the Eclipse GT-P, its V6 engine gives you enhanced performance, marked by a deep sound when you drive – you may even find yourself accelerating rapidly just to hear it one more time. But all that power going to the front wheels translates into a fairly significant amount of torque, which is all the more noticeable if you’ve just driven a Lancer Evolution (as was the case for us when we first tested the 2009 Eclipse).

The Eclipse distinguishes itself with a rigid chassis and precise steering. On bumpy roads, the chassis handles the torsions so well that you hardly feel any vibrations – even in the cabriolet with the top down. That said, the added reinforcements in the convertible make this car heavier and a little less dynamic than the coupe.

Hope on the horizon

We still don’t know what Mitsubishi has in store for the next generation, but when asked whether technical components from the Lancer Evolution will be added, the company said they were considering a new platform that would allow new elements. This suggests they could bring back the four-cylinder supercharged engine, sequential transmission and four-wheel drive. In the meantime, however, the 2009 Eclipse has some attractive features, even though it doesn’t have the same DNA it used to have. If you want the look of a powerful coupe without caring whether it’ll perform like a race car, the Eclipse will do the job just fine. For everyone else, there’s the Lancer Evolution.