2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review

In 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is one of the last of his race. Gone are the days of cheap, front-wheel drive sport coupes greeting from Japan, as the RSX Acura, Honda Prelude and Toyota Celica. Taste has changed and departmental priorities have changed. Today there was a revival of cheap fun cars, but most belong to the genus hot hatch. But for those who make fun of a trap dorky and aspire to the good old days of sports coupe, the Eclipse 2011 is a nice relic. It is also one of the few convertibles in its class in price.
 

From the moment that was presented four years ago, the Eclipse Spyder convertible and coupe now have mostly noted for his flamboyant style, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, waistline and sloping forward end is bent back. A clever touch is the spoiler GS "clear posterior lip, while the GT can be equipped with a funky two-tone interior is reminiscent of a palette.

Unfortunately, however, especially the opportunity to eclipse ends. Its standard four-cylinder does not move the coupe and convertible heavy, with a semblance of authority and fuel economy is not particularly impressive. The big V6 found in the GT is the strong power, but crushed the front wheels with a pair. How the Eclipse coupe is also far from the Chevy Cobalt SS and the Honda Civic Si (coupe and other relics) or hot hatches like the Mazdaspeed 3, Mini Cooper S and VW GTI.

The interior is pleasant to look at Eclipse, but look closely, you find unpleasant hard materials. Common features like a telescoping steering wheel, rear headrests and a navigation system are available, and there is also much less space in the back seat as most competitors.

Of the two models of Eclipse, the Spyder is the most attractive of the two, simply because there is a lack of competition. The same price (Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Eos) are radically different types of caps below. We believe everyone deserves a look.

Like the coupe, as much as we remember with emotion the old good times Mitsubishi Eclipse, the 2011 version is interesting, but looking a shadow of itself. We had a hard time choosing a place in the Civic Si and Cobalt SS, or rear drive Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe. If you care more about fuel economy and a low price, the Kia Koup and Scion tC are also attractive alternatives. Also, do not rush to dismiss these hot hatches. Times have changed economic and SUVs have evolved. The eclipse may well be a relic, but it is a relic.
 

Body styles, trim levels and options

The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is available in two body styles: coupe and convertible Spyder. The two and four seats are available in GS and GT Sport, while the coupe adds an adjustment to base GS.

The GS comes standard with alloy wheels of 18 inches, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise control, power accessories, tilt steering wheel alone, a record of 50-50 and an audio system, rear seats six speakers and CD player. GS Sport adds xenon headlights, fog lights, sunroof, power heated mirrors, heated front seats, leather seat six-way power driver seat, Bluetooth and a Rockford Fosgate nine-speaker audio system with six CD changer, satellite radio , auxiliary input jack and steering wheel. The Spyder has a power convertible top. The GT adds a V6 engine as standard, larger rear brakes, a rear stabilizer bar, rear spoiler large (coupe only) and automatic temperature control. No major factory options, even an iPod adapter is an accessory installed many distributors.
 

Engines and performance

All Mitsubishi Eclipse 2011 is FWD. The GS model is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 162 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. The GS comes with a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic transmission is optional on the GS and standard on the GS Sport. Estimated fuel economy with the automatic transmission is 20 mpg highway and 23 mpg city/28 mpg combined.

Eclipse GT receives the 3.6-liter V6 good for 265 hp and 262 Nm of torque. Five-speed automatic is standard. This engine requires premium fuel and its fuel economy is 16 mpg city/24 estimated mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

Security

The Eclipse 2011 comes standard with four-wheel antilock brakes, stability control and side airbags for front seats. Cutting lined curtain airbags and side airbags received the highest Spyder covering the heads of the occupants. There are no rear headrests. The Eclipse Spyder has received the best rating of insurance for road safety "good" in both frontal offset and the Institute for side-impact tests.
 

Interior Design and Special Features

The cabin of the eclipse is both elegant and simple with a hint of attractive exploration and gauges with chrome light blue background. Unfortunately, this modern well-tempered by the use of certain low-quality materials and a plastic steering wheel telescopes. The front seats are well shaped and supportive, but to the rear seats do not have headrests and does not offer much more space (especially with the Cup tailgate inclined). The design of the tailgate provides an additional utility, however, as the rear seats 50/50-split-folding.

The Spyder is equipped with a top three cloth diapers convertible. In the applicant is a breeze. Release the header latches, push a button and the top lid fits under the barrel solid 19 seconds and it goes up just as quickly. Unfortunately, this approach greatly limits the rearward visibility with the top, and trunk space limited to only 5.2 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions

For many pilots, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse its driving characteristics can be a bit 'disappointing. GT V6 engine produces a lot of power, but to get all the horses on the pavement can often lead to a large amount of wheel spin and torque. Unlike the V6, four-cylinder Eclipse is grappling with heavy weight - a small acceleration, the engine could be best described as anemic.

Another point of contention is the large turning radius, which requires many more multi-point turns and other vehicles. Management in general should satisfy most drivers, but those with an appetite for performance will probably find inspiration in any number of competitors or sporty hatchback coupe. The Spyder has a flexible chassis over bumps than we would like, but not enough to spoil a driving experience that otherwise pleasant.

Priice $ 18,999