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Competition

This new larger 2006 Eclipse enters a market positively glutted with attractive sport coupes. From affordable choices like the Hyundai Tiburon and Scion tC to slightly pricier alternatives like the Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX-8, the Eclipse will have to stare down a group of recently introduced models that have collectively raised the bar for the sport coupe category.

In its favor, the Eclipse has a head-turning new shape, a pair of powerful new engines, and a long list of standard comfort, convenience, and safety features going for it. Add reasonable sticker prices starting at just under $20,000 and the Eclipse comes to this street fight well armed.

And it’s a good thing, too, as Mitsubishi has a lot riding on the success of this new model. The company’s sales have been down by 40 percent overall in the first four months of this year compared to 2004. Creating a turnaround on that scale is a lot to ask of any new car introduction but the folks at Mitsubishi are hoping to pull it off nonetheless.

Design

Mitsubishi calls the 2006 Eclipse a “two-plus-two grand touring coupe” and wants people to think of it as an “attainable exotic.” While we’re not sure we’d go quite that far, this new design does go a long way towards achieving those goals.

Gone are the relatively conservative looks and heavy-handed lower body strakes of the previous generation, replaced by a much more organic and muscular look. Pronounced fender bulges, a steeply raked windshield and rear decklid, and a rounded bustle-like rear end give the Mitsubishi Eclipse a sense of motion. The wedge shape and nicely integrated rear spoiler also give the car a sporty low-slung look that does much to disguise the car’s increased dimensions.

Inside you’ll find an attractive interior that matches the Eclipse’s updated exterior. A stylish wave-form look to the dash, soft-touch materials, and faux metal accents give the interior a look that’s fresh and modern.

While this new design is generally pleasing, there are a couple of details that strike discordant notes in this otherwise harmonious design. To our eyes, the triangular wedge that divides the upper air intake adds an extra measure of complexity that takes away from what would otherwise be an attractive front end. We could also do without the clear taillight lenses that, while trendy of late, are bound to look dated sooner rather that later.