Thirsty...
This V6 is certainly not what you would call a fuel-efficient performer, with a combined city-highway average hovering around 12 L/100 km. The 67-liter fuel tank also means more frequent stops at the gas station. On top of that, the engine requires a higher-octane fuel than the base Eclipse's naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder. Granted, the latter generates 101 less horsepower.
Of course, buyers are well aware of the costs of a large-displacement sports car. That said, the GT-P is much more affordable than Tesla's fully electric performance roadster...
Opposed to the Ford Mustang V6, the Eclipse GT-P fares pretty well, especially when comparing interiors. The layout is not retro-looking at all and seems to be tailor-made for the driver: generously supportive seats that wrap the entire body and heated seat cushions (standard, by the way, even with the base GS) make the driving experience that much more enjoyable. Bravo!
Low!
The driving position is pretty low and headroom is very limited, at least for drivers over 6-feet tall...
As for the rear seats, simply forget about them. The Eclipse is a 2+2 coupe, meaning that the two "compartments" just a few millimeters behind the front buckets should be considered as nothing more than room for your luggage. If you want to keep your friends happy -- or to keep them, period -- then you'd be wise not to make them sit in the back.
The stylish dashboard places a host of large knobs and controls within easy reach of the driver for excellent manipulation. Moreover, the pedal set (including the dead pedal) is nicely laid out.
Fun!!
The close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission operates with precision and effectiveness. Exclusive to the GT-P, it comes with a short gear shifter that handles almost like a joystick. Nice!
It's a shame there are so few storage compartments inside this car. A minuscule bin integrated to each door, a tiny case in the center console and a not-so-generous glove box (the door of which opens on your knees) sum up the available storage solutions.
This V6 is certainly not what you would call a fuel-efficient performer, with a combined city-highway average hovering around 12 L/100 km. The 67-liter fuel tank also means more frequent stops at the gas station. On top of that, the engine requires a higher-octane fuel than the base Eclipse's naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder. Granted, the latter generates 101 less horsepower.
Of course, buyers are well aware of the costs of a large-displacement sports car. That said, the GT-P is much more affordable than Tesla's fully electric performance roadster...
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| A well-executed, becomingly sporty interior. |
Opposed to the Ford Mustang V6, the Eclipse GT-P fares pretty well, especially when comparing interiors. The layout is not retro-looking at all and seems to be tailor-made for the driver: generously supportive seats that wrap the entire body and heated seat cushions (standard, by the way, even with the base GS) make the driving experience that much more enjoyable. Bravo!
Low!
The driving position is pretty low and headroom is very limited, at least for drivers over 6-feet tall...
As for the rear seats, simply forget about them. The Eclipse is a 2+2 coupe, meaning that the two "compartments" just a few millimeters behind the front buckets should be considered as nothing more than room for your luggage. If you want to keep your friends happy -- or to keep them, period -- then you'd be wise not to make them sit in the back.
The stylish dashboard places a host of large knobs and controls within easy reach of the driver for excellent manipulation. Moreover, the pedal set (including the dead pedal) is nicely laid out.
Fun!!
The close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission operates with precision and effectiveness. Exclusive to the GT-P, it comes with a short gear shifter that handles almost like a joystick. Nice!
It's a shame there are so few storage compartments inside this car. A minuscule bin integrated to each door, a tiny case in the center console and a not-so-generous glove box (the door of which opens on your knees) sum up the available storage solutions.
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| The angle of the rear window considerably reduces the already limited passenger room. |