Both Eclipse models featured a bevy of standard features such as
air-conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio, tilt steering, power windows and door locks, making for a luxuriously equipped driving environment. Additional features such as leather seats, a power glass sunroof and a sensational sounding 6-disc in-dash CD audio system were available, and considering that such items wouldn't tack on much to the price of a depreciated used car, it would be worth it to find one that's fully loaded.
And other than the goodies that come standard or optional, what does the car look and feel like inside? The first car I tested featured a black and blue motif, and together with its unusual three-pod dash looked, again, like nothing I'd seen before. Of course, Mitsubishi offered more conventional interior colours to those whose taste ran more conservatively, such as dark gray.
That three-pod dash I mentioned is an odd one, but extremely user friendly. The car's centre stack stuck out from the recessed right side dash area, making the audio system and HVAC controls easier to access. The instrument cluster incorporated large, easy to read gauges while the
three-prong leather-wrapped steering wheel was well designed for a comfortable grip. Audio controls were attached to the back of the steering wheel spokes, allowing both hands to remain in their safest positions when changing stations or adjusting the volume.
The Eclipse's soft touch dash inserts were a nice addition, but some of the plastic panels throughout the cabin weren't in the same tactile league. Still, all gauges and controls were intuitively located, except for the oddly placed digital radio display, situated high at the top centre of the dash. It also looked like an aftermarket afterthought.
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| Both Eclipse models featured a bevy of standard features making for a luxuriously equipped driving environment. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
And other than the goodies that come standard or optional, what does the car look and feel like inside? The first car I tested featured a black and blue motif, and together with its unusual three-pod dash looked, again, like nothing I'd seen before. Of course, Mitsubishi offered more conventional interior colours to those whose taste ran more conservatively, such as dark gray.
That three-pod dash I mentioned is an odd one, but extremely user friendly. The car's centre stack stuck out from the recessed right side dash area, making the audio system and HVAC controls easier to access. The instrument cluster incorporated large, easy to read gauges while the
 |
| That three-pod dash I mentioned is an odd one, but extremely user friendly. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Eclipse's soft touch dash inserts were a nice addition, but some of the plastic panels throughout the cabin weren't in the same tactile league. Still, all gauges and controls were intuitively located, except for the oddly placed digital radio display, situated high at the top centre of the dash. It also looked like an aftermarket afterthought.