2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse Preview

What about standard and optional features? In base GS trim, such niceties as keyless remote entry, air conditioning, cruise

Those who don't want to step up to the more powerful Eclipse GT, won't be stuck in the doghouse with regards to equipment options. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

control, power windows and locks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, an eight-way manually adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, 50/50 split fold-down rear seatbacks, and a six speaker, 140-watt, AM/FM/CD audio system come standard, at least in preliminary U.S.-spec trim.

Driver and front passenger advanced airbags with a front passenger sensing system are also standard, as are front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and front seat curtain airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, three-point seat belts for all occupants, height-adjustable front shoulder belts and tethers for a child safety seat.

Optional in GS trim will be Mitsubishi's already popular Sun & Sound Package, available on other models, featuring a power glass sunroof, the sun portion of the option group, and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers, a ten-inch subwoofer, equalizer, steering wheel controls, and an six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 compatibility. The Sun & Sound

The Sun & Sound Package comes with a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system featuring nine speakers, a ten-inch subwoofer, equalizer, steering wheel controls, and an six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 compatibility. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

package also includes an outside temperature gauge and compass integrated into the centre stack, and an electrochromatic rearview mirror.

Before I start into standard and optional GT features, I think it's important to mention that those who don't want to step up to the more powerful, and granted, less environmentally friendly Eclipse GT, won't be stuck in the doghouse with regards to equipment options. After all, plenty of people will want to buy the Eclipse because of its styling and handling characteristics, but won't necessarily have use for 260-horsepower. Mitsubishi could go a step further, mind you, and offer all of its optional equipment with its four-cylinder GS. This would show environmental leadership by saying to green-minded buyers, you don't have to give up leather seats and automatic climate control if you want to reduce the use of fossil fuels.