Once you’re under way, the Eclipse handles quite sharply, with minimal body roll and a dynamic steering feel. Just don’t expect to match the handling prowess of some rear-drive rivals, such as the Mazda RX-8 or Nissan 370Z. By the way, the Eclipse’s 12.2-meter turning circle makes parking the car quite difficult; the Galant and Endeavor also share this shortcoming, since they’re all based on the same platform.
But beyond straight-line speed, the Eclipse Spyder can also cruise down glitzy downtown streets, top down and enjoying a sunny afternoon or warm evening. And on a weekend trip from Montreal to Quebec City and back, with a little city driving, the Spyder delivered a low 9.8 L/100 km fuel economy average. If you’re always driving around town, though, expect an average or around 12 to 13 L/100 km.
Sit on the floor
The Eclipse’s cockpit is snug, and you’ll never forget that you’re driving a sports coupe. The seats are bolted low on the floor for legs-straight-out driving, which becomes tiresome after a couple of hours behind the wheel. I also have to tilt the seatback more than I’m used to so my head doesn’t scrape the ceiling.
In back, room is scarce for both adults and kids in booster seats, but for short trips, it is tolerable. Rear-seat occupants can even get a back massage, compliments of the thumping subwoofer that’s integrated in the seatback.
Inside the cockpit (and out), the engine’s deep-throat burble will also remind you that you’re in a sports car, which is pretty nice. The car’s interior has no visible changes for 2009, which isn’t a bad thing, since the dash layout is straightforward and easy to operate.
The quality of materials used is average, and the steering wheel could be a little smaller, though. Oh, you can’t see much through the small rear window.
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| In back, room is scarce for both adults and kids in booster seats, but for short trips, it is tolerable. |
But beyond straight-line speed, the Eclipse Spyder can also cruise down glitzy downtown streets, top down and enjoying a sunny afternoon or warm evening. And on a weekend trip from Montreal to Quebec City and back, with a little city driving, the Spyder delivered a low 9.8 L/100 km fuel economy average. If you’re always driving around town, though, expect an average or around 12 to 13 L/100 km.
Sit on the floor
The Eclipse’s cockpit is snug, and you’ll never forget that you’re driving a sports coupe. The seats are bolted low on the floor for legs-straight-out driving, which becomes tiresome after a couple of hours behind the wheel. I also have to tilt the seatback more than I’m used to so my head doesn’t scrape the ceiling.
In back, room is scarce for both adults and kids in booster seats, but for short trips, it is tolerable. Rear-seat occupants can even get a back massage, compliments of the thumping subwoofer that’s integrated in the seatback.
Inside the cockpit (and out), the engine’s deep-throat burble will also remind you that you’re in a sports car, which is pretty nice. The car’s interior has no visible changes for 2009, which isn’t a bad thing, since the dash layout is straightforward and easy to operate.
The quality of materials used is average, and the steering wheel could be a little smaller, though. Oh, you can’t see much through the small rear window.
 |
| The Eclipse’s cockpit is snug, and you’ll never forget that you’re driving a sports coupe. |