Fuel consumption is a concern, though. We’re averaging 12.9 L/100 km, which could be better, and the engine requires super unleaded.
Another issue is the car’s turning circle, which is more SUV-like than sports car-like. Some parking manoeuvres require a double-take, which is irritating.
Despite being virtually unchanged since the 2006 model year, the Eclipse surprisingly still draws stares and positive comments. I’m getting a lot of attention from women who are picking up their kids at school like me. Let me rephrase that: the car is getting attention, not me. I guess the fact that the Eclipse pleases many thirtysomething mothers says a lot about how it’s changed over the years.
The car’s numerous curves are what distinguish it from the current sea of bland automobiles. The Eclipse’s round hips, low roofline, attractive alloy wheels and wedge shape confer it with a somewhat exotic look. This year, the GS trim benefits from the two-tone front and rear bumpers that previously graced the GT-P trim only.
A low roofline, though, means less headroom for occupants, and the cockpit of the Eclipse feels smaller than the exterior dimensions suggest. The front seats are bolted low for a sit-on-the-floor driving position, which isn’t to everyone’s tastes or capabilities. The rear seat is useful for kids, not quite for adults because of the lack of legroom. Trunk space is limited to 147 litres, which isn’t great, but there are worst offenders among convertibles.
The dashboard is comprised of good-quality materials, but nothing here will make you feel as though you’re getting more than what you paid for. The climate control and stereo controls are straightforward, and this year, you get Bluetooth connectivity, standard in all models except the GS coupe, where it’s part of an option package. A rear view camera is also new, integrated in the mirror and a welcome addition for the Spyder model that offers limited visibility when backing up with the top up.
The sound system is very powerful and includes a subwoofer in the rear seat that can give massages to those who are sitting back there. The digital dashtop readout, however, doesn’t provide info on the song and artist when you’re listening to SIRIUS satellite radio. Shame.
Another issue is the car’s turning circle, which is more SUV-like than sports car-like. Some parking manoeuvres require a double-take, which is irritating.
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| The Eclipse pleases many thirtysomething mothers; that says a lot about how it’s changed over the years. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Despite being virtually unchanged since the 2006 model year, the Eclipse surprisingly still draws stares and positive comments. I’m getting a lot of attention from women who are picking up their kids at school like me. Let me rephrase that: the car is getting attention, not me. I guess the fact that the Eclipse pleases many thirtysomething mothers says a lot about how it’s changed over the years.
The car’s numerous curves are what distinguish it from the current sea of bland automobiles. The Eclipse’s round hips, low roofline, attractive alloy wheels and wedge shape confer it with a somewhat exotic look. This year, the GS trim benefits from the two-tone front and rear bumpers that previously graced the GT-P trim only.
A low roofline, though, means less headroom for occupants, and the cockpit of the Eclipse feels smaller than the exterior dimensions suggest. The front seats are bolted low for a sit-on-the-floor driving position, which isn’t to everyone’s tastes or capabilities. The rear seat is useful for kids, not quite for adults because of the lack of legroom. Trunk space is limited to 147 litres, which isn’t great, but there are worst offenders among convertibles.
The dashboard is comprised of good-quality materials, but nothing here will make you feel as though you’re getting more than what you paid for. The climate control and stereo controls are straightforward, and this year, you get Bluetooth connectivity, standard in all models except the GS coupe, where it’s part of an option package. A rear view camera is also new, integrated in the mirror and a welcome addition for the Spyder model that offers limited visibility when backing up with the top up.
The sound system is very powerful and includes a subwoofer in the rear seat that can give massages to those who are sitting back there. The digital dashtop readout, however, doesn’t provide info on the song and artist when you’re listening to SIRIUS satellite radio. Shame.
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| The climate control and stereo controls are straightforward, and this year, you get Bluetooth connectivity, standard in all models except the GS coupe. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |