Teresa’s View
Have you ever run into someone you haven’t seen in a while and all of a sudden they are looking unbelievably hot? That’s exactly what happened when I saw the all-new 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The little convertible went from “Hi” to “Hello” in the recent fourth-generation redo.
From the front, the Spyder looks like a catfish to me, but in a good way. A gaping intake below the grille and optional notched front spoiler extension definitely look catfishy.
The all-new Eclipse is slightly longer, wider, heavier and roomier — although that last one is relatively speaking. Despite its new dimensions, the Eclipse is a small car with an even smaller cabin.
It’s offered with a choice of a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or optional 260-hp, 3.8-liter V-6. Armed with the six, the Spyder is said to race from 0-to-60 in 5.8 seconds.
Buyers also have their choice of manual or automatic with Sportronic transmission. (Psst. The manual is the most fun.)
Mitsubishi says the power canvas top will drop in just 19 seconds and, unlike other convertibles in the “reasonably-priced” category, the Spyder’s top tucks neatly under a hard tonneau cover.
I had a lot of fun with the little convertible. However, it does have its faults. The manual shifter requires a certain finesse to avoid rough shifts, rearward vision is awful and the backside wants to break loose on wet pavement even during moderately enthusiastic driving.
What Is It?: The Eclipse Spyder is a front-wheel drive hatchback convertible from Mitsubishi. Allegedly, it seats four, but I wouldn’t count on it. The Spyder is offered in two trims — GS and up-level GT. Prices for the Spyder start at $26K.
Gadget Rating: 6 out of 10. The good part about the cozy cabin is that all the gadgets are within reach. The second good part is there’s lots of fun stuff. The GS trim starts with air-conditioning and power windows, door locks and mirrors. The GT adds automatic climate control and additional safety features. The gauges light up in a lovely ice-blue at night, which is about the only nice thing I can say about them. Either I need to have my eyeglasses prescription adjusted or these gauges are really small and hard to read.
What?: Audiophiles will love the standard audio system — a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate with nine; count ‘em, nine speakers. A speed-sensitive feature automatically adjusts the volume to compensate for outside noises whether driving top up or top down.
Another Reason to Quit: Mitsubishi charges $40 for the optional smoker’s package.
The Back Seat: I call this a virtual back seat. There’s no room for a real, live person.
Life Lesson No. 256: Don’t apply lip-gloss before riding top down in a convertible on a spring day when the cottonwoods are shedding.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is assembled along with the rest of the Eclipse line in Normal, Ill.