Available in three trims and starting at under $20,000 USD, the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has been unveiled, and the changes from 2011 are minimal at best. The word is that Eclipse and Galant may be discontinued after 2012 and the manufacturer apparently did not want to start a new direction for the current model.
Eclipse Performance And Value
Mitsubishi has no problem with creating cars that last and can stay with the competition. Looking at the history of the Eclipse, the company has maintained the three trims, GS Coupe, GS Sport and GT, as well as the exciting Spyder convertible. The latter has not yet been presented as a mass-produced vehicle for 2012, but its success insures its return.
Interior/Exterior Features For 2012
The 2012 Eclipse will have a few minor changes in the overall shape and appearance to the exterior, primarily a more raised look to its rear end. The hood and truck remain side-opening, and the available 2.4L engine will still deliver about 162 horsepower. The GT trim will include a much more powerful 3.8L V-6 that packs a total of 265 horsepower. The GT will also be available as a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic.
All of the trims will have ABS and Driveline Traction Control. The GS Sport and GT trims will also carry the optional tilting sunroof feature, and the wheels remain the same; 17 inch on the GS Coupe and GS Sport, and 18 inch on the GT version.
Driver And Passenger Safety
All trims in the current model year have a full complement of six airbags, child safety restraints lower anchors for easy insertion and securing of child seats, and anti-lock brakes. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution technology is standard on the Eclipse, as is Active Stability Control (ASC). All Eclipse vehicles have three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and active head restraints.
Compared To The Competition
The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a favorably priced vehicle when all the standard features are considered; its competition centers around models such as the Kia Forte, Honda Civic Coupe and the Scion tC Sports Coupe. The base price is practically identical on all the above named models, however the Eclipse has a larger fuel tank, better overall interior standard features, and standard automatic headlights and rear spoiler. The horsepower on the Eclipse is less than the comparably equipped Kia Forte or Scion tC, but the fuel economy is nearly the same.
All in all, the people at Mitsubishi have made only a few minor tweaks to the 2012 Eclipse, and it will be interesting to see if there is any forthcoming announcement about discontinuing the model altogether. This goes for the Spyder convertible as well, as Mitsubishi is thinking of revamping its midsize automobile lineup in the coming model years.
