Eclipse sheds light on family fun

Everyone can enjoy a sporty little car; whether you’re behind the wheel or just along for the ride, there is always fun to be had by all.

A bright yellow coupe that screams ‘look at me’ (and it’s hard not to), the Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty little number that looks even better this year with its new nose and new front and rear bumper fasciae. Sitting on low profile rubber wrapped around sharp-looking 18-inch alloy wheels, the Eclipse looks fast and athletic.

Complete with the GT-P package, the Eclipse comes equipped with plenty of standard features over the base GS. First and foremost: the engine.

Under the hood is a 3.8-litre V6, attached to a six-speed manual transmission. The combination provides 265 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque and easily moves the Eclipse in quick manner. Power is readily available at all times and there is little hesitation in changing gears.

Handling and steering response is pretty good and while the Eclipse may not be breaking new ground with its suspension setup, it feels steady and stable.

The engine tone coming out of the dual exhaust is meaty and only makes you want to push the Eclipse harder, just to hear it scream.

Inside, you’ll find some good things and some bad things. First, the good.

This Eclipse comes with leather seating surfaces, complete with a heating function for the front seats and a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Leather wraps the steering wheel and shifter knob, climate controls are automatic, and the glass sunroof is powered as well.

Now, the bad.

Seating in the rear seats is pretty tight — even for kids. Although my kids could sit normally I couldn’t imagine trying to wedge a full-size person in the back without feeling a little sorry for them.

The kids’ view was somewhat obscured by the tight rear window, but even I found I had to be extra careful looking around for other traffic.

The rear liftgate opens wide and gives you great access to the cargo space, which is a little on the small side, but you’re not going to be worried about Costco trips when you drive this car anyway.

If you need a little more room, the rear seats fold down in a 50/50 manner. The only problem is the hard trunk cover which can get in your way if you don’t manage your cargo properly.

The thumpity-thump in the trunkity-trunk comes from a booming 10-inch subwoofer attached to a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system. With the added in-dash six CD/MP3 player and the satellite radio in tow, there is little concern you won’t be able to rock out with the family.

Provided they can get in the back seat of course.