Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mitsubishi Eclipse III (3G) 2.4 i 16V (147 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mitsubishi Eclipse:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport compact car which was manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi over four generations in the 1990–2012 model years. A convertible body style was added during the 1996 model year.
The first two generations were marketed simultaneously as rebadged variants, including the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser — and were a byproduct of Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler Corporation's close alliance. Their partnership in turn gave rise to Diamond-Star Motors. In Japan, the first two generations were sold at a specific Japanese retail chain called Mitsubishi Car Plaza. The third, 2000–2005 generation shared an extended wheelbase variant of their platform with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus. In May 2005, the fourth, and final generation Eclipse was introduced, replacing the Chrysler platform used for the third generation with the PS platform....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (3G) Overview:
Mitsubishi Eclipse (III (3G)). With 214 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1315 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. A car with a sloping rear hatch that opens upwards, combining style and practicality. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.4 i 16V (147 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
With a slight power bump and often paired with a manual transmission, this variant offers a marginally more engaging driving experience than the automatic, suitable for daily use and light spirited driving.
Fuel Economy
Slightly better fuel efficiency can be expected, especially with a manual gearbox, making it a reasonable choice for those balancing performance and running costs. It's a practical option.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive and sporty exterior styling
- • Potent V6 engine option (GT trim) offering good performance
- • Generally reliable powertrains (4G64, 6G72) if maintained
- • Affordable on the used market, offering good value
- • Comfortable front seats for a coupe
Cons:
- • Base 2.4L engine can feel underpowered, especially with automatic transmission
- • Limited rear seat space and cargo capacity, typical for a 2+2 coupe
- • Interior materials feel dated compared to some rivals
- • Front-wheel drive limits ultimate handling potential for a 'sport' coupe
- • Lack of Euro NCAP safety rating for European market comparison
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (2G, facelift 1997): 1997 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mitsubishi |
| Model: | Eclipse |
| Generation: | III (3G) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.4 i 16V (147 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe, Liftback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 147 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62.5 Hp/l [70mm more] |
| Torque: | 214 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2351 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 100 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.8 kg/Hp, 113.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 165.3 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1295-1335 |
| Max. weight: | 1750 |
| Max load: | 415-455 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 480 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4455 mm mm [70mm more] |
| Width: | 1750 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Height: | 1310 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2560 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Front track: | 1510 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1510 mm |
| Front overhang: | 975 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 920 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 148 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mitsubishi Eclipse!