Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mitsubishi Eclipse III (3G, facelift 2003) 3.0 V6 (210 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, facelift 2003) Overview:
Mitsubishi Eclipse (III (3G, facelift 2003)). With 278 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1470 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.
3.0 V6 (210 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The pinnacle of Eclipse performance for this generation, the 210 Hp V6 with a manual gearbox offers exhilarating acceleration and a truly rewarding driving experience for enthusiasts.
Fuel Economy
Despite the power bump, the manual transmission helps manage fuel consumption. It's the least economical of the manual options but offers the best performance-to-economy balance for its power.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive and sporty styling
- • Strong V6 engine options (especially GTS)
- • Comfortable ride for a sport coupe
- • Good value on the used car market
- • Reliable powertrains (when well-maintained)
Cons:
- • Base 2.4L engine can feel underpowered
- • Automatic transmissions dull performance
- • Interior materials feel dated compared to rivals
- • Front-wheel drive limits ultimate handling prowess
- • Limited rear seat space
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Spyder III (3G): 1999 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mitsubishi |
| Model: | Eclipse |
| Generation: | III (3G, facelift 2003) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0 V6 (210 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe, Liftback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 210 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 70.7 Hp/l [35mm more] |
| Torque: | 278 Nm @ 3750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 6G72 More details about the engine 6G72 |
| Engine displacement: | 2972 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 91.1 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 76 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6200 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7 kg/Hp, 142.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 189.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1470 |
| Max. weight: | 1820 |
| Max load: | 350 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 479 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4490 mm mm [35mm more] |
| Width: | 1750 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1310 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2560 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1510 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1510 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 150 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.2 m [above average] |
| 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, 276x26 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 262x10 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
Behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. How does it handle on the road?