Eclipse Spyder convertible arrives soon

Arriving in showrooms this month, the 2007 Spyder has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $25,969 for a GS with five-speed manual transmission and 162-horspower, four-cylinder engine. A GT model with six-speed manual transmission and 260-horsepower V6 starts at $29,449.

The subcompact Spyder includes several practical features, including 5.2 cubic feet of trunk space and standout audio system. But convertible lovers are bound to relish the three-layer soft top.

In the test car, it worked well to keep out a lot of exterior noise. The only manual part of the soft top operation is undoing two latches at the top of the windshield. They were well-aligned, and by pressing a small button before unlatching the top, I found I didn’t need as much effort to undo these latches.

Indeed, this is much less cumbersome than what I’ve experienced in some more expensive convertibles, such a Chrysler Crossfire test car.

Spyder passengers also will appreciate not having to look up and see metal and mechanicals above their heads as they do in the Pontiac Solstice and some other convertibles. And the test Spyder’s top always operated easily, with no glitches, even when I stopped and started it many times during its 19-second, power-operated cycle.

Activating the Spyder’s power switch meant even the hard tonneau cover that hides the folded-down fabric top behind the rear seats goes up and down on its own.

Competitors include the 2006 Solstice, which starts at $20,490 for a base model with manual transmission and 177-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, and the Mini Cooper Convertible, which starts at $22,500 for a 115-horsepower, four-cylinder model with manual transmission.

Note, though, that in contrast to the Spyder with two small rear seats, the Solstice has only two front seats. And while the Spyder can be had with V6, neither the Solstice nor Mini Cooper Convertible offers a V6.

Last year, Mitsubishi didn’t have a convertible version of its sporty Eclipse coupe, which debuted about a year ago as a fourth-generation car with a new front-wheel-drive platform, new styling, larger interior, more engine power and safety improvements. Starting MSRP, including delivery, of the 2006 Eclipse coupe is $19,994.

The 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter, single overhead cam, four-cylinder engine worked so well in the test Spyder GS, I wondered if buyers need the uplevel, 260-horsepower V6.

The four cylinder with five-speed manual had ample power. I didn’t even have to downshift to keep momentum on many hills.

Third gear became my favorite as an all-around accommodating gear for city traffic, and engine noises were confident without being overbearing.

But the 3.8-liter, single overhead cam V6 makes the 2007 Spyder the most powerful ever, and sounds from the V6 are louder and a bit brawnier than those for the four cylinder.

Maximum torque is 162 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm with the four cylinder and 258 foot-pounds at 4,500 rpm with the V6.

Premium gasoline is recommended for peak performance in the V6, and automatic transmissions are also available.

With sizable, 17- and 18-inch wheels, depending on the model, the Spyder has a sporty ride, with many bumps and vibrations readily coming through to passengers.

This car takes curves and twisties with a hug-the-ground feel. I just wish there was less shudder and body shake. It’s especially noticeable on rough roads and when the Spyder travels over railroad crossings.

The rear window is glass, with defroster. But the glass is small and it takes some getting used to the constricted rearward view.

Also, the turning circle for this small car is surprisingly large — 40 feet. This makes for clumsy U-turns on residential streets.

Front bucket seats in the Spyder look and feel great, but buyers hopefully won’t need rear seating.

While there are two rear seats in the Spyder, their straight-up back rests, lack of head restraints and minimal legroom make them uncomfortable, to say the least, for most people.

I did like the ice blue lights illuminating the gauges, and the right-from-the-factory clear, customized-looking taillamps.

A 650-watt, premium stereo system from Rockford Fosgate, which is well-known for its powerful automotive aftermarket sound systems, is standard in every Spyder and includes a six-CD player and MP3 playback capability. It includes automatic sound equalization that seeks to keep the sounds optimal, regardless of whether the top is up or down.

For the first time, the Spyder includes standard, seat-mounted side airbags. It also has antilock brakes and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution that seeks to equalize braking force.

What’s missing? Satellite radio isn’t available, and Mitsubishi is still looking at adding a connector for Apple iPods.<