Hot Ragtops For Under $35K - Convertibles - Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

{{{Mitsubishi Eclipse}}} SpyderCompared to the previous version, Mitsubishi's new, geomechanically styled Eclipse is built on a slightly larger and structurally stiffer platform. And that's a godsend. A Spyder version was an integral part of the planning process from the outset, and the chassis receives further stiffening to the tune of a 10-percent increase in torsional stiffness, and huge 60 percent more bending resistance. Though the fully lined, handsomely finished top is constructed by ASC, the Spyder is a factory convertible in every sense of the term.

The previous Eclipse's rear seats were little more than package shelves. There's now room for most kids or smallish adults-plenty adequate for the Spyder's sporty life mission. Like the coupe, the ragtop will come in four-cylinder GS and 3.0-liter, V-6-powered GT forms. Either offers a choice of a standard five-speed stick or a new four-speed automatic with Sportronic, driver-adaptable sequential shift management.

We couldn't get enough of our V-6 five-speed GT. This powerplant should be a model for other V-6s to follow. It excels in terms of smoothness, a broad torque band, and an intoxicating sound. It fooled more than one car-smart passenger into thinking it was actually an inline six-all the more reason to drive it with the top down whenever possible. Though our initial perception was that the new-for-2000 Eclipse had morphed into a more liveable but somehow less performance-oriented machine than the model it replaced, the numbers say "no way": The V-6 GT outaccelerated, outbraked, and outcornered the last turbocharged GS-T Spyder we tested. So, you get more polish and more punch.

Getting topless is easy: Release two catch levers, hit the button, and away it goes. Top up, there's quite a blindspot, but the one-piece tonneau cover is simple to install, and the top's ovalish rear window is almost charming.

While its newfound chassis stiffness isn't quite up to, say, Boxster level, it's clearly the best in the moderately priced 2+2 class. Hard bumps would send one quick wiggle through the structure, but that was about it, and the balance of the package is tight and rattle free. The 210-watt Infinity sound system is more than up to the job; important, since convertibles are just noisier-top up or down-than their coupe equivalents.

Pricing is aggressive, with even a loaded-to-the-gills GT V-6 Sportronic topping out at less than $29K. Our well-outfitted tester was under $26,500.-Matt Stone