The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder creeps onto the scene to provide some serious competition for the Mini Cooper S, the Saturn Sky, the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the one and only 2010 Ford Mustang. With pricing ranging from $27,799 up to $32,599, this 2-door, 4-seated roadster comes to you in your choice between the GS and GT trims. It is definitely a looker and it backs up those good looks with a lot of guts.

The Eclipse Spyder from Mitsubishi is a pleasure to drive. It offers you the chance to let your hair blow back in the open air and experience the freedom that only a convertible will provide you. And it does so at significantly lower prices than most of its competition. On the GS models, a 2.4L 162hp 162 lb-ft I4 reaches maximum power output levels at 6000 RPM. For the GT models, a beefy 3.8L 265hp 262 lb-ft V6 peaks its power at 5750 RPM. While the GS features a 4-speed automatic transmission with a mode for manual shifting, the GT comes with a 5-speed automatic/manual mode.

Mitsubishi shows that they care about your safety in 2010 by presenting the Eclipse Spyder with a nice selection of airbags including head extensions on the side curtains. In addition, electronic stability and traction control are included as well as an occupancy sensor, ABS braking, seatbelt pretensions, daytime running lights and a well performing tire pressure monitoring system. And it doesn't stop there. A panic alarm, dual staged door locks, a high tech alarm system and a system for engine disabling are all included as standard features as well. You can also opt to have Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary input jacks and a rear view camera installed.

The 2010 Eclipse Spyder from Mitsubishi is 180.4 x 72.2 x 54.4 inches (l x w x h) and sits on top of a 101.4 inch wheelbase. It rides 5.8 inches above the ground and has a gross vehicle weight of 4266 pounds. On the inside, frontal headroom measures 40 inches (36 in the rear). 54 inches of front shoulder room also abounds, however that decreases significantly to 40 inches in the rear. Those same measurements apply to front and rear hip room as well. While front passengers are allowed to stretch in 42.8 inches of legroom, rear passengers are somewhat cramped with only 27.7 inches. However, this is a convertible and convertibles are not really designed for passenger hauling.

They're not designed for hauling cargo either. A small 5.2 cubic feet of cargo space is presented and cannot be increased. The turning radius for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is exactly 20 feet. Fuel tank capacity is measured at 17.7 gallons. And while the GS will take you 19/26 MPG city/highway, the GT drops down to 16/24 in EPA estimations for fuel efficiency.

Overall, the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a hot-looking, fast-driving pleasure cruiser that boasts an exceptional standard feature list at a very pleasing price point. It serves as an effective thorn in the side to its competition due to its affordability and fun, unique styling.