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The Dodge Avenger name may be history, but the coupe is not. It is now called the Stratus coupe, reflecting its familial heritage with the Stratus sedan.

The Stratus coupe, as well as the very similar Chrysler Sebring coupe, is built by Mitsubishi Motor America in Normal, Ill. Both share their powertrain, instrument panel and much of their basic structure with the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Looking at the Stratus and Eclipse side by side, however, reveals only vague similarities. The Stratus coupe is smooth, sleek and curvaceous, whereas the Eclipse has sharper edges, flatter sides and a “geo-mechanical” look. The Stratus, however, is longer. Its 103.7-inch wheelbase is nearly 4 inches longer than the Eclipse, and most of the added length shows up in increased rear-seat legroom and a bigger trunk. Overall length is nearly 15 inches longer.

The Stratus coupe comes in two models: the SE and R/T. The SE, which starts at $17,810, is available with a 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter, 200-horsepower V6. The sportier R/T, which is the car I drove, is offered only with the 200-horsepower V6. Its price starts at $20,705.

Driving satisfaction is a key component of the Stratus R/T. The robust and free-revving V6 is positively delightful, especially when paired with the five-speed manual transmission whose gear ratios are closely matched to the engine’s power characteristics. The combination of a nicely weighted clutch and tight shift linkage makes it fun to run through the gears.

An AutoStick automatic transmission is optional on the R/T.

Full-throttle acceleration sometimes results in torque steer as the front tires pull from one side to the other as they fight for traction.

Complementing the R/T engine’s enthusiasm is a suspension that uses MacPherson struts in front and coil springs with a multilink axle in back. The handling is quick and responsive without being uncomfortable. It rides firmly over curvy roads yet is compliant enough to save your fillings from falling out on choppy pavement. The body structure is significantly stiffer, too, and that aids responsiveness as well as ride quality.

The R/T gets performance-oriented, 17-inch wheels that help it dig into turns.

Despite the low roofline, getting into the Stratus was easy, thanks to wide doors. Wide doors are used to facilitate rear-seat access, and they would not stay in an intermediate open position because of their weight.

Inside, the Stratus feels like a sports coupe because the cabin wraps around the passengers. The roofline is lower in front than in back, which benefits those who would ride in the small back seat. Rear-seat head and legroom is pretty tight.

The instrument panel’s chunky shape is not one of my favorites, although it functions fine. The tachometer and speedometer are set down inside a deep well, but they are clearly marked and easy to read. The radio and climate controls are pe rched on the extended center section of the dash, which puts them within arm’s reach for the driver.

Proper seats are important in a sports coupe and these have generous side and lumbar support. The split-folding rear seat is handy because it expands the trunk for hauling long objects or lots of luggage, although the opening between the trunk and back seat tends to be rather narrow. This enhances structural rigidity but hinders hauling capacity.

Child-seat tether anchors are built into the top of the back seat. Putting a young child into the back seat from the driver’s side would be awkward because the driver’s seat does not slide forward when the seat is tipped forward. The passenger seat, however, does slide forward.

The old Dodge Avenger was more of a four-person coupe than the new Stratus, but the new R/T is more fun to drive. The vigorous engine, slick-shifting five-speed and buttoned-down suspension are rewarding for drivers who like to be actively involved ith their cars.

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Price: The base price of the Stratus R/T is $20,705. The only option on the test car was was anti-lock brakes, for $565. The sticker price was $21,855.

Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles.

Specifications:

ENGINE: 3.0-liter, V6

TRANSMISSION: Five-speed

CONFIGURATION: Front-wheel drive

WHEELBASE: 103.7 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,189 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $20,705

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $21,855

MPG RATING: 20 city, 28 hwy.