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The latest version of Mitsubishi’s popular Eclipse coupe seems to be better in every respect, giving Eclipse fans a new model worthy of their attention — and dollars.

This is the fourth generation of the Eclipse, but Mitsubishi says it is the first one to be based on a chassis platform that was “designed and built expressly for the North American market.”

And this completely redesigned 2006 Eclipse (base price $19,399 plus $595 freight) just might bring a whole bunch of new converts into the Mitsubishi fold. The starting price, though, is $300 less than for the 2005 model.

The most fun is the uplevel GT version ($23,699 plus freight and options) that we tested, which is a sports car that some might feel is a worthy competitor to such vehicles as the Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX-8.

Before you Z and RX-8 fans start foaming at the mouth, though, let me continue: The Eclipse GT will never be quite the sports car that those two competitors are until Mitsubishi offers an all-wheel-drive version, if it ever does. The AWD model went away this year, and the company has not said whether it will return in the new lineup.

Therefore, the ’06 model comes only with front-wheel drive, which isn’t the best format for a sports car. The RX-8 and 350Z have rear-wheel drive.

The Eclipse GT, with a 263-horsepower V-6, has more power than the RX-8’s 250, but less than the Z, which is up to 300 hp. for 2006 (for manual-gearbox models). All three ring up at about the same starting price, although the Z-car can get into the mid-$35,000s with special packages and options.

But our Eclipse GT, with everything on it that can be added (except automatic transmission), totaled $27,964 (including freight), which seems quite a bargain for such a fun-filled car.

And with the Eclipse, you get a small back seat, something that’s not present in the Z-car.

Options on our vehicle included the GT Premium Package ($3,270), which tacked on leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system (with six-disc in-dash CD changer and nine speakers), automatic climate control, self-dimming rearview mirror, power driver’s seat, alloy pedals, and heated front seats and outside mirrors; an accessory package ($270), which brought an alloy fuel-filler door, wheel locks, cargo net, and sport floor mats; and premium paint ($130).

This car’s handling is quite impressive, something we found while testing it on some beautiful Hill Country twisties.

Surprisingly, there is very little evidence of torque steer with the front-wheel drive, something that I’ve found quite annoying on some other more-expensive cars, including most Saabs.

This car hugs the road in the turns as well as the Z-car, yet the ride is still comfortable. In last year’s model, you had to choose between a comfortable ride (in the base model) or good handling (in the GT), but you didn’t get both in one car. This time, you do.

I haven’t driven the GT with the optional five-speed automatic, but the six-speed manual — similar to that of the Z-car — is perfect for this vehicle.

The 3.8-liter V-6 engine’s torque curve is flat enough to give the car great power throughout its range, and the six-speed transmission just optimizes that power almost to perfection.

Torque reaches its maximum of 260 foot-pounds at 4,500 rpm; the maximum 263 horsepower turns up at 5,750 rpm.

The new Eclipse went into production in April at the company’s U.S. plant in Normal, Ill,., and once they began arriving at dealerships in May, they were snapped up almost as they arrived, mostly by previous Eclipse owners hungry for the new model. Mitsubishi’s recent financial woes have been widely publicized, but this is not a company that’s going away, and the new Eclipse underscores that message. The parent company is quite healthy — and wealthy — and is not about to let its automotive subsidiary fail. With the introduction of the all-new Eclipse — which has virtually nothing but its name in common with the previous Eclipse — Mitsubishi shows that it plans to remain in the North american market.

The fact that the company is best known for a sporty two-door car, though, is an exception in this U.S. market, where four-door sedans and sport utility vehicles rule. The Eclipse is the brand’s bread-and-butter U.S. product, and has long had a large and loyal following of consumers.

While the 2006 Eclipse is billed as a two-door sport coupe, it’s technically a three-door hatchback.

There is seating for four, as in the past, and lots of emphasis on styling and features designed to appeal to the young consumers who traditionally buy these cars.

The car’s all-new styling is almost as stunning as its performance. The car does seem to have borrowed some of its looks from the 350Z, but with enough difference to make it instantly recognizable as an Eclipse. Styling has always been one of its strong points, though, and this new model carries that even farther.

Inside, the car looks quite elegant — much nicer than its price tag would indicate. Gauges are large and easy to read, and all controls are within easy reach. The audio upgrade puts controls for the system on the steering wheel. Interior materials aren’t cheap-looking, and the fit and finish are excellent.

The sport bucket seats up front are comfortable, and have enough side-bolstering to hold their passengers in place during sporty driving on curves. Two can sit in the rear seat, but knee room is a bit short with the front seats all the way back.

The base GS model comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 162 horsepower and 162 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines use variable valve timing. A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the GS, while a four-speed Sportronic automatic is a $900 option.

For performance addicts, our GT tester is the choice. The six-speed manual is standard, while a five-speed Sportronic is $900 extra. Neither the five-speed automatic nor the six-speed manual is offered on the GS, however.

Standard on even the base model are such amenities as four-wheel disc antilock brakes, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, front side-curtain air bags and larger alloy wheels, none of which was included on the base ’05 model. Also included are manual air conditioning, power windows and door locks with remote control, cruise control, engine immobilizer anti-theft system, AM/FM/compact-disc audio system with MP3 playback and six speakers, split-folding rear seatback, floor mats, 17-inch alloy wheels, 225/50R17 tires, rear-window defroster and a rear spoiler. The antilock braking system includes the new electronic brake-force distribution system that is becoming standard throughout the industry.

GT models come with even more (besides the V-6 engine and six-speed gearbox), including traction control, ventilated rear brakes, a front strut-tower bar, and fog lights. Options for the GS model include a “sun and sound” package ($1,500 extra), which adds a power sunroof; the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system; the auto-dimming rearview mirror; and compass and temperature readings in the center display.

The car is 179.7 inches long, which is 3.1 inches longer than the ’05 model; wheelbase is 101.4 inches, a half-inch longer than before. The new model is 72.2 inches wide and 53.5 inches high (53.8 inches with 18-inch tires), compared with 68.9 inches wide and 51.6 or 52.8 inches high before.

Cargo capacity is 15.7 cubic feet, which is down slightly from the 2005 model’s 16.9 cubic feet.

Curb weight for the base GS manual model is 3,274 pounds (without optional equipment), up from 2,910 before. For the GT, base curb weight is 3,472 pounds, up from 3,329.

No convertible model is offered, and no plans have been announced for one. A convertible was offered for the 2005 model year.

EPA fuel-economy ratings are 18 miles per gallon city/27 highway for the GT with manual gearbox, and 23 city/30 highway for the GS with manual.

The tank holds 17.7 gallons of fuel.

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G. Chambers Williams III is staff automotive columnist for the San Antonio Express-News and former transportation writer for the Star-Telegram. His automotive columns have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1995.

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At a Glance: 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The package: Compact, three-door, four-passenger, inline four-cylinder or V-6 powered, front-drive sport hatchback.

Highlights: Mitsubishi’s bread-and-butter car gets a complete remake for 2006, including an entirely new chassis, styling, engines and transmissions. Gone are convertible, all-wheel-drive and turborcharged versions, but these new ones, especially the uplevel GT, are very fun cars.

Negatives: Front-wheel drive is not the optimum setup for a sports car; an all-wheel-drive version would fix that.

Engines: 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder; 3.8-liter V-6.

Transmission: Five- (GS) or six-speed (GT) manual standard; four- (GS) or five-speed (GT) automatic with Sportronic manual shifting a $900 option.

Power/torque: 162 hp./162 foot-pounds (GS); 263 hp./260 foot-pounds (GT).

Length: 179.7 inches.

Base curb weight: 3,274 pounds (GS); 3,472 pounds (GT).

Cargo volume: 15.7 cubic feet.

Fuel capacity: 17.7 gallons.

EPA fuel economy: 23 mpg city/30 highway (GS, manual); 18 city/27 highway (GT, manual).

Major competitors: Varies with model (GS or GT), but includes Honda Civic Si, Acura RSX, Mazda RX-8, Nissan 350Z, Audi A3, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Mini Cooper, Saab 9-2X, Scion tC, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen Golf/GTI/New Beetle.

Base prices: $19,399 (GS)/$23,699 (GT), plus $595 transportation.

Price as tested: $27,964 including freight and options (GT with manual transmission).

On the Road rating: ***** (five stars out of five).

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Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary according to manufacturer and/or dealer rebates, discounts and incentives, if any.