Sporty coupes: four sleek-looking cars with reasonable fuel economy.(Chevrolet Cobalt)(Acura RSX)(Scion tC)(Mitsubishi Eclipse)(Product/Service Evaluation)

The four sporty coupes in this month's test group are based upon ordinary sedans and are not very sporty as a group. They are, however, affordable cars that emphasize style over practicality and happen to get relatively good fuel economy, especially when fitted with manual transmissions. Most also benefit from the versatility of their hatchback designs. Our group consisted of the

Chevrolet Cobalt coupe, Acura RSX, Scion tC, and Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Acura RSX and Scion tC had very good fuel-economy numbers in our tests, 28 and 26 mpg overall, respectively. At 23 mpg overall, the Cobalt and Eclipse had only average fuel economy. Each was purchased with a manual transmission, and prices ranged from $17,365 for the tC to $24,135 for the Cobalt. The Cobalt replaced the Cavalier for 2005, the tC was introduced last year to Toyota's new Scion brand, and the 2006 Eclipse is in its fourth incarnation. By contrast, the RSX dates back to 2001 and is based on the outgoing Honda Civic.

Earlier this year we tested the Cobalt LS sedan with the 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, and it ranked midpack among small sedans. For this group we chose the supercharged SS version, which is much quicker and more nimble and leads this group of cars. Instead of a versatile hatchback like the other three in the group, the Cobalt coupe features a conventional trunk. First year reliability of the Cobalt sedan has been much worse than average, but we have no data on the newer SS version.

The RSX remains a taut and fun-to-drive car. The base model is agile and has a smooth but not very powerful engine; the Type S version we tested in 2001 is quicker.

The Acura's shifter is a treat to use, the seats are comfortable, and the hatchback makes it versatile. However, rear-seat room is almost nonexistent, the ride is choppy, and road noise is pronounced. Reliability has been very good.

The tC is the only car with livable rear seating in the group. It also has the quietest and most comfortable ride. Handling and acceleration are sound but not particularly sporty. Standard equipment is generous, especially considering its low price. A rear wiper, however, is conspicuously absent. First year reliability has been average.

The Eclipse shares a platform with the Galant sedan. Its curves suggest a sporty demeanor, but underneath it's rather ordinary. Handling is not especially agile, and the noisy 2.4-liter engine is not very energetic. Despite being the largest of the group, the Eclipse has a cramped interior, a low driving position with uncomfortable seats, and a nearly unusable rear seat. Its hatchback, however, offers some versatility. Reliability is yet unknown. The previous generation was average.