From the front view, the talon's low-slung foglights, fat tires and squinty, imperious headlights convey both style and sportiness. A black canopy, black spoiler and beveled side-body panels add a dash of drama, as does the swept-back rear-hatch window. However, as far as style is concerned, the otherwise sleek driver-side profile is cluttered by too many elements: an antenna, rear-window wiper, blacked-out side-window borders and multiple body seams. We also found ourselves wishing - again, from a styling perspective - that the Talon was a notch-back coupe with a trunk instead of a hatch. From the rear, the fat fascia, concave hind quarters and chrome dual exhausts suggest the Talon is ready for some serious road wars. From a more functional standpoint, the rear deck lid opens to reveal enough space for perhaps a dozen shopping bags - and maybe another eight or so when the rear seats are folded down.
Engineers has given the Talon TSi the same control arm and multi-link rear suspension used in the Mitsubishi Galant. The wheelbase is wider - 98.8 in. compared with the 97.2 in. wheelbase in the '94 - and the new design incorporates more aerodynamic lines and a sportier, more aggressive stance.