Mitsubishi Diamante flagship sedan reconstructed Down Under
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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KERRVILLE, Tex. -- Mitsubishi, the Japanese automaker with production facilities scattered in numerous countries around the world, has devised a rather worldly concept for a new generational edition of the brand's flagship sedan, labeled Diamante.
Designed in Japan and produced in Australia, the sleek mid-size Diamante with 1997 model-year badge has come ashore in North America after a year of attention in Asian and European markets.
Its concept makes good sense: Create a spacious and elegant machine equipped with performance-oriented hardware and outfitted with hallmarks of comfort -- yet keep the lid on prices to position Diamante at the affordable end of the near-luxury class among mid-size imports.
Diamante's base tags for two trim versions remain below the line of $30,000.
Dressed in smooth and sophisticated sheetmetal shapes, Diamante scores to world-class standard for aerodynamic efficiency in the way the vehicle slices through still air.
This new design, although pitched on the same essential platform of the previous Diamante, measures almost four inches longer and carries a 5-person passenger compartment expanded by more than seven cubic feet.
It also packs more power than the predecessor, thanks to a new 3.5-liter V6 that musters a robust 210 horsepower.
The expanded use of light-weight aluminum components helps pare weight by 250 pounds, so when teamed with the more powerful engine and a fully independent suspension system, Diamante behaves like a playful zipper.
One tester's chance to play occurred in the Texas Hill Country on fast-clip freeways and winding 2-laners.
Buckle up and we'll run a loop through those hills, with driving impressions imparted along the way.
Starting on congested city streets in San Antonio, my time in the car began with observations not so much on how it behaved but about the way it sounded -- or didn't. With doors shut and windows up, a soothing quietness quickly became apparent, as external urban noises and engine vibrations were muted.
Such a calm and isolated passenger compartment, the result of a rigid chassis and extensive use of sound-damping materials concealed throughout the structure, represents a hallmark of elite luxury cars.
At speed on a freeway it stayed silent, with virtually no noticeable wind noise. Mitsubishi's careful attention to aerodynamics obviously contributes to this quality of quietness.
That slipstream styling pays off additionally with more efficient forward movement and therefore increased fuel efficiency, although the most apparent benefit translates to some stunning exterior shapes.
All lines seem to merge in fluid format with one plane surface flowing into another through rounded corners.
A narrow front grill with flanking corner lamps crown the gently sloped hood, which initiates a graceful profile that ripples across the canted windshield and cascades into elegantly executed C pillars. A discrete black-out treatment for B pillars between front and rear doors evoke the image of a smooth coupe.
The tail looks unique: A crisp spoiler lip on top, followed by a concave curve drooping to bumper with accents added by flanking taillamps.
Monochromatic treatment for all trim elements, from bumpers to side door moldings, strengthens the softness of this car's understated appearance and further conveys its position in prime class.
Within this slick shell Mitsubishi's designers have sculpted plush spaces for up to five riders in a layout that installs twin front buckets and a back bench for three.
Front seats, separated by a floor-mounted console with handy storage recesses and padded arm rest on top, feature form-fitted bowls and tucks with firm side bolsters. Both the entry ES and luxury LS trim levels provide 7-way adjustments for driver's seat, with power controls added on the top model.
Supple leather, the stock of LS, is available with ES.
A new instrument panel adds eye-popping electro-luminescent analog gauges, including tachometer. All float in front of driver in magical 3-dimensional glow.
Shifter lever, mounted to the console in sporty stance, connects to Diamante's 4-speed automatic transmission, which carries an adaptive controller that, with help from an on-board computer, quickly learns a driver's habits and manipulates shift patterns to best suit the driving style.
Take it easy and this one interprets that style by shifting gently at relatively low engine speed. Pep it up in a more sporty manner and you'll find the transmission holds a gear to wrap it out and enhance speed. Tackle a long downhill descent, like those encountered in my Texas tests, and the shifter drops a gear to add engine braking.
Floor it as we rip up a freeway's on-ramp and this thing will pin your shoulders to the seat. Acceleration feels quick and satisfying at all speeds, and seems particularly helpful when trying to pass.
Diamante's V6 pent-roof engine, displacing 3.5 liters and rigged with overhead cam and multi-valve technology, wears aluminum heads and provides heady torque through all gears. It's efficient, muscular, yet extremely quiet due to the extra attention to isolate engine noise and vibration.
Aluminum components of the rigid chassis pare mass and build strength. The entire passenger compartment has been wrapped in strong braces, with fore and aft crumple zones included for extra protection.
A fully independent suspension installs MacPherson struts up front and rear multi-link system, with stabilizer bars aboard to stem body sway.
This suspension does a good job of isolating harsh road bumps from riders while still affecting a sporty stance for driver. It allows Diamante to hug curves and roll through dips and bumps.
A long list of standard features for both models includes air conditioning, power windows and door locks, courtesy lamps, power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes and speed-sensing power rack and pinion steering. Anti-lock brakes and luxury gear with sunroof install optionally.
In all, Diamante delivers an elegant car poised with good manners for a bottom line that can hold below $30,000.
1997 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE
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| 1997 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
107.1 inches |
| Overall Length: |
194.1 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 3.5-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/opt. ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
18/26 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 27,000 to $ 32,000 |
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