2004 Mitsubishi Diamante: A Gem Among Near-Luxury Sedans

New Design Inside and Out, and Added Content Make Diamante Shine

October 31, 2003 -- Cypress, CA. -- Mitsubishi's flagship sedan receives a major freshening for 2004, including an all-new fascia and grille that emphasizes the Diamante's upscale character. Inside, the Diamante's center console, including audio and air conditioning controls, were also redesigned to improve ergonomics and ease-of-use. The base-level ES receives new premium fabric, and a four-speed Sportronic(TM) transmission is now standard equipment on the LS and VR-X trim lines.

With the 2004 Diamante, Mitsubishi continues to answer the call for an affordably priced, stylish near-luxury sedan that offers buyers a multitude of features, excellent road manners and a price that's well below what people might expect.

"The Diamante is our flagship sedan, offering luxury and sophistication in a value-rich package a step above the mid-sized sedan segment," said Finbarr O'Neill, co-chairman and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA). "Diamante drivers are especially loyal to the Mitsubishi brand and value the car's performance, styling and affordability. For 2004, Diamante receives design flourishes inside and out that add to this car's premium appeal."

DIAMANTE VR-X

This front-wheel-drive, four-door sedan retains all the luxury features that make the Diamante a jewel in the class, while adding some aggressive exterior styling cues common to performance cars. The VR-X's exterior adds a decklid spoiler, color-key body side trim, unique headlamps and tail lamps.

The interior of Diamante VR-X features sport-style bucket seats and premium seat fabric. The cockpit is also adorned with many premium sports-sedan touches. An illuminated white-faced gauge panel with VR-X graphics, along with optional charcoal-leather seating surfaces, power adjustable front seats, platinum-finished trim accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob all add to the sporty appeal of this sedan. The sport-style front bucket seats include a 14-way (10-way power) adjustable driver's seat with memory and 12-way (8-way power) adjustable passenger seat, which add comfort to an interior that also includes power side mirrors and automatic climate controls. Two-tone color scheme upholstery, variable-speed wipers, and cruise control are also standard on this well-appointed near-luxury sedan.

The Diamante VR-X is fitted with a sport-tuned suspension that includes higher rate coil springs and anti-roll bars for improved handling. Diamante sedans stay glued to the road with the help of a four-wheel independent suspension that utilizes MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Riding under this sport suspension are 16"x7" cast aluminum wheels. The Diamante VR-X's driving dynamics and safety are bolstered by an antilock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and traction control.

With last year's addition of a free-flowing tuned exhaust system, the output of the VR-X's 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 engine is 210 horsepower at 5000 rpm. This power flows through the responsive four-speed Sportronic(TM) transmission with Adaptive Shift control, a transmission that learns a driver's shifting characteristics and helps put more of an intuitive feeling into the Diamante driving experience.

Two other trim lines are available on the 2004 Diamante. The Diamante ES and LS, highlighted by crisp fender lines, a subtly elevated rear deck, and tapered door mirrors, personify the artistry invested in this near-luxury sedan.

The Diamante backs up its aggressive looks with an equal dose of power from its 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve V6 engine. The 3.5-liter unit delivers 205 horsepower and a muscular 231 pound-feet of torque. Answering a driver's call to get underway quickly, Diamante can accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 8.1 seconds.1

Featuring a fully independent suspension, the Diamante rides on a proven MacPherson strut front design and a multilink setup at the rear. Front and rear stabilizers provide a fine balance between a high-quality ride and reassuring yet athletic handling characteristics.

Four-wheel disc brakes inspire confidence upon every stop. For increased control in hard-braking situations, the system include four-sensor, three-channel antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). And because tires are an integral part of any braking system, the Diamante makes full use of sporty P215/60R16 V-rated rubber.

Always an exceptional value in the class, the Diamante ES and LS are equipped with a host of standard features, including automatic climate control, fade-up and fade-out interior lighting system, 30-second reserve power for windows after the ignition is turned off, security immobilizer with alarm and front and rear cupholders. Solar-control tinted glass helps block ultraviolet light, keeping the interior cooler while reducing sun damage to interior materials.

TRIM LEVEL SUMMARY

Diamante ES

The surprisingly affordable Diamante ES has many standard features buyers expect in a luxury sedan, but the ES is offered at a midsize price. Standard ES fare includes automatic climate control, a power glass sliding sunroof, keyless entry system with trunk release and panic feature, six-speaker AM/FM stereo CD player, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, lighted visor vanity mirrors for driver and passenger, power windows, power locks, power side view mirrors, power sunroof with pull shade and automatic climate control.

Diamante LS

The Diamante LS offers an elevated level of standard appointments, such as comfortable leather-faced seating surfaces, Sportronic(TM) transmission, 14-way (10-way power) adjustable power driver's seat with position memory, 12-way (8-way power) adjustable power passenger seat including passenger power lumbar, electro-luminescent gauges, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

A new premium 270-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) AM/FM/CD sound system with eight speakers and a separate amplifier orchestrates the Diamante LS experience.

The 2004 Diamante LS also offers an optional All-Weather Package, which includes traction control, heated side mirrors and heated front seats.

Diamante VR-X

The new Diamante VR-X offers drivers an exciting blend of luxury and performance in the near-luxury segment. With 210 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6, a responsive four-speed Sportronic(TM) transmission, and a tuned suspension, the Diamante VR-X aims to deliver one of the more satisfying driving experiences in the category. Externally, the VR-X has been dressed up with aggressive aerodynamics such as side skirts, a rear deck-lid spoiler and wheel arch flares. A bIack mesh grille and color-keyed rear taillight trim pieces and chrome exhaust tip also help heighten the sporty appeal of the VR-X exterior.

Inside, the VR-X receives sportier gauges, supportive, sport-style bucket seats covered in black sports fabric (leather seating surfaces optional), and a power glass sunroof.

All Diamante models come with a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and seven-year or 100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. In addition, Mitsubishi provides 24-hour roadside assistance and free towing on all warranty-related repairs during the first three years or 36,000 miles.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of nearly 700 dealers throughout North America. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

1. Motor Trend.com Buyer's Guide, September 20, 2001