Those searching for a competent luxury sedan should not overlook the Diamante. But one could do without some of the extra-cost technological wizardry offered on Mitsubishi's largest and poshest sedan.
That sums up the impressions of several hundred miles spent with the 1992 Diamante, Mitsubishi's first real foray into the crowded luxury market.If one were to pick a direct target, the Diamante may be aimed at the more expensive Acura Legend sedan. But this front-drive sedan, roughly the size of a Ford Taurus, is really a broad scattershot at the market.
It is intended to attract a broad range of customers - from those moving up from a Nissan Maxima to those considering an Audi, Saab, or possibly a BMW or Mercedes. Even domestic nameplates like the Pontiac Bonneville and Ford Crown Victoria are considered peripheral targets.
Diamante means diamond in Spanish and Italian. That is an apt description for this treasure of a car, hidden beneath a pleasant but bland exterior whose front end could be easily mistaken for an older BMW.
Beneath its skin, however, the Diamante is loaded with features that give it considerable value for the dollar, even measured in terms of today's often startling prices.
Slightly less than $20,000 gets one a well-equipped base model with automatic air conditioning, anti-theft system, driver's-side air bag, cruise control and AM-FM cassette stereo, plus the usual gaggle of power-operated windows, seats, door locks and mirrors.
The Diamante LS starts at $25,135, and adds anti-lock brakes, speed-sensitive power steering, alloy wheels and upgraded stereo. Leather seating is optional on the LS; a compact disc player and power sun roof are offered on both models.
The base Diamante has a 12-valve, single overhead camshaft 3.0 liter V6 that generates 175 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. A slightly detuned version of the same engine powering Mitsubishi's 3000GT is found in the LS - a 24-valve, 3.0 liter V6 with double overhead camshafts, which delivers 202 hp at 6,000 rpm.
Both have an electrically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle whose shift points can be programmed for economy or power with a console button. EPA fuel estimates are 18 city/25 mpg highway for the base engine; 18 city/24 mpg for the LS.
Riding a 107.1-inch wheelbase, its platform and suspension are derived from Mitsubishi's new 3000GT sports car, also known as the Dodge Stealth.
A fully trimmed Diamante LS costs just over $30,000 with all the high-tech bells, whistles and accompanying acronyms like "TCL with Trace Control" and "Active-ECS."
TCL stands for traction control system, which limits wheel spin during acceleration. Trace Control, which can be disengaged with a button, allows drivers to "trace" a desired path through a turn at speed because a computer reduces engine power to match the car's adhesion limit.
Active ECS means electronically controlled suspension. It automatically adjusts shock absorbers for a smooth, medium or firm ride. It also automatically raises or lowers the car's height depending on speed and pavement surface.
Both those features are part of a $1,670 "Euro handling package."
Driven for this review was a Diamante LS with Euro-handling and every extra except a CD player. It cost $30,226 as tested, counting a $368 destination fee.
One week of driving left some doubt as to the necessity of TCL and ECS in everyday driving.
While traction control can be advantageous on slippery roads, Mitsubishi claims Trace Control improves the Diamante's cornering on dry pavement. But one has to drive on the lunatic fringe to activate the system in normal conditions. But some very aggressive driving in an empty, rain-slicked parking lot managed to activate traction and trace control at a lower speed.
More impressive, however, is the fact the Diamante's road-holding abilities are so good to start with that only a small difference was detected with the system engaged.
Active ECS may have more real-world practicality. Unfortunately, ECS cannot be ordered without TCL and Trace Control.
And even without electronic enhancements, the Diamante does a very credible impression of some more expensive German marques.
Its ride is smooth, solid and well insulated, rivaling that of many more expensive sedans. The LS's engine perfectly blends politeness and power - docile around town but able to move the 3,500-pound sedan well past the legal limit so smoothly one must keep a constant eye on the speedometer.
The Diamante's richly trimmed cabin is roomy up front but surprisingly snug for rear passengers despite its wide doors. All gauges are well placed and controls operate with more of a thud than a click, providing a substantial feel.
About the only complaint is the "Visual Audio" stereo in all LS models. Its controls are complicated and there are silly graphics that depict sound effect settings like "studio," "concert hall" and "stadium field."
Mitsubishi hopes to sell about 18,000 Diamantes a year, with the LS accounting for 60 percent of sales. Each has a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.