1997 Mitsubishi Diamante Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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1997 Mitsubishi Diamante Review: Road Test

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1997 Mitsubishi Diamante Review

A luxury surprise from Down Under.
Driving Impressions
The engineers and product planners decided not to confuse the issue

with powertrain or driveline options. They simply offer their best effort,

a 3.5-liter V6 which produces 210 hp at 5000 rpm and enough low end torque

to make for easy departure from a standing start. This is essentially the

same V6 that propels the much heavier Montero sport-utility, and it yields smooth, respectable

punch harnessed to the much lighter Diamante.

The V6 is paired with an exceptionally smooth-shifting four-speed automatic

transmission that includes Mitsubishi's Adaptive Transmission Control Management

(ATCM). What this means is that the transmission's computer controls are

capable of electronically learning the driver's style and modifying the

shifting strategy to gain optimal performance and fuel efficiency as well

as smooth power transitions.

Lifting the hood reveals a tidy, well laid-out engine compartment--as

long as it's daylight. Night inspections could be a problem, however, since

there's no light under there, another small but puzzling omission. It seems

even more inconsistent in contrast with the thoughtful battery housing,

which is completely encased. It isn't often that a battery actually blows

up, but they do sometimes ooze acid at the posts and with this approach,

the engine compartment is completely protected from that caustic substance.

While the ride is soft and compliant enough to please luxury car passengers,

the suspension is stout enough and responsive enough to be able to handle

twisty-turny roads competently. Although the Diamante's overall dynamics

are skewed in favor of comfort, the feel is firm, controlled and contemporary.

And braking performance is consistent with other cars in this class.

Vision is good from the driver's seat, too--no big blind spots to hinder

or annoy. And with controls and gauges well placed, the car feels comfortable

and pleasureable to drive as well as responsive. Next Page



1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  
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