expanding the car's dimensions and improving chassis rigidity.
Stylists gave the front end a vee-shaped grille and integrated it into
the molded front bumper to give Diamante its own distinctive face. The
frameless side glass allows the eye to travel along the side of the car
without interruption.
The generous trunk has a squared off, rather sassy look that also contributes
to the commodious interior. Perhaps Mitsubishi will add an interior cargo
net next year to help secure grocery bags and make it easier to retrieve
the wandering grapefruit. An accessible yet unobtrusive space has been
made for the optional 10-stack CD player and this, plus a trunk liner mat,
added $758 to the cost of our test car.
The Diamante offers a choice of models, either the well equipped base
ES or the even better equipped LS. Since both models are mechanically identical,
the differences are in trim details. For example, the ES comes standard
with a cloth interior, while the LS has leather. The ES is equipped with
15-inch aluminum alloy wheels and tires, while the LS travels on 16-inch
bright-finished wheels. Both models feature four-wheel disc brakes, with
antilock available as an option. Our test car's ABS system was baked into
a $2561 Luxury Convenience Group option package which also included an
eight-speaker Infinity upgrade audio system, keyless remote entry, a driver
info display, a child restraint seat and a Homelink System.
Standard creature features abound in both models, which contributes
significantly to the Diamante's value story. The basic ES, for example,
includes automatic climate control, an AM/FM/cassette sound system and
power windows, mirrors and door locks in its purchase price--$30,460, including
a $470 destination charge. Next Page