Mitsubishi Magna

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Mitsubishi Magna
Mitsubishi-Motors
Production 1985-2006
Body Style Sedan/Wagon
Transmission 5 Speed Manual 4 Speed Automatic
Wheelbase 2600 mm
Length 4600 mm ('85–86) 4620 mm ('87–91) 4723 mm (wagon)

The Mitsubishi Magna is a car built by Mitsubishi Motors of Australia from May 1985 to September 2005. Prior to that, Mitsubishi, as one of Australia's "Big Three" automakers, did not field a large family car to rival the Ford Falcon, although it did build the Chrysler Valiant after it took over Chrysler's Australian operations in 1978. However, to compete in the Australian market, a car's width is very important and the former Chrysler Australia engineers set to work on creating a car that would battle in the old Valiant segment.

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First Generation (TM-TP)
Mitsubishi
Production May 1985-March 1991
Class Large Family Car
Body Style Sedan/Wagon

The first Magna, the TM series, featuring the 2.6 L Astron four-cylinder engine, was available as a sedan, a station wagon was released in 1987 with the updated TN series. It had an identical profile to the 1984 Mitsubishi Galant Sigma, however, it was noticeably wider. The Magna was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1985.

Early versions of the Magna were plagued by a number of mechanical problems. There were frequent and well-publicised problems with the transmission system and engine; the head gasket was especially prone to failure. Despite Mitsubishi handling these failures well (there have been cases reported where Mitsubishi replaced transmissions outside of warranty) it hurt Magna's reputation badly. This combined with Mitsubishi's continual discounting of the car resulted in a very poor resale value. This made it unattractive to fleet buyers who generally use financial arrangements that favour replacing their cars every three to four years. The worsening crisis engulfing Mitsubishi also helped decrease sales as doubts spread about the viability of the company.

A new engine was introduced at the time and also reduced vibrations throughout the vehicle, a five speed manual and a four speed automatic were offered. All Magna models were equipped with MacPherson strut type independent front suspension. The rear suspension setup in the sedan’s were different to the rear suspension setup in the wagons. Power steering and four way disc brakes were standard on all models, but manual steering was available as an option. On the more expensive models such as the SE and Elite variations the radio/cassette player was provided with a security system that would leave complete inactivity to the radio/caste player if the power was disconnected, therefore making the radio unusable for intruders. Several models were introduced they were known as the Executive which was available a sedan or wagon. The GLX, SE, Elante, Elite. The motors which were installed into the cars were either the 2.6 Litre non-EFI or the 2.6 Litre EFI. These models featured form May 1989 to 1991. Performing repairs on the vehicle was relative easy, with various books being available at the time on this particular Mitsubishi Magna. Fuel consumption on average for all models was 11.0 L/100 km while driving through the city and 7.8 L/100 km on the highway, these figures were according to government regulations which were tested on a dynamiter.

Second generation (1991–1995)

The model was revamped for 1992 as a formal sedan and wagon version of the then-hardtop Mitsubishi Diamante. In Australia, the six-cylinder model was called the Verada, while exported versions to New Zealand wore the Mitsubishi V3000 badge. Some European markets received this model as the Mitsubishi Sigma — no relation to an earlier model that had this name.

The TR had a new V6 engine was added for the first time in the Verada models. It was also larger, more strongly built and had more power over it's previous version. All transmissions were caried over from the later models all engines were also new exept the 2.4 litre EFI. The TS Magna had a newly designed front grille as well as slightly differnent trims. ABS and a drivers side airbag were standard on all models. To make it easier for the customer three models were dropped from the line up. Then in 1996 the TS Wagon was introduced.

Third generation (1996–2005)

File:Facelifted2003magnaLS.jpg

2003 Mitsubishi Magna LS showing facelifted grille.

TE

In 1996, Mitsubishi released a third-generation model of the Magna, with the same bodyshell as the Diamante. A 2.4 L four-cylinder and a 3.0 L V6 were initially available in the Magna, while a 3.5 L V6 was offered in the upscale Verada (many of which are exported as the Diamante to Japan, the U.S. until recently, and other markets). The four-cylinder Magna was dropped at the end of 1998 due to poor sales. The Magna/Verada was again Wheels’ Car of the Year for 1996.

Time has shown that the Mitsubishi Magna, in particular the 3rd generation, has been tough, rugged, well-built and very reliable. It is often the most overlooked of all large family cars. Tests by motoring journalists have concluded that the best traits of the Magna are its smooth, fuel efficient engine, its sophisticated 5 speed adaptive auto transmission and its low noise, vibration and handling.

TJ

With the release of the TJ series though in early 2000, the cardigan image was dropped and a new aggressive range was introduced, out there to show Australia that they meant business. The Altera was dropped and some models changed. The model names were changed again, upon the introduction of the TL series.

The new range still carried over the 3.0 L however was soon dropped in favour of an all 3.5 range. The 3.5 was slightly modified giving it a power rating of 150 kW, shortly after to 155 kW. The new VR-X and sports now had a better free flowing sports muffler which boosted power up to 163 kW. The new VR-X and sports models featured far more aggressive body kits and meaner styling. Shortly after the TJ range was introduced, the Ralliart was showcased, having been engineered to show Mitsubishi's rally prowess - with styling inspired from the Lancer Evolution VI TME. With updated bigger cam profiles, modifications to the head and recalibrated computer, the new Ralliart produced 180 kW and was available in 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. Limited slip differential was also introduced with the manual transmission. The Ralliart was fitted out with premium gear such as Momo steering wheel and recaro seats, bigger brakes, full leather interior, 17 inch alloy wheels, a full body kit, and a big rear spoiler to name a few features.

All wheel drive

By 2002, Mitsubishi had introduced optional all-wheel drive (AWD) into the Magna range. It was the first Australian-produced sedan to feature AWD, and used a system dubbed "Quadtec" to further show Mitsubishi's rally heritage. The AWD model was a $7m spin-off of the existing TJ Magna range, beating the Ford Territory and the Holden Adventra to the marketplace to claim the title of the first mass-built Australian all wheel drive car.

The AWD system proved to be mechanically reliable and improved handling over the front wheel drive only version, however it failed to provide any noticeable boost for sales. Original sales projections were for 300 sales per month, but sales figures by August 2003 showed about 150 AWD Magnas were being sold each month.

The AWD was available in both the Magna and Verada range in sedan form only and only with an automatic transmission, however it came with the 5-speed automatic with tiptronic in all models. The VR AWD model was used by the New South Wales police force, particularly in the Sydney region, until 2005.

The AWD model was first introduced towards the end of the TJ model life, late in 2002. All initial production of the AWD model was bought by fleets and rental agencies, and private sales of the TJ AWD model began in 2003.

When the TL Magna range was introduced in mid 2003, there were slight changes to the three AWD model cars as well. There was the front and rear styling changes directed by world design boss Olivier Boulay, some steering modifications, updated centre console, rear air-conditioning outlets and more rear-seat legroom.

Apart from the driving and handling characteristics, there was minimal badging to differentiate the AWD cars from the 2WD models. They were significantly heavier than the 2WD cars, up to 140kgs depending on model and equipment levels. Official fuel consumption figures suggested they used marginally more fuel than the 2WD cars.

Mechanically, all three cars got larger Ralliart brakes than the 2WD cars. The AWD and Verada shared the 154kW/310Nm engine, while the VR had a 159kW/318Nm version with a free-flowing exhaust. Those power and torque ouputs were down slightly on the 2WDs Magna’s. This was due to the space restrictions placed on the free flowing exhaust with the extra driveline equipment required for the AWD system.

Originally, Mitsubishi had hoped to release an AWD car with 17-inch wheels and the 180kw Ralliart engine, but this model never made it to production.

Production of the AWD Magna ceased when the Magna range was replaced by the Mitsubishi 380 in 2005.

References:

Article on release of the AWD Magna: http://autoweb.drive.com.au/cms/A_55316/newsarticle.html

Carsguide reviews of the AWD Magna: http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,11577122-27286,00.html http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,6583005-26236,00.html

Drive on used AWD Magna: http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=18886

TL

Mitsubishi announced that its updated TL Magna and KL Verada line-up would launch in early July 2003. In a similar evolution to the Holden Commodore - from VX II to VY - the TL Magna had newly styled front and rear ends, a smattering of mechanical changes and an upgraded interior.

The new model featured an extensive facelift styled by Frenchman and ex-Mercedes designer Olivier Boulay. However apart from a few changes to the interior and exterior over the previous TJ model, the car remained the same mechanically. The car's design was controversial and not well received by Australian buyers. Inevitably, sales slowed dramatically.

The radical front-end styling was often the first thing that most people noticed. Gone were the angular lines of the superceded model, replaced by what Mitsubishi's new global head of design envisioned as the Mitsubishi corporate face, a style that would eventually be part of every Mitsubishi that rolls off its numerous production lines.

The frontal appearance of the Magna/Verada range had a distinctive divided grille with a large chrome three diamonds symbol on the front of the car, which could also be seen on the turbocharged Evo VIII sedan and Colt (Mirage) small car. Apart from the grille area, the front guards had a swoopy appearance, with triangular headlamp assemblies.

The TL Magna benefited from a number of safety upgrades. All models met the latest Offset Deformable Barrier (ODB) and Dynamic Side Impact requirements. Front driver's and passenger's air bags were standard, as were side air bags contained in the sides of the front seats.

While the wheelbase of the TL Magna hadn't changed, rear legroom was claimed to have been increased by way of reshaping the rear of the front seats, the rear seat back and cushion, as well as careful re-arrangement of the rear seat hip points and squabs.

The mechanicals and drive-train of the Magna/Verada range for all models remained largely unchanged. The 3.5-litre single overhead camshaft, 24-valve V6 engine developed 155kW of power at 5250rpm and 316Nm of torque at 4000rpm on Magna ES, LS, Verada Ei and Verada Xi models.

Magna VR, VR-X and Verada GTVi got a slightly more powerful engine with a tuned exhaust note that developed 163kW of power at 5250rpm and 317Nm of torque at a higher 4500rpm. There was also an LPG-only engine available in ES and LS models. It delivered maximum power of 143kW at 5000rpm and maximum torque of 296Nm at 4000rpm.

Rear stabiliser bars were now fitted to all sedan models as well.

The TL Magna went on sale in early July 2003.

Reference:

Carpoint on the TL Magna: http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/ce5098.aspx

TW

A minor facelift, dubbed the TW series was introduced in late 2004 and can be differentiated by 'Series II' badging and colour coded headlamps.

With slowing sales, an extended warranty campaign was launched in late 2004. This helped reduce the number of stockpiled vehicles, an important requirement in the lead-up to the launch of the Magna's replacement, the Mitsubishi 380.

The changed warranty extended full manufacturers coverage from 3 years to 5 years 130,000kms, and gave a further 5 years and 30,000 km coverage on the driveline components to the original owner only.

This warranty, coupled with a heavy advertising campaign and extensive discounting of the retail price, was credited with reducing the stock of eight thousand unsold '04 TL and ‘04 and ‘05 TW Magna cars. The warranty was effective for all Mitsubishi vehicles sold from 1 December 2004.

The line up was:

TE (1996–1997)

• Executive
• Altera LS

TF (1997–1999)

• Executive
• Altera LS
• Advance

TH (1999–2000)

• Executive
• Altera LS
• Sports

TJ series I/II (2000–2003) — major facelift

• Executive
• Advance
• AWD (from 2002)
• Sports
• VR-X
• Ralliart (from 2002)

TL (2003–2004) — major facelift

• ES (replaced Executive)
• LS (replaced Advance)
• AWD
• VR (replaced Sports)
• VR-X

TW (2004–2005)

• ES
• LS (AWD now standard)
• VR-X (Available in front drive or AWD configurations)

References

• Gregory’s, Magna TP Series service and repair manuals 1989-1991, page 7 ,Gregory Automotive Publications, 1991
• CarSales.com.au, model specifications
• AutoTrader.com.au, production dates