| Mitsubishi Magna | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi |
| Also called | Mitsubishi Verada Mitsubishi V3000 |
| Production | 1985–2005 |
| Class | Large family car |
| Related | Mitsubishi Diamante Mitsubishi Sigma Mitsubishi Galant |
The Mitsubishi Magna is a car that was 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 important and the former Chrysler Australia engineers set to work on creating a car that would battle in the old Valiant segment.
Contents |
First generation (1985–1990)
| First generation (TM–TP) | |
|---|---|
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| Production | May 1985–March 1991 |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Engine(s) | 2.6L Astron I4 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Length | 4600 mm (181.1 in) ('85–86) 4620 mm (181.9 in) ('87–91) 4723 mm (185.9 in) (wagon) |
| Width | 1760 mm (69.3 in) ('85–86) 1765 mm (69.5 in) ('87–91) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.1 in) ('85–86) 1396 mm (55 in) ('87–91) 1486 mm (58.5 in) (wagon) |
| Curb weight | 1193–1265 kg (2630–2789 lb) ('85–86)
1211–1321 kg (2670–2912 lb) ('87–91) 1247–1420 kg (2749–3131 lb) (wagon) |
The first Magna, the TM series, featured the 2.6 L Astron four-cylinder engine. It was available as a sedan, and an Australian developed 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. 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. On the more expensive models such as the SE and Elite variations the radio/cassette player was provided with a security system that would make the unit completely inactive if the power was disconnected therefore making the radio unusable. Several models were introduced; they were known as the Executive which was available a sedan or wagon, the GLX, SE, Elante and Elite. The motors which were installed into the cars were a transversely mounted 2.6 four cylinder SOHC and were either the carburetted 2.6 or the 2.6 Litre EFI. These models featured from 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 dynamometer. The line up was: TM (Sedan Only 1985–1987)
- GLX (carb only)
- Executive (carb only)
- SE (carb only)
- Elite (carb only)
TN (1987–1989)
- GLX (carb and EFI)
- Executive (carb and EFI)
- SE (carb and EFI)
- Challenge (carb and EFI)
- Elite (EFI only)
- Elante (EFI only Sedan Only)
TP (1989–1991)
- GLX (carb and EFI)
- Executive (carb and EFI)
- SE (EFI only)
- Elite (EFI only)
- Elante (EFI only Sedan Only)
- Grand Tourer (EFI only)
All Models were fitted with either Manual or Auto transmission except for TM/TN/TP Elite and TN Executive which had Auto Transmission as standard. All TM Models were Sedan only. An attractive looking wagon was introduced with the TN and TP models and proved very popular.
Second generation (1991–1995)
| Second generation (TR–TS) | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Production | April 1991–March 1996 |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Engine(s) | 2.6L Astron I4 3.0L 6G72 V6 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2722 mm (107.2 in) |
| Length | 4746 mm (186.9 in) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.9 in) |
| Height | 1430 mm (56.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1356 kg (2989 lb) |
The model was revamped for 1991 as a formal sedan and wagon version of the then hardtop Mitsubishi Diamante. 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 than its previous version. The TS Magna had a newly designed front grille as well as slightly different trims. Like the first generation Magna, the TR model was initially an entirely four cylinder range. With the Australian economy still in recession, there was little enthusiasm for introducing a six cylinder vehicle. But by 1993, with the economy recovering and oil prices stable, the KR Verada was introduced in late 1991 with a new V6 engine. The Magna and Verada shared the same body but the KR Verada had larger bumper bars for export. The new V6 engine was also available in the Magna range from 1993. The TR Magna was designed to be exported and the build quality reflected this engineering intent. All models were facelifted in March 1994 with the TS and KS facelifts of both Magna and Verada. Both engines were further upgraded and the Verada gained more export features including a different grille and headlights and extra equipment to distinguish it from the increasingly popular Magna V6. It is claimed that most of these later Magna 2.6 and 3.0 EFI engines adapt to premium unleaded fuel for a substantial boost in power and torque. This body shape was replaced by the all new TE series in 1996 although TS wagon stocks continued into 1997 until the new TE wagon was ready for launch. The premium export version of the V6 wagon was sold locally as the Mitsubishi TS Verada Touring Wagon in December 1995 in a limited edition of only 81 manuals and 99 automatics. Ongoing crash studies suggest that this series provided outstanding crash protection for a four-cylinder family car of its time. TR (1991–1994)
- GLX manual and auto (carb only)
- Executive manual and auto (EFI only)
- Executive V6 manual and auto
- SE manual and auto (EFI only)
- Elite auto (EFI only)
TS (1994–1996)
- GLX manual and auto (carb only)
- Executive manual and auto (EFI only)
- Executive V6 manual and auto
- SE manual and auto (EFI only)
- SE V6 auto
- V6-SI manual and auto (Sedan Only)
- Advance V6 manual and auto
Third generation (1996–2005)
| Third generation (TE–TW) | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Production | April 1996–September 2005 |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Engine(s) | 2.4L 4G64 I4 3.0L 6G72 V6 3.5L 6G74 V6 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic 4-speed Tiptronic 5-speed manual 5-speed Tiptronic |
| Wheelbase | 2722 mm (107.2 in) |
| Length | 4746 mm (186.9 in) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.9 in) |
| Height | 1430 mm (56.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1372 kg (3025 lb) |
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 were exported as the Diamante to Japan, the US, and other markets). The four-cylinder Magna was dropped in March 1999, in time for the TH facelift when the 3.0-litre V6 became standard and the Verada's 3.5-litre engine became a Magna option. The four-cylinder engine for the Magna was dropped at the end of 1998 due to slow sales and growing consumer preferences for larger more powerful engines. The Magna/Verada was again Wheels’ Car of the Year for 1996. The completely new TE Magna had frameless windows, a slimmer centre pillar and was longer and wider than the TS. Leg room for front and rear passengers was claimed to have been improved. However, a criticism of the sweeping roofline was that headroom had been reduced. Inside the vehicle was a combination of grey trim and a high waistline. The TE Magna range included four and six cylinder engines, with the trend towards emphasising the six-cylinder models as petrol prices remained relatively low by Australian standards. The range initially comprised two models, the Executive and the Altera, both of which offered the choice of four and V6 engines, four-speed auto and five-speed manual. From October 1996, fully equipped Advance and Altera LS models were added. The four cylinder engine was a new 2.4-litre fuel-injected unit offering 105 kW (141 hp) and 205 N·m (151 ft·lbf). The fuel-injected 3.0-litre V6 was also all new with 140 kW (188 hp) and 255 N·m (188 ft·lbf), and claimed to be markedly quicker to the 100 km/h (62 mph) benchmark. As well, it claimed improved acceleration in the crucial 80-100 km/h overtaking region. The four-speed electronic automatic transmission was new and could adapt to the driver's pattern of use and road conditions to select the optimum gear for any situation. Suspension was independent front and rear along with disc brakes, and there was an option of an ABS anti-lock braking system. The entry model for the TE range was the Executive which included features such as power steering, four-speaker sound, power mirrors, remote boot and fuel filler release, central locking and an engine immobiliser. The Altera model added standard features of air-conditioning, power windows and cruise control. Options included airbags for driver and passenger, ABS, a CD player and alloy wheels. The Advance and the Altera LS model included ABS, airbags, CD and alloy wheels as standard. On the New Zealand market all V6 models from this series onwards were badged Diamante', rather than Magna and Verada.
TF
The TF Range was introduced in the first half of 1997 and consisted of 4 versions, Executive, Advance, Altera, Altera LS and Sports, the 2.4L 4 cylinder engine was seen only in the Executive. These cars had upgraded interior trims and redesigned wheel covers and featured a speed alarm as well as cupholders. The Executive and Advance were identical in appearance but the Advance had a different interior trim and was fitted as standard with Airbags and ABS braking. The Altera and Altera LS introduced Power Windows and several other options such as dual airbags while colour coding was standard. There were no TF Altera manuals, manual was available in the Executive, Advance, Solara and Sports. From June to August 1998 a limited edition Solara was introduced that included all Advance features as standard, plus Alloy Wheels and Colour Coding. The TF Sports was available in only 4 colours, Paris White, Flame Red, Navy (Nautilus) Blue and Dark (Frontier) Green, it carried all Executive features as standard as well as a rear spoiler, red side strip and an optional 4 speed Auto transmission with manual mode. The TF Sports also had a Dual Airbags and ABS Option as well as unique interior and dashboard trim. TF Sports production ceased after September 1998. Several new colours were introduced during the later production of the TF range and the final unit built was built in December 1998. The 3.5L KF Verada's were identical to the previous KE, except with a few upgrades such as the Speed Alarm, etc. About 60,000 units were built.
TH
The TH Range was launched early in 1999 with the earliest examples built in December 1998. There were some upgrades to the basic design of the car, such as a more aggressive front grille, redesigned rear, upgraded interior, complete new designs in the wheel covers and alloy wheels. The Flame Red colour was dropped and replaced with Sienna Red and Sable Black was added while all other colours were carried over from the TF range. The 2.4L engine was dropped and the 3.0L and 3.5L was available in the Executive and 3.5L was standard in all other models. One of the main new features was the 8 function trip computer. The line up was Executive manual and auto, Advance manual and auto, Altera LS auto and Sports manual and auto. A limited edition Solara was introduced later in 1999 and another limited edition model known as the V6.SI in April 2000. Altera LS was discontinued in 2000. The 1999 models lack the V6 badge but 2000 models often have a V6 badge on the back lower right end of the boot lid. The later TH models were the 1000 Executive LS units were built from May to June 2000, which were similar to the discontinued Altera LS but without Power Windows, Dual Airbags and somewhat not fully colour coded.
TJ
With the release of the TJ series in July 2000, a new aggressive range was introduced. The Altera LS was dropped (at the end of 1999 on the TH) and some models changed. The model names were changed again upon the introduction of the TL series. Several new colours were introduced including the very bright Island Blue (Aqua) and Glacier Green (Green Aqua) which were discontinued after only a few months of production. In May 2001 new darker Pacific Blue colour was introduced to replace the previous two colours and the Flame Red colour was reintroduced to the range. Grey and Beige interior options were available to any exterior colour in the Executive/Advance but Grey was clearly much more popular and was made standard when the Series 2 was introduced. The new range still carried over the 3.0 L however was soon dropped in favour of an all 3.5 range, 3.0 Executives are much rarer than the previous TH 3.0 Executives. The 3.5 was slightly modified giving it a power rating of 150 kW (201 hp), shortly after to 155 kW (208 hp). The new VR-X and sports now had a better free flowing sports muffler which boosted power up to 163 kW (219 hp), while maintaining a relatively quiet exhaust note. The Sports added full Colour Coding, 16x6 Alloy Wheels with standard tyres, improved suspension and swaybars, and a rear spoiler and the popular VR-X model featured a far more aggressive body kit and meaner styling with 17x7 alloy wheels. 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 (241 hp) 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. Over 65,000 examples of the TJ were built, the most produced of a 3rd generation model.
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 154 kW (207 hp)/310 N·m (229 ft·lbf) engine, while the VR had a 159 kW (213 hp)/318 N·m (235 ft·lbf) version with a free-flowing exhaust. Those power and torque outputs were down slightly on the 2WD Magna’s 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 180 kW (241 hp) 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.
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. A Solara package was also offered with electric windows, alloy wheels and rear spoiler. 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 superseded 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 155 kW (208 hp) of power at 5250 rpm and 316 N·m (233 ft·lbf) of torque at 4000 rpm 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 163 kW (219 hp) of power at 5250 rpm and 317 N·m (234 ft·lbf) of torque at a higher 4500 rpm. There was also an LPG-only engine available in ES and LS models. It delivered maximum power of 143 kW (192 hp) at 5000 rpm and maximum torque of 296 N·m (218 ft·lbf) at 4000 rpm. Rear stabiliser bars were now fitted to all sedan models as well. The TL Magna went on sale in early July 2003.
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 manufacturer's 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. The car was promoted using an advertising campaign featuring the company's CEO Tom Phillips, who told potential customers "If you can find a better built car- buy it!". This approach recycled advertising of Chrysler cars in the USA in the 1980s, when Lee Iacocca gave American car buyers the same advice. 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 2004 TL and 2004 and 2005 TW Magna cars. The warranty was effective for all Mitsubishi vehicles sold from 1 December 2004. While they were ignored by many new car buyers, TL and TW Magnas became popular in the second hand market as well engineered and reliable cars at a value price. In particular, ex-government fleet cars were popular for conversion to taxi usage in South Australia- birthplace of the Magna. The line up was: TE (1996–1997)
- Executive (2.4 4cyl and 3.0 V6)
- Advance (V6)
- Altera (4cyl and V6)
- Altera LS (V6)
TF (1997–1998)
- Executive (2.4 4cyl and 3.0 V6)
- Advance (V6)
- Altera LS (V6)
- Solara (V6)
- Sports (V6)
TH (1999–2000)
- Executive (3.0 or 3.5 V6)
- Executive LS (3.5 V6, June 2000)
- Advance (3.5 V6)
- Altera LS (3.5 V6 1999 only)
- Solara (3.5 V6)
- Sports (3.5 V6)
- V6 Si (3.5 V6)
Note: The first 30 or so TH units were built in December 1998. TJ series I/II (2000–2003) — major facelift
- Executive (3.0 or 3.5 V6 {the 3.0 was discontinued from 1 August 2002})
- V6 Si Executive (3.5 V6)
- Commonwealth Games Edition Executive (only 2002) (3.5 V6)
- Limited Edition Executive (only 2002) (3.5 V6)
- Advance (3.5 V6)
- Solara (3.5 V6)
- AWD (from 2002) (3.5 V6)
- Sports (3.5 V6)
- VR-X (3.5 V6)
- VR-X Limited Edition (only 2001, 200 units) (3.5 V6)
- VR-X with yellow paint (50 only 2003)
- Ralliart (only 2002) (3.5 V6)
The VR-X models are more common than the Sports models. Later model VR-X had optional leather trim. Fifty standard VR-X's were painted in a bright Yellow colour, ten manuals and forty autos. TL (2003–2004) — major facelift
- ES (replaced Executive) (all models 3.5 V6)
- LS (replaced Advance)
- Solara
- AWD
- VR (replaced Sports)
- VR Limited Edition (only 2004)
- VR AWD
- VR-X
TW (2004–2005)
- ES (all models 3.5 V6)
- LS (AWD now standard)
- VR (wagon only)
- 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
- Carpoint on the TL Magna
- Article on release of the AWD Magna
- Carsguide review of the AWD Magna
- Carsguide review of the AWD Magna
- Drive on used AWD Magna
- Redbook for models[1]
- Drive for production dates [2]
