Fourth generation (2006)

Fourth generation

Production	2006–current
Engine(s)	4M41 3.2 Di-D 6G72 3.0 V6 6G75 3.8 V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed auto 5-speed auto
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109.4 in) (LWB) 2,545 mm (100.2 in) (SWB)
Length	4,900 mm (192.9 in) (LWB) 4,385 mm (172.6 in) (SWB)
Width	1,875 mm (73.8 in)
Height	1,900 mm (74.8 in) (LWB) 1,880 mm (74.0 in) (SWB)
Fuel capacity	89 L (19.6 imp gal; 23.5 US gal)

The fourth generation was introduced at the Paris Motor Show on September 30, 2006. New interior and exterior styling was accompanied by enhanced safety with dual-stage SRS front airbags as well as new side-impact and curtain airbags. The Super-Select 4WD II system was retained but is complemented by an improved Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system and electronic brakeforce distribution.

The engines were upgraded with the 3.2 L Diesel now producing 125 kW (167 hp/170 PS) and the 3.8 L V6 gaining MIVEC variable valve timing to boost power to 184 kW (247 hp/250 PS). Both engines meet new Euro IV emissions standards. The 3.0 L V6 is retained for the Japanese and GCC markets.

Pajero Third generation (1999–2006)

Third generation

Production	1999–2006
Engine(s)	4D56 2.5 TD 4M41 3.2 Di-D 6G72 3.0 V6 6G74 3.5 V6 6G74 3.5 V6 GDI 6G75 3.8 V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed auto 5-speed auto
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109.4 in) (LWB) 2,545 mm (100.2 in) (SWB)
Length	4,800 mm (189.0 in) (LWB) 4,220 mm (166.1 in) (SWB)
Width	1,875 mm (73.8 in)
Height	1,855 mm (73.0 in) (LWB) 1,845 mm (72.6 in)(SWB)
Fuel capacity	89 L (19.6 imp gal; 23.5 US gal) (LWB) 71 L (15.6 imp gal; 18.8 US gal) (SWB)

The third generation Pajero hit the Japanese Domestic Market in 1999, whilst it was made available to other markets in late 2000 as a 2001 model. The vehicle was completely redesigned, inside and out and now has a lower, wider stance. A lower center of gravity meant the Pajero had better on-road handling manners, whilst the new body has over three hundred percent more torsional rigidity. The biggest change to bring this about is that the Pajero now utilizes a unibody construction, as opposed to the previous body-on-frame (box-ladder). This also helped give the Pajero a longer suspension stroke. The fuel tank was also strategically placed between the axles for better safety.

The SS4 system was also further refined, as bevel gears were replaced with planetary ones. This meant the front-to-rear torque setting ranged from 33 to 67, with the ability to adjust to 50/50 depending on surface conditions. The system was also made fully electronic, which meant the vehicle didn’t have to be in gear to switch between drive modes. After all the upgrades, the system was renamed to Super Select 4WD II (SS4-II).

Alongside rack and pinion steering (as opposed to the recirculating ball system on previous generations), the Pajero also offered a choice of three transmissions; a five speed manual, a four speed INVECS-II automatic and a five speed INVECS-II tiptronic.

An all-new 3.8 Liter SOHC 24-valve V6 powerplant was also introduced on this generation. This engine utilizes an Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV), to deliver a refined cruising power with power to spare for offroad ventures.

The third generation was introduced on August 2, 1999 and is scheduled to be replaced by the Autumn of 2006, having been restyled in 2003. This was the most luxurious of the three generations, moving to a more upscale segment to compete against the Land Rover Discovery, but more importantly, to counter its home rival Toyota Land Cruiser's growth. The 3.0 L engine's power was decreased to 130 kW (175 hp/177 PS), and the 3.5 L engine was given gasoline direct injection, increasing power to 162 kW (217 hp/220 PS) in the Japanese market (export versions kept the standard EFI engine, now with 149 kW (200 hp/203 PS). The 2.8 L Diesel was retained only for developing markets, and was replaced by a new 16-valve direct injection engine, with 3.2 L and 120 kW (161 hp/163 PS).

In the North American market, the 3.5 L engine was replaced for 2003 by a more powerful 3.8 L unit, with 160 kW (215 hp/218 PS). This engine was later made available to a few export markets such as South America and Australia, whilst it replaced the GDI V6 in the Japanese lineup in 2005. The short wheelbase model is not available in North America, where the Montero is the only SUV in Mitsubishi's lineup with standard four wheel drive. Faced with falling sales, the Montero was pulled from the US market after the 2006 model year.

2001-02 US-spec Mitsubishi Montero

2003-06 US-spec Mitsubishi Montero

2006-2007 Mitsubishi Pajero VRX (Australia)

Pajero Second generation (1991–1999)

Second generation

Production	1991–1999
Engine(s)	4D56 2.5 TD 4M40 2.8L TD 4G64 2.4L I4 6G72 3.0L V6 6G74 3.5 V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed auto
Wheelbase	2,725 mm (107.3 in) (LWB) 2,420 mm (95.3 in) (SWB)
Length	4,705 mm (185.2 in) (LWB) 4,030 mm (158.7 in) (SWB)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,875 mm (73.8 in) (LWB) 1,850 mm (72.8 in) (SWB)
Fuel capacity	90 L (19.8 imp gal; 23.8 US gal) (LWB) 75 L (16.5 imp gal; 19.8 US gal) (SWB)

Mitsubishi sold over three hundred thousand Pajeros in 1989 and 1990^{[citation needed]}. However, the time for a redesign was long due and 1991 saw the first Generation II Pajero. Just about everything was now new and further enhanced. A new, larger body was available in four different versions; Metal Top, Canvas Top Convertible, Semi High Roof Wagon and High Roof Wagon (long wheel base). The short wheel base models where stretched by 70 millimeters (2.8 inches) and the long wheel base models by 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). The available engines included a 3.0 liter 12-valve SOHC with ECI-Multi electronic fuel injection and a 2.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine with an intercooler.

The second generation also saw the introduction of Super Select 4WD (SS4) [known as ActivTrak 4WD in some markets] and multimode ABS, which were firsts on Japanese four wheel drives. SS4 was ground-breaking in the sense that it combined the advantages of part time and fulltime four wheel drive with four available options: 2H (high range rear wheel drive), 4H (high range fulltime four wheel drive), 4HLc (high range four wheel drive with locked center differential and 4LLc (low range four wheel drive with locked center differential). Another advantage of this second generation system is that it gave the driver the ability to switch between two wheel drive and fulltime four wheel drive at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph), whereas the first generation Pajero had to be stationary to switch from rear wheel drive to four wheel drive (but not from four wheel drive back to rear wheel drive). Multimode ABS, on the other hand, was equally innovative. This meant ABS would be fully functional in all modes of SS4, as braking with a locked center differential requires completely different braking parameters.

In July 1993, two new power plants were introduced; a 3.5 liter 24-valve DOHC with ECI-Multi and a 2.8 liter turbocharged diesel with an intercooler. A new, larger transmission and transfer case was also part of the upgrade.

The Pajero Evolution was introduced in October 1997, which was developed in response to new entry requirements for the Paris – Dakar Rally’s T3 Class. The Pajero Evolution came standard with a 3.5 liter 24-valve DOHC V6 with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (MIVEC). A new, dual plenum variable intake helped increase power and a new suspension made the ride even smoother.

SWB and LWB models available in GCC Countries.

In 1998, vehicles destined for General Export and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council Countries) received a facelift. Wider fenders, new headlights, grille, bumper, fog lights and sidesteps were all part of the redesign. The wide fenders are often called "blister flare fenders". Driver and front passenger SRS airbags were made standard on models equipped with the 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine, whilst still remaining optional on GLS models with the 3.0 liter SOHC V6. An upgraded interior wood trim was made available on 3.0 liter GLS and 3.5 liter models. A leather-wrapped or leather and wood trim steering wheel was also made available, alongside an upgraded suspension and steering system. The 3.0 liter 12-valve SOHC engine was now available with a 24-valve configuration. Models without wide fenders remained as base models (GLX), available with a 2.4 liter 16-valve DOHC engine, producing 147 hp (110 kW). The 3.0 liter 12-valve engine was optional on these GLX models, and remained the base engine on the GLS.

The second generation was introduced on January 22, 1991 and manufactured until 1999. It retained the two body styles, but design was rounder and more city-friendly than the previous bulky model. The 3.0 L V6 gasoline engine was retained, now available with a 24-valve head, capable of 136 kW (183 hp/185 PS), while the 2.5 turbodiesel's power was slightly increased to 73 kW (98 hp/99 PS). In 1993, the Pajero was slightly restyled, and larger engines were introduced, a 3.5 L V6 with 153 kW (205 hp/208 PS) and a 2.8 L SOHC turbodiesel rated at 92 kW (123 hp/125 PS). These versions introduced Mitsubishi's Super Select four wheel drive system (known as Active-Trac in the United States), with an electronic transfer shift that could split power between both axles without the need to stop the car. It worked at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

The first generation Pajero was also marketed as the Hyundai Galloper in Korea, Europe and GCC Countries, while the second generation was in production elsewhere.

This model remains in production in India, whereas the latest generation is sold there as the Montero. And in the Philippines as the Pajero 2.8 Field Master 4x2 alongside with the 4th Generation Pajero. 4X4 Pajero is on production until 1999. It is known to be the only one of its kind among Pajeros worldwide to delete the Super Select 4WD drivetrain. This was accomplished in the year 2000 to avoid taxes slapped on 4 Wheel Drive SUVs imposed by the Estrada Administration. It is still in production in Colombia, with CKD parts (Complete Knock Down), with 2.4l 16 valve SOCH(130PS)and 3.0l 12 valve (148PS) , these engines are available only in hard top 3-door and the 5 door only with the 3.0l engine.

Pajero First generation (1982–90)

First generation

Production	1982–1991
Engine(s)	3.0 L 143 hp (107 kW) V6 2.6 L 109 hp (81 kW) I4 2.0 TD I4 2.3 D I4 2.3 TD I4 2.5 TD I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,695 mm (106.1 in) (LWB) 2,350 mm (92.5 in) (SWB)
Length	4,650 mm (183.1 in) (LWB) 3,995 mm (157.3 in) (SWB)
Width	1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height	1,890 mm (74.4 in) (LWB) 1,850 mm (72.8 in) (SWB)
Fuel capacity	90 L (19.8 imp gal; 23.8 US gal) (LWB) 60 L (13.2 imp gal; 15.9 US gal) (SWB)
Related	Dodge Raider

The first generation made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1981, and was launched in May 1982. Initially, it was a three-door, short-wheelbase model available with a metal or canvas top and three different engines options:

• 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol (2000/2.0)
• 2.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol (Astron 2.6)
• 2.3-litre naturally aspirated diesel (2300 D)
• 2.3 liter turbocharged diesel (2300 TD/2.3 TD).

It was loaded with features that had previously not been seen on a Japanese four-wheel-drive car: a turbocharged diesel engine, a front double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springs, power steering and suspension seats. This made the Pajero a four wheel drive vehicle which integrated all the amenities of a passenger car.

In January 1983, only a year following its launch, mildly tuned production Pajeros entered the world of motor sport.

The Pajero, however, failed to appeal to everyone. It was seen to be a commercial vehicle, and since it was only available in a short wheel base form, it didn’t really appeal to those with families.

Hence, in February 1983, Mitsubishi came out with a long wheel base, five door model, to serve the needs of a larger target market. The long wheel base model was available with a choice of two different engines; a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol (badged as "2.0 Turbo" and "2000 Turbo" in some markets) and a 2.3 liter turbocharged diesel (badged as 2.3 TD or 2300 TD).

The long wheelbase model also increased seating capacity to seven, with available third row seats, which could be folded to the sides for additional trunk space or combined with second row seats to form a bed.

The Pajero was further refined in June 1984. The turbo diesel engines now had higher power/torque ratings, whilst the long wheel base models got standard four wheel disc brakes and four way adjustable shock absorbers as standard equipment.

A new flagship model was then introduced in early 1987, with a two-tone paintjob, fifteen inch (38 cm) light alloy wheels, front seat heaters, wool seat covers, genuine leather headrests, a three spoke steering wheel and a sound system with radio/cassette. Also at this time, a version of the Pajero/Montero was marketed to Dodge dealers as the Raider, which ran through 1989.

Finally in 1988, a 3.0-litre SOHC V6 engine was made available, alongside a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine, with the first 4x4 intercooler. This translated to better acceleration in mid to high rev ranges. The long wheel base models got a coil link suspension system for better ride comfort and off-road ability.

The first generation was introduced on May 7, 1982 and manufactured until 1991.

It was available with a 3-door body for a short wheelbase (SWB) or a 5-door body for a long wheelbase (LWB). Engines included a 2.4 L I4 with 82 kW (110 hp/112 PS), a 3.0 L V6 with EFI and 104 kW (139 hp/141 PS) and a turbocharged 2.5 L OHV diesel I4 with 62 kW (83 hp/84 PS) or an intercooled 70 kW (94 hp/95 PS). Part-time four wheel drive was standard on all models.

The Gen I platform was later built under license by Hyundai Precision Products as the Hyundai Galloper from 1991 to 2003, and exported to Europe for a brief time. While it used first generation mechanicals, the Galloper's body was closer to the second generation Pajeros.

Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero

Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Also called	Mitsubishi Montero Mitsubishi Shogun
Production	1982–present
Assembly	Sakahogi, Gifu, Japan
Class	Mid-size SUV
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive

The Mitsubishi Pajero (IPA: /pəˈhɛroʊ, pɑˈxɛroʊ/)^[1] is a sport utility vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. It was named after Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas Cat which inhabits the Patagonia plateau region in southern Argentina.^[2] However, because pajero is a slang term for "wanker" in the Spanish language,^[3] alternative names have been adopted for certain overseas markets. It is known as the Mitsubishi Montero (meaning "mountain warrior") in Spain, India, and the Americas (except Brazil), and as Mitsubishi Shogun in the United Kingdom.

Thanks to their success, the Pajero, Montero and Shogun names were also applied to other, mechanically unrelated models, such as the Pajero Mini kei car, the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO/Pinin mini SUVs, and the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero/Shogun Sport.

History

The first Pajero prototype was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1973. The Pajero II prototype followed in 1978, five years later. Mitsubishi’s aim was to create more of a recreational vehicle, not just an SUV.

In January 1983, the first Pajero made its debut at the Paris Dakar Rally, taking first place in 1985 at only the third attempt. To date, the Pajero is the most successful vehicle in the Dakar Rally. This not only gave the Pajero an offroad reputation, but also helped in the sales department.

Mirage Fifth Generation

Fifth generation

Production	1997–2002
Assembly	Assembly Mizushima plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan Normal, Illinois
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 4-door wagon 2-door coupe
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	1.5 L 92 hp I4 1.8 L 113 hp I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	Sedan: 2,500 mm (98.4 in) Coupe: 2,415 mm (95.1 in)
Length	Sedan: 4,410 mm (173.6 in) Coupe: 4,270 mm (168.1 in)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height	2000-02 Coupe: 1,360 mm (53.5 in) 2000-01 Sedan: 1,390 mm (54.7 in)) 1997-99 Sedan: 1,335 mm (52.6 in) 1997-99 Coupe: 1,305 mm (51.4 in)
Curb weight	1,045 kg (2,300 lb)

A new Mirage was launched in 1995 and called the 'CE' or 5th Generation chassis. The range was rationalized to a two-door coupe (still called Mirage Asti in Japan), three-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, all but the three-door being called Lancer in export markets. A station wagon on this platform was offered but never as a Mirage, in either Japan or overseas. In Japan it had Libero badges. It is usually considered part of the Lancer lineage, not the Mirage one.

By 2003, the only Mirage sold in Japan was the coupé, without the Asti designation.

Due to Mitsubishi's financial troubles, this version of the Mirage stayed in production to 2003, with minor facelifts along the way. Despite a new Lancer (the Lancer Cedia) in 2000, many countries (including Thailand and New Zealand) still sold this generation as late as 2003. The United States, which sold the range as the Mirage from 1997 to 2002, replaced it with the Lancer Cedia (called plain Lancer there and in all other export markets) from 2002.

With the rising popularity of boxy compact and subcompact SUVs in Japan, the Mirage nameplate was used on a domestic market-only model called the Mirage Dingo, from 1999. The Dingo was facelifted in 2001 and cancelled in 2003.

However, New Zealand sold a very different Mirage in 2002: a rebadged, Dutch-made Mitsubishi Space Star. The vehicle was not very popular and was soon discontinued.

Most countries replaced the Mirage with the Mitsubishi Colt, sharing a platform with the Smart Forfour, in 2004.

Mirage Fourth generation (1991-1996)

Fourth generation

Production	1991–1996
Assembly	Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan Normal, Illinois
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 2-door coupe
Layout	Front engine, front-/four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	1.5 L 92 hp I4 1.8 L 113 hp I4
Transmission(s)	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,500 mm (98.4 in) Coupe: 2,440 mm (96.1 in)
Length	4,375 mm (172.2 in) Coupe: 4,345 mm (171.1 in)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in) Coupe: 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height	1,325 mm (52.2 in) Coupe: 1,310 mm (51.6 in)
Curb weight	946 kg (2,090 lb)

In 1991 the 4th Generation or 'CC' chassis platform changed to a modern more stylish rounder shape to its predecessors. A two-door coupe was introduced based on the Mirage (the Asti in Japan) and sold outside Japan to a number of countries around the world as the 'CC' chassis Mirage (in New Zealand and United States), and the Lancer coupe in Australia. These deliveries mainly saw a Front wheel drive 1500cc 8 valve SOHC caburettor engine in the base GL model, or a 1800cc SOHC 8 valve EFI engine in the higher GLXi variant in Australia, and the same engines were offered in New Zealand and overseas but in a choice of either Front Wheel Drive or All wheel drive variant, and either a 2-door, 3-door (Cyborg) or 4-door shape. This is where the first MIVEC 1600cc engines started to roll out in Mitsubishi platforms. The 2 door CC coupe was sold with the CA5A chassis description. Mitsubishi's engine choices were vast with this new platform. Their most popular were the 4G15 1.5 Carburetor, 4G93 1.8 EFI, 4G93 1.8 DOHC EFI, 4G92 1.6 MIVEC EFI, a 4G91 1.8 DOHC caburetor, and even a 6A10 (V6)and 4D68 Turbo Diesel all in either a front wheel drive or All Wheel Drive format. The 2.0L 4G63 turbo was an option only in the United States, but was quickly dropped in favor of using this power option in the soon to be released Lancer Evolution I.

Proton took over the license to this design for its range from 1997 onwards and it is still offered in some countries as the Proton Satria (three-door, ex Cyborg) and Proton Wira (four and five-door), Proton M21/Putra coupe (2-door), or 200 and 400 series. Not only is the car still being built by Proton, but they also developed a pickup/ute variant of the chassis and named it the Proton Jumbuck.

Mitsubishi started manufacturing the fourth generation/CC platform in 1992, it was taken over by Proton in 1996/97 and is still being utilised in 2006.

With the split between the name Asti/Mirage/Lancer namesake spanning over several countries it created somewhat of a confusion but something that all models share is the 'CC' chassis platform. The rounder shape of the Asti/Mirage/Lancer coupe, hatch and 4 door sedan gave them a modern sportier appearance different from the squarer 'CC' chassis of the Mirage/Lancer sold alongside it in the showroom floor. These squarer 4th Generation versions of the Lancer/Mirage sedan and wagon (as pictured to the right) had the similar appearance as the popular Evolution Lancer 1-3 models which were used in rally. These models were available in sedan or wagon and either FWD or AWD. A 1800cc DOHC Turbo 145kw version of the Lancer Sedan was sold as the "GSR Turbo" variant in Australia and New Zealand, and the AWD turbo wagon was only available in New Zealand under the "Libero" name. These versions were based on the EVO 1-3 models, but only offered with a 1800cc 4G93T turbo engine, not the 2000cc 4G63T turbo engine as in the EVO models.

Mirage Third generation (1987-1992)

Third generation

Production	1987–1992
Assembly	Assembly Nagoya plant, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan Normal, Illinois
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	1.5 L 81 hp I4
Transmission(s)	3-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	Hatchback: 2,385 mm (93.9 in) Sedan: 2,455 mm (96.7 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4,030 mm (158.7 in) Sedan: 4,320 mm (170.1 in)
Width	1,670 mm (65.7 in)
Height	Hatchback: 1,320 mm (52.0 in) Sedan: 1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Curb weight	915 kg (2,020 lb)

The 1987 third-generation Mirage was stylistically distinct: Mitsubishi had scored well with its revamped Galant and transferred its styling to the smaller cars. The basic model was a three-door with an upright tailgate. The top Mirages in Japan were called the Mirage Cyborg, featuring a turbocharged 1600 cc engine developing 145 PS (107 kW).

Engines available were 1.3 and 1.5 12-valve 4-cylinder engines, and 1.6 and 1.8 16-valve 4-cylinder engines. European versions were available in 1300 GL, 1500 GLX, 1600 GTi, 1800 GTi 16v versions.

Four-door models were usually called Lancer overseas, but Mirage (usually Mirage Vie Saloon) inside Japan. In Australia, all the models in this range were badged Mitsubishi Lancer.

The 1989–92 model year Mirage was also sold as the Dodge/Plymouth Colt and the Eagle Summit in the US.

The Mirage Turbo was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1989.

The five-door hatchback and station wagon were carried over, though a five-door liftback was launched not long after the rest of the range on the new platform.

Facelift

The 1991 Mirage three-door was more rounded and sportier than its predecessor, and the range of engines grew to include a 1600 cc 24-valve V6. The standard engine was a 1600 cc 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder unit, but a 1400 cc engine was still available. This model launched in North America for the 1993 model year.

The four-door Mirage, with a six-window greenhouse and different sheetmetal to the Lancer, was sold as the Eagle Summit in the US. It was generally not offered in countries other than Japan, Canada and the United States. The Japanese models saw the Vie Saloon tag continue. (These were known as the 'CB' chassis in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the globe.)

Mirage Second generation (1983-1987)

Second generation

Production	1983–1987
Assembly	Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive

Mitsubishi launched a new Colt in 1983, still splitting the range into Mirage (three- and five-door hatchback) and Lancer Fiore (four-door sedan) models, though some export markets did sell the four-door as the Mirage. A station wagon was added in 1985 and a four-wheel-drive wagon in 1986.

Engine power for the 4G32BT engine for the USDM "Turbo Sport" model, was 105 horsepower; the 3 door hatchback Turbo Sport weighted in at a low 2005 USDM pounds.

Many export markets sold the hatchbacks as the Mirage or Colt, and the sedan and station wagon as the Lancer.

A commercial version of the wagon was sold in New Zealand as the Mitsubishi Express, replacing an earlier model based on the Mitsubishi Galant Sigma.

New engines were added: the 1300 and 1500 cc engines replaced the 1200 and 1400; an 1800 cc diesel was also added.

The Mirage was not sold in the United States by Mitsubishi until 1985, and it was this version that made the marque's début there.

The four-door model formed the basis of the Proton Saga, Malaysia's first locally built car. Proton would spin the Saga off into a five-door hatchback (styled differently from Mitsubishi's own five-door hatch version) called the Saga Aeroback in 1987.

[edit] Versions available

The Mirage was available in Europe as the Mitsubishi Colt, and the following versions were offered:

• 1300 GL 3-door
• 1300 GL 5-door
• 1500 GLX 5-door
• 1800 GLD 5-door

The Lancer saloon was available in the same trim levels as the hatchback model, while the estate versions were available as 1500 GLX and 1800 GLD only.

Australia got only the 1300 GL and 1500 GLX versions.

The Colt sold well in Europe but in Denmark it was one of the country's top-selling cars.

Mirage First generation (1978-1982)

First generation

Production	1978–1982
Assembly	Assembly Nagoya plant, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout

Mitsubishi launched the Mirage as a three-door front wheel drive hatchback in 1978, as a response to the first fuel crisis some years before. It had a distinctive design with large windows and Mitsubishi's 'Supershift' transmission (four speeds, but two modes). A five-door joined the range in 1979. This version of the Mirage was exported to the United States as the Dodge Colt and Plymouth Champ from 1979 and received the highest United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ fuel economy rating that year.

A 1600 cc engine joined the range in 1979.

In 1981, the Lancer Fiore, not to be confused with the regular Mitsubishi Lancer, was launched. The Fiore was a four-door version of the Mirage. At the same time, the range was facelifted.

In 1982, a turbocharged, 105 PS (77 kW) version of the 1400 cc engine was made available.

In many countries, this car was known as the Mitsubishi Colt. In the United Kingdom, where Colt was the marque, it was called the Colt 1200 and Colt 1400, after the size of the engines, which it shared with the larger Lancer.

Since most overseas markets did not have the Minica keicar, the Mirage was the entry-level model.

Local CKD assembly of the Mirage took place in New Zealand by the Todd Motor Corp., where there was a sports equivalent called the Mirage Panther in the early 1980s. The replacement Mirage Turbo had the distinction of being that country's first locally assembled turbocharged car from 1982.

The facelifted model was also built by Mitsubishi of Australia, and had an unusually long model life, from 1981 to 1990. The Australians offered the Colt with the 1.4 L engine, and a larger 1.6 L. This model was imported for a short time to New Zealand in the late 1980s, where it was sharing showroom space with the locally assembled third generation models.

Ninth generation

Ninth generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Grunder
Production	2004–present
Class	Mid-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Mitsubishi PS platform
Engine(s)	2.4 L I4 3.8 L V6 3.8 L V6 MIVEC
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 4-speed semi-automatic 5-speed semi-automatic
Wheelbase	108.3 in (2,750 mm)
Length	190.4–191 in (4,840–4,850 mm)
Width	72.4 in (1,840 mm)
Height	57.9–58.2 in (1,470–1,480 mm)
Related	Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Endeavor Mitsubishi 380
Designer	Olivier Boulay

The United States has had the sedan-only ninth-generation PS platform model since October 15, 2003. It was announced at the 2003 New York International Auto Show in April for the 2004 model year, following the exhibition of the SSS concept sedan at the North American International Auto Show three years before.^[7] The ninth-generation United States-sourced model is available for sale only in a few regional markets, namely North America, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine and Arabia. Russia began sourcing its Galants from the United States from 2006. The Arabian Markets began sourcing its Galants from the United States from the 2007 model year.

A size increase resulted in slightly more interior space and a weight gain of several hundred pounds. The 4-cylinder engine, while still 2.4 liters in displacement, upgraded from Mitsubishi's 4G64 design to the newer 4G69 design, resulting in a horsepower increase from 140 to 160. Likewise, the V6 jumped from a 3.0-liter with 190 HP to a 3.8 with 235. All North American Galants gained 4-wheel disc brakes but lost their rear stabilizer bar.

A Ralliart version joined for 2007, finally upgrading the V6 to a class-competitive 258 horsepower while also adding a firmer suspension, front strut tower bar, rear stabilizer bar, and 18-inch alloy wheels. For 2008, the trimming of models left the Ralliart as the only V6 model, and the Galant skips the 2008 model year in Canada, only to return in 2009 with the facelifted model.

Mitsubishi also assembles and markets a modified version of the ninth-generation Galant in Taiwan. Taiwan was one of the first regions outside the Americas to market the vehicle, when the Galant Grunder (now known simply as Grunder) was launched in December 2004 with a unique front end. In addition, this model is also sold in the Philippines as the Galant 240M using the 2.4 liter MIVEC engine.^[8] It is also sold in China.^[9]

A localized version called the 380 was manufactured in Australia for the Australia-New Zealand market, replacing the long-lived Magna line.

In Malaysia, spyshots have revealed that an early version of the 9th-generation Galant will be used as Proton's Perdana Replacement Model. The Perdana replacement will be equipped with a 5-speed semi-automatic gearbox that has a gated shifter, and will either use a 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre powerplant. Although it is quite likely that the Perdana Replacement Model is nothing more than a rebadged 9th-generation Galant (it is identical to the Mitsubishi 380 sold in Australia except for the brand badges), there is a possibility that Proton might scale up its Campro engine (which is of modular construction) to be used in the upcoming Perdana in order to keep costs low.

[edit] Facelifts

The Galant received a new grill for the 2007 model year, and for the 2009 model year, the Galant receives another facelift, with new front and rear fascias.

2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart

2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart from the Montreal Auto Show

2009 Mitsubishi Galant

A 4-cylinder Sport Edition was added for the 2009 model year. Galant Sport models include new standard factory value packages as standard. Sportronic automatic transmission is standard in all models, with a 4-speed for 4-cylinder engines and a 5-speed for V-6 engines.

Four-cylinder Galant models sold in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont are certified as Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicles (PZEV), with engine rated 155hp.^[10]

Osamu Masuko, the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, indicated that the ninth generation of the Galant would be the last to be manufactured in North America, replaced on the MMNA production line in Illinois by smaller vehicles which are more likely to appeal to export markets.^[11]

Galant Eighth generation

Eighth generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Legnum Mitsubishi Aspire
Production	1996–2006
Class	Mid-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door wagon
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	1.8 L 4G93 GDI I4 2.0 L I4 2.0 L 6A12 V6 2.4 L 4G64 I4 2.5 L 6A13 V6 2.5 L 6A13TT V6 twin turbo 3.0 L 6G72 V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed semi-automatic
Wheelbase	2,635 mm (103.7 in)
Length	4,660 mm (183.5 in)
Width	1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height	1,410–1,420 mm (55.5–55.9 in)

The eighth-generation 1996 model continued the 1992 design themes but a station wagon (known in Japan as the Mitsubishi Legnum) was added. The liftback was deleted. This model won the 1996–97 Car of the Year Japan award. Despite being superseded in the U.S. from 2003, it remained on sale in other countries until 2006.

The American market Galant, introduced on July 7, 1998, graduated to the United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ mid-size class. The front suspension switched from double-wishbones to struts, though the rear was upgraded with a stabilizer bar standard on all but the base DE model. ES, LS and GTZ models were offered with a 195 hp V6 engine, the 6G72 3.0 L, mated to a standard 4-speed conventional auto.

Mitsubishi opted to further develop the technology in its range-topping VR-4, which was now powered by an enlarged 2.5 L V6 twin turbo. The car featured either a conventional 5-speed manual or an advanced, self-learning 5-speed Tiptronic semi-automatic transmission known as "INVECS-II". Some models were also fitted with the same advanced active yaw control (AYC) as the Evo, to give it far greater agility than would be expected of such a large vehicle. Finally, as with the rest of the range, the VR-4 could now be had either as a Galant sedan or as a Legnum station wagon.

In some Asian markets Mitsubishi offered a 2.0 L MIVEC version of the 6A12 naturally aspirated V6 engine, badged as the "Galant 2.0A". Output was placed at 200 hp (150 kW) and 147 lb·ft (199 N·m) of torque. The larger 2.5 L 6A13 was more common in the rest of the world.

In 1998 the company introduced the Mitsubishi Aspire. Externally identical to the regular Galant, the new model name denoted the newly-introduced gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines.

2002-2003 Mitsubishi Galant (US)

Galant Seventh generation

Seventh generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Emeraude Mitsubishi Eterna
Production	1992–98
Class	Compact
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	1.8 L I4 2.0 L I4 2.4 L I4 1.8 L V6 2.0 L V6 2.5 L V6 2.0 L V6 twin turbo
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,635 mm (103.7 in)
Length	4,625–4,640 mm (182.1–182.7 in)
Width	1,730 mm (68.1 in)
Height	1,395–1,400 mm (54.9–55.1 in)
Related	Proton Perdana

A new Galant debuted in 1992 (model year 1994 in America), available as a four-door sedan and five-door liftback (sedan only in America). A Japan-only hardtop derivative called the Mitsubishi Emeraude was also launched in 1992. This generation marked a substantial change in suspension design, switching from struts to double-wishbones in front and from a beam axle to multi-link in the rear.

Because the Lancer Evo was now Mitsubishi's homologated rally car, the seventh generation VR-4 became a less overtly sporting vehicle, eschewing the old four-cylinder engine in favour of a smoother two litre V6 twin turbo. The four wheel drive transmission was retained. The VR-4 version was not imported to the United States.

Production in the United States began on May 24, 1993 when the first seventh generation Galant rolled off the assembly line in Normal, Illinois. In 1994, a slightly upgraded GS version was available with a 160 HP twin cam engine, speed-sensitive steering, rear stabilizer bar, and an available manual transmission.

The seventh generation Galant, also known as the Mitsubishi Eterna, formed the basis of the Proton Perdana.

1997-1998 Mitsubishi Galant (US)

Emeraude

Galant Sixth generation

Sixth generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Eterna Dodge 2000GTX (Canada) Eagle 2000GTX (Canada)
Production	1987–93
Class	Compact
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	1.6 L 1.8 L DOHC 2.0 L 102 hp I4 2.0 L 135 hp I4 2.0 L 197 hp turbocharged I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,670 mm (183.9 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,360 mm (53.5 in)
Related	Eagle Talon Mitsubishi Eclipse Plymouth Laser

In 1987 the same platform was used for a sixth-generation model which adopted taller, rounded styling. This generation won the Car of the Year Japan award in 1987 and the GS model became Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year in 1989.^[6] This Galant began American sales in 1989 side by side with the Sigma.

The Sigma designation disappeared with the 1990 model. A new hardtop liftback model was added in 1988, called the Mitsubishi Eterna. This generation was also sold in Canada as the Dodge 2000GTX and Eagle 2000GTX. Sales ended in 1992.

A limited edition based on the GTi-16v model was introduced in 1989, modified by German tuning company AMG (now owned by Mercedes-Benz),with mildly uprated engine (172PS) and unique bodykit, alloy wheels & leather interior.

The sixth generation was also the first to see the introduction of the VR-4 variant, which was the basis for Mitsubishi's participation in the 1988–1992 World Rally Championships. The Galant's 4G63 two litre DOHC turbocharged engine and 4WD transmission was later adopted for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with little modification, and would remain in production for fifteen years.

Eagle 2000GTX (Canada)

1987-1990 Mitsubishi Galant liftback

1991-1993 Mitsubishi Galant (US)