Overview:
This week’s Mitsubishi is the Diamante LS 4-door Sedan that is totally impressive. If anything is wrong with buying this sedan is that it lacks the prestigious nameplate of BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and the like. But it is every bit as good in my opinion.
And when you price compare, you’ll agree this is worth a test drive along with all those other snooty names.
Handling & Performance:
Wonderful. Front wheel drive and traction control helps driver to stay out of trouble in the turns.
Styling:
Beautifully designed that includes a sleek body that translates to a .28 coefficient of drag.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Conveniences:
Loaded for bear.
Cost:
Best of the bunch. It is very well priced. I can only speculate that Mitsubishi prices its SUV as high or higher than the competition because it is such a popular vehicle class. While they have aggressively priced this Diamante, I don’t think they thought it would be as appealing as I think it will be. Perhaps the cheaper assembly labor in Australia accounts for the lower price.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you are in the market for a Sedan I suggest you run, don’t walk to the nearest Mitsubishi dealer and test drive this car. Very impressive and with the pricing you can’t go wrong.
Manufacturer Recommendations:
Don’t read my comments to the consumer.
The Competition:
Acura TL $29-33,000, Audi A4 $25-33,000, BMW 3-Series $27-42,000, Chrysler 300M $28-32,000, Infiniti I 30 $30-32,000, Lexus ES 300 $31,505, Lincoln LS $33-41,000, Mazda Millenia $28-32,000, Saab 9-3 $28-45,000.
Good News:
Extremely well priced, great styling, solid, comfortable family sedan.
Bad News:
Resale is bound to be lower than more prestigious nameplates, but that is good news for used car buyers, eh.
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter V6 205 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto trans, dual front airbags, child safety locks, anti-theft engine immobilizer, power steering, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, climate control air conditioning, stereo with CD player, steering wheel audio controls, power windows/locks and mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power driver’s seat, leather, leather steering wheel, wood grain trim, auto headlights, power glass sunroof.
Gas Stats:
18 City and 25 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $28,447.
