1989 Mitsubishi Magna Elante 'Manual' Sedan

Description

Following a massive investment, Mitsubishi Australia replaced the long-running Sigma series with the all-new Magna in April 1985.  Closely related to the contemporary Galant, the Magna shared that model’s front wheel-drive platform but was enlarged to compete with rivals like Ford’s Falcon and the Holden Commodore in the fiercely competitive family car sector of the Australian market.  Indeed, taking full advantage of the FWD layout, the Magna trumped the opposition for interior space.  The Magna was powered by the so-called Astron II 2.6-litre four-cylinder engine, a single-overhead camshaft design combining ‘Silent Shaft’ counterbalancing technology and hydraulic mounts to minimise engine vibration.  Lower specification models received carburettors while Mitsubishi’s “ECI Multi” electronic fuel injection system appeared from the TN onwards and there was a choice of automatic or five-speed manual transmissions.  Winning Wheels ‘Car of the Year’ award in 1985, the initial TM Magna was replaced by the cosmetically improved TN series in April 1987, which also saw the introduction of the sportier Elante in June 1988, adding a bodykit, tuned suspension and fuel injection as standard.  The final update of the first-generation Magna arrived in June 1989 and the TP series can be identified by the revised grille and tail light design, new wheels and improved interior details.  The Elante headed the model line-up once again, sitting above the cheaper Elite, SE, Executive and GLX versions.  A commercial and critical success for Mitsubishi Australia, over 200,000 first generation Magnas were built at Tonsley Park between 1985 and 1989 but this worthy alternative to the Falcon and Commodore is largely forgotten today.