Driving Impressions

The Mitsubishi Diamante is not a tepid little people-hauler. Press the pedal down and this sedan rushes to life. Mitsubishi's strong V6 makes a pleasing growl during acceleration. And it provides more than enough thrust to make the drive home interesting. The Diamante's 3.5-liter V6 is bigger than most engines in the $30,000 sedan class. Thanks to its large displacement, no variable valve-timing technology is needed to produce plenty of bottom-end torque. It delivers 205 horsepower at 5000 rpm, and a hefty 231 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. It's this generous torque that delivers such a vigorous throttle response, enough to propel the Diamante from 0 to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The Diamante will easily spin its front wheels on wet pavement. When you're hurrying on a rainy day, you will see the little dashboard traction-control monitor light up regularly. But the traction control is not over-anxious to engage, which is a good thing; better to have a little wheel slip, than to have the computer constantly applying the brakes when they are not needed. Overly eager engagement of traction control can be intrusive, unnecessarily impeding your forward momentum, while simultaneously wasting fuel and brake pad material. Some of the most prestigious luxury cars err in this manner. A switch on the Diamante's dash allows the driver to turn off the traction control, when using snow chains, for example. Mitsubishi's traction control also includes what the company calls trace control, which is a simplified yaw-stability system. Sensors compare steering-wheel angle to vehicle speed, and a computer dials down engine power if the driver is in danger of exceeding the car's cornering grip. Steering response is crisp and precise, thanks to the Diamante's well-calibrated power-assisted rack and pinion. Isolation from road irregularities is extremely good. At highway speed the noise level is pleasantly low, except for some wind whistle at the driver's door. The all-season tires provide good roadholding and lateral stability. When pushed hard on back roads, however, the Diamante floats over undulating pavement and leans in hard corners. It does not offer the dynamic control of a firm European-style suspension, feeling more like an American sedan. Drivers who spend long hours on the freeway, however, will be pleased with the Diamante's suspension tuning and ride quality.

Final Word

Although designed in Japan and assembled in Australia, Diamante is one of the most definitively American luxury cars you can buy. Its engineering emphasis is on occupant comfort and convenience, coupled with freeway-friendly competence. This also means sumptuous luxury-car furnishings, conspicuously roomy proportions both in the passenger compartment and trunk, a vigorous powertrain, and luxury-car ride quality. This is a good car for bumpy Interstates and long commutes.