2001 Mitsubishi Diamante Road Test

Walkaround

Diamante's styling has an appealing modern freshness. Its aerodynamic shape produces an extremely low coefficient of drag of 0.28. The twin-nostril grille has become part of Diamante's identity, but the current rendition is more understated, less overstyled than it has been in the past. A businesslike under-grille intake adds a serious demeanor.

The Diamante's stance is a dynamic forward lunge, made popular by Chrysler's cab-forward sedans. But Diamante's body contours are muscular and handsomely modeled, with the greenhouse set off by a spare, tasteful perimeter of chrome.

Interior Features

The interior of the Mitsubishi Diamante is an extremely handsome and functional driving environment. It includes every provision expected of a modern luxury sedan. The LS model even spreads wood lavishly on the dash, console and all four doors. The styling of this trim seems a bit perfunctory and bezel-like, in our opinion, but no one could complain that Mitsubishi has held back.

Diamante's instrumentation is composed of excellent analog dials, including a mechanical odometer, becoming a rarity in this digital age. Steering wheel tilt is adjustable, though the wheel does not telescope. The turn signal stalk includes a textured switch for turning on the fog lights, a control you will become accustomed to after use but one that is not at all intuitive. And there is no dash light to indicate that the fog lights are on or off. The three-speed wipers' intermittent setting allows infinite adjustment, another rarity, as some luxury cars have adhered to a one-speed intermittent.

The Diamante's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system features a nice video readout in the center of the dash, indicating the settings. Temperature settings are conveniently selected with a radial knob. This unit also indicates outside temperature. A very nice system, in general, but the graphics showing exterior air versus recirculation are confusing.

Elsewhere on the dash and console are controls for the Infinity premium audio with CD, as well as cupholders galore, two in front and two in the rear. Access to the center console storage compartment is achieved with a clever hinging system. The top tips opens from either side, allowing direct access for both the driver and the passenger. Front seat heaters make driving pleasant in the winter. The LS driver's seat is eight-way adjustable, with intuitive analog controls. The Diamante is also one of the few cars in the world that has both up/down and fore/aft adjustment of the headrests.

Outward visibility in the Diamante is excellent both from the front seats and in the rear, enhancing the driving experience. Windows, mirrors and door locks are all electric, while the doors and trunk can be accessed both by remotes in the driver-side door and the key fob.

Rear seat spaciousness is at or near the largest in the Diamante's class. However, we found the seat cushions uncomfortably hard and flat, offering minimal lateral support. Perhaps in compensation for this shortcoming, an extra-wide, fold-down center armrest serves to hold rear passengers in place. Coupled with the rear's good outboard elbow rests, the center armrest acts as a lateral bolster.

The Diamante's trunk is near the head of the class in volume. Furnished with a cargo net, it has 14 cubic feet of cargo space.