Segment:
Compact Family Car / Small Family Car
Market Role:
Offered a practical, well-equipped alternative in a competitive segment
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Renault Mรฉgane
Design Philosophy:
European styling cues, emphasis on practicality and value
Body Styles:
Offered in both 4-door Sedan and 5-door Hatchback variants
Interior Layout:
Ergonomic dashboard, good passenger space for its class
Engine Mechanical:
Full disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of all engine components
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (ECI), starting system, charging system, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanisms, shift linkage
Transmission Automatic:
ATF diagnosis, torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control systems
Chassis Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars
Chassis Steering:
Power steering system (pump, rack, hoses), steering column, universal joints
Chassis Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear discs/drums, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, calipers, master cylinder
Electrical Body:
Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, central locking, mirrors, wipers, horn
HVAC:
Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser), heating system, climate control
Body And Trim:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim components, glass replacement, weatherstripping
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures for all intervals
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and complex faults, DTC interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation
Component Rebuilds:
Instructions for overhauling engines, transmissions, and other major components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Specification Charts:
Torque specifications, clearance measurements, electrical values
Depth:
Extremely high; covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Code Petrol 1.3L:
4G13 (SOHC)
Engine Code Petrol 1.6L:
4G92 (DOHC MPI)
Engine Code Petrol 1.8L:
4G93 (DOHC MPI)
Engine Code Diesel 1.9L:
4D68 (Naturally Aspirated Diesel), 4D68T (Turbocharged Diesel)
Horsepower:
103 PS (76 kW; 102 hp) at 6000 rpm
Torque:
137 Nm (101 lb-ft) at 4300 rpm
Horsepower:
116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) at 6000 rpm
Torque:
161 Nm (119 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm
Injection Type Petrol:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91-95), Diesel
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Transmission Type Petrol:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Petrol:
4-speed Automatic (INVECS-II with adaptive shift logic)
Transmission Type Diesel:
5-speed Manual
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated dry single plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-85
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Diamond ATF SP-II M or equivalent
Length:
Approx. 4435 mm (174.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1745 mm (68.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Length:
Approx. 4315 mm (169.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1745 mm (68.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1425 mm (56.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2600 mm (102.4 in)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 1200 kg (2646 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Varies by model and configuration, typically around 1700-1800 kg
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approximately 450 liters (15.9 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approximately 360 liters (12.7 cu ft) with seats up, expandable significantly with seats folded
Euro Ncap Rating:
No official Euro NCAP ratings publicly available for this specific generation and region.
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher specifications later in the model run
Traction Control:
Rarely available, not a common feature for this era
Airbags Driver:
Standard on most trims
Airbags Passenger:
Optional or standard on higher trims
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX points were not standard in this period for this model
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player with optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Dashboard Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Phone Integration:
No factory Bluetooth or smartphone integration. Aftermarket solutions typically required.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Service Intervals Filters
Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 24 months.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 48 months.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 km (56,000 miles) or 6 years, whichever comes first. Crucial for preventing catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SH, ACEA A2-96, SAE 10W-40 (preferred) or 10W-30. Check manual for specific conditions.
Coolant Specification:
Mitsubishi Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Complaint Ignition Coils:
Intermittent misfires, rough idling, check engine light due to failing ignition coils (especially on 1.6L engines).
Common Complaint Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear on suspension bushings (front and rear) leading to knocking noises and poor handling.
Common Complaint ABS Sensors:
ABS warning light illumination due to faulty ABS wheel speed sensors.
Common Complaint Rust:
Prone to rust in areas with harsh winters, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and subframes.
Common Complaint Exhaust System:
Corrosion and failure of exhaust components (muffler, pipes) over time.
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Brand Focus:
Known for reliable engineering and often innovative features, particularly in SUVs and performance cars.
Predecessor:
Mitsubishi Lancer (shared some underpinnings with earlier Lancers)
Successor:
Mitsubishi Lancer (new generation)
Development Collaboration:
Developed in conjunction with Volvo (for the European market, leading to the Volvo S40/V40 and Mitsubishi Carisma being built on a shared platform in the Netherlands).
Manufacturing Location:
Born, Netherlands (NedCar plant)
Production Years:
1995-2004 (first generation)
๐ Professional Vehicle Manual Information
Comprehensive technical documentation for maintenance, repair, and operation