New Car Review

1994 MITSUBSHI GALANT LS SEDAN

by: BILL RUSS

Ten years ago when it was first introduced to our shores, the Mitsubishi Galant was a compact four-cylinder, four-door sedan imported from Japan. For 1994 not only is it completely new and larger, it is now built in Mitsubishi's modern assembly facility in the heartland of mid-Western America, Normal, Illinois. Today the third generation Galant has evolved into a larger, sophisticated mid-sized family sedan that offers an impressive array of real-world utility and safety features.

The 1994 Galant marks Mitsubishi's first entry into the fastest growing and increasingly competitive mid-size segment of the automotive market. To meet this challenge it presents new styling and roominess in addition to a host of modern engineering and safety features. The new Galant is available in four trim levels; the base S model, the ES with added comfort and convenience items, the luxury sedan LS and the sporty GS model. With this wide range of models and accessories Mitsubishi is seriously demonstrating that the newest Galant can readily meet the competitive challenge of participating in America's largest automotive market segment .

APPEARANCE: The 1994 Galant displays clean, rounded, aerodynamic styling that results in a remarkably low coefficient of drag (Cd) of .29. From its bold, wide stance frontal design to its tapered rear treatment the LS exhibits Mitsibushi's styling trends for the '90's - clean and functional. Wide wrap-around front and rear lights are positioned above visible integrated bumpers. Its subtle side sculpture is highlighted with a functional body-colored side rub strip, while the large cabin uses a large amount of curved, tinted glass. Large, streamlined side mirrors increase vision and styled alloy wheels add the look of luxury.

COMFORT: The Galant LS is a sedan that scores very well in comfort and utility. It is equipped with almost every convenience item that Mitsubishi produces, including retained power for the windows and sunroof. Its roomy, well appointed interior includes very comfortable seating, plus a rear seatback that folds forward for added storage area. A secondary safe storage area is located beneath the large flat trunk bed. The quiet and efficient climate control system includes rear seat ducting for full-cabin comfort. The optional upgrade AM/FM/CD/cassette sound installation provides clear, crisp sound from almost every source. Other LS amenities include cruise control, cup holders, remote fuel and trunk releases, center console, rear window defogger and much more.

SAFETY: Safety was one of the design priorities in the newest Galant. Its unibody structure is designed with crumple zones to control impact forces in a collision, and tubular steel beams are installed in the doors for side protection. Dual front air bags are standard, as are front shoulder strap height adjustability and three-point outboard seat belts. Anti-lock brakes are available.

ROADABILITY: The newest Galant is fitted with a new four-wheel independent multi-link suspension that improves maneuverability and stability as well as ride control. This new layout insures good, surefooted handling abilities on a wide variety of road surfaces and weather conditions. It strikes a good balance between comfort and roadholding for commuting, highway travel, or twisty mountain roads. Its sleek design and low Cd, plus good insulation and weatherstripping contribute to a very quiet ride, and all-around vision is excellent.

PERFORMANCE: In this new model Mitsubishi's venerable 2.4 liter, inline four-cylinder engine has evolved from a single overhead cam 8-valve to a SOHC 16-valve layout. For increased efficiency it is also fitted with electronic multi-point fuel injection, roller rocker arms and automatic valve adjusters. For smoothness this engine features Mitsubishi's patented dual engine stabilizers that rotate inside the block to offset vibrations and provide smoothness. These components combine to increase the engine's output to the front wheels up to 141 horsepower. The electronically controlled four- speed automatic transmission utilizes a computer operation called fuzzy logic to determine from actual driving techniques the most efficient shift points under various driving conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: The 1994 Galant GL sedan is almost totally new in styling, design and engineering features. It marks Mitsubishi's entry into the mid-size field with a well equipped and adequately powered four-door luxury sedan that has excellent handling qualities. More importantly it is now made in the USA for the world market.

SPECIFICATIONS:
1994 MISSUBSHI GALANT LS SEDAN

 
	   Base Price              $ 18,215 
	   Price As Tested         $ 20,200 
	   Engine Type             I-4, sohc - 16v, mpfi
	   Engine Size             2.4 liter/143 cid   
	   Horsepower              141 @ 5500
	   Torque (ft/lbs)         148 @ 3000
	   Wheelbase/Length        104"/187"
	   Transmission            four speed auto w/od
	   Curb Weight             2990
	   Pounds per Horsepower   21
	   Fuel Capacity           17
	   Fuel Requirement        Unleaded regular (87 oct)
	   Tire                    Bridgestone SF-408 P195/60HR15 M+S
	   Brake                   anti-lock optional   disc/drum
	   Drive Train             front engine/front drive
	   
	   
	   
	   
			 PERFORMANCE    
	   
	   EPA Economy - miles per gallon,        
	     city/highway/observed      22/28/24.2
	   0 to 60 mph                  9.6 sec           
	   1/4 mi (E.T.)                17.2 sec  
	   Coefficient of drag (cd)     .29