Sleek Newcomer Targets Up and Coming Executive Class
Canadians have been missing out on Mitsubishi's Australian-made flagship sedan since the brand's reintroduction to Canada last year, but that won't last for long. The Diamante, currently available in the U.S., will be on its way north of the 49th when the next-generation 2004 version appears in the fall.
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| The all-new 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante, shown here debuting at the New York International Auto Show in April, is sleeker, more powerful and better equipped than the outgoing model, which was only available in the U.S. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
An alternative to Acura's upscale 3.2 TL, Chrysler's 300M and Nissan's Maxima, among others, the Diamante puts a fresh Mitsubishi face on the midsize luxury class. It's lithe and lean looking, almost minimalist in comparison to some of its competitors, and looking much like a larger version of the brand's reworked 2004 Lancer.
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| Its 16-inch wheels and large lights, front and rear, make the upscale midsize luxury class Diamante appear smaller than it is. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Where the outgoing model, as attractive as it is, seems more a mishmash of competitive upscale brands the 2004 is all Mitsubishi. Front and center is the new signature split grille and surrounding fascia, elegantly executed with large wrap over and around three-sided headlamp clusters. The rear end styling is understated, softer and rounder than the previous Diamante, with nicely integrated taillights.
The large lights, front and rear, and new 16-inch alloy wheels make the car appear smaller than it truly is, endowing it with a certain sinewy athleticism. Make no mistake though, as the Diamante is a large car. While it won't compete in rear seating room or trunk space with a Chrysler Concorde or Mercury Grand Marquis, it will hold its own.