2004 Mitsubishi Diamante Road Test

Looking Good is Easy in this Car

Mitsubishi waited a year to bring its Diamante to the Canadian market. Why the delay? It didn't make a lot of sense for the

The Diamante was already a good looking car, but the update last year made it appear even more upscale. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Japanese brand to spend advertising dollars in a totally new market on a car that would soon go under the stylist's scalpel.

The car first appeared revealing its comprehensive nose job at last year's New York International Auto Show, almost exactly a year ago today. While most that go under the plastic surgeon's knife do so to undergo a transformation from less than ideal to downright sexy, the Diamante was already a looker. The new car, however, aligns with the Mitsubishi family's new design language, with

The Diamante does a pretty good job of straddling the middle ground between sports-oriented and luxury. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

all models highlighted by a distinctive bisected grille. The Diamante's long nose is less aggressive than its stable mates though, coming across like a refined, upscale luxury car.

That's a good thing as it is intended for wooing entry-luxury buyers who might otherwise opt for a Nissan Maxima or Toyota Avalon. While these two comparisons are almost diametrically opposed in their target market, the first focused on sport-oriented sedan owners and the latter attempting to harness an older, luxury buyer, the Diamante does a pretty good job of straddling the middle ground. Those wanting a little more pepper in their gazpacho can order a sporty VR-X version while the "hold the salt" crowd can make do with the stylish LS.