Mitsubishi Cordia

Mitsubishi Cordia

Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	1982.02–1990
Predecessor	Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste
Successor	Mitsubishi Eclipse (U.S.)
Class	Compact car
Body style	3-door coupé hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-/four-wheel drive
Platform	A211A-A213A
Engine	4G12T 1.4 L I4 4G32 1.6 L I4 4G32T 1.6 L turbo I4 4G62 1.8 L I4 4G62T 1.8 L turbo 4G63 2.0 L I4
Transmission	2×4-speed Super Shift manual 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,445 mm (96.3 in)
Length	4,275 mm (168.3 in)
Width	1,660 mm (65.4 in)
Height	1,320 mm (52.0 in)
Curb weight	960 kg (2,116 lb)
Related	Mitsubishi Tredia

The Mitsubishi Cordia is a compact hatchback-coupé that was built by Mitsubishi Motors from 1982 to 1990. Its name is supposedly an amalgam of "cordorite" (a lustrous mineral) and "diamonds" from Mitsubishi's Three Diamonds logo. Alongside the Tredia and Starion, it was one of the first cars imported and sold to America by the company without the involvement of its then partner, the Chrysler Corporation.

Overview

Designed to fit between the existing Galant and Lancer models to increase the overall lineup of passenger vehicles, the Cordia and Tredia used front-wheel drive, and were similar in design to the contemporary Mirage. They incorporated a MacPherson strut/beam axle suspension, front disc brakes, manual or electrically controlled automatic transmission, and a choice of three engines: a 1.4 litre rated at 68 hp, a 74 hp (55 kW) a 1.6 litre, and a 112 hp (84 kW) turbocharged 1.6 litre. Some export markets also received a carb-fed 110 hp (82 kW) 2.0 litre.

The cars were given a mild facelift in 1983, and four-wheel drive was offered in 1984. The engine range was overhauled in 1985 to allow the cars to run on unleaded fuel, including the introduction of a 1.8 litre engine in both 100 hp (70 kW) naturally aspirated and 135 hp (101 kW) turbocharged form, before production was discontinued in 1990. 1988 was its last year in the United States.

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  1986 Cordia GSR 4WD (Japan)

External links

• Official history of the Cordia & Tredia, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa website
• Autospeed.com review, Michael Knowling, November 10, 1998
• Specifications for Mitsubishi vehicles at Carfolio.com