Chrysler Sigma
Encyclopedia
The Chrysler Sigma is a version of the Mitsubishi Galant
automobile that was built by Chrysler Australia
in Adelaide
from 1977. When Mitsubishi Motors Australia
(MMAL) took over Chrysler Australia's manufacturing facilities in 1980, they renamed the vehicle the Mitsubishi Sigma. The range was discontinued in 1987, and replaced by the Mitsubishi Magna
.
The first Australia
n-built Sigmas were released in October 1977 to replace the outgoing GD series Galant
and were badged as Chryslers. The GE series Sigma was the first to introduce the Australian market to the Astron
engine range; the 1.6-litre Saturn
engine was also available in the base model Sigma Galant. The mid-range model was the Sigma GL and came standard with the Astron (1.85- or 2.0-litre) and four-speed manual
. The top-line model was the Sigma SE and was initially only available with the Astron 2000 with three-speed automatic
. It had equipment levels never seen before at the time including reclining rear seats.
In March 1978 an imported two-door coupe version called the Sigma Scorpion was released based on the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda
, and six months later a station wagon
variant was added across the whole range.
A five-speed manual was offered as standard only on the SE from 1979 and in January 1980 the 2.6-litre Astron was released and was available as an option in GL and SE trim. The 2.6 was noted to be the most smoothest and most powerful Australian built four cylinder engine in its day and being renowned for its low-end torque, producing 73 kW at 4,800 rpm and 188 newton metre at 2,400 rpm. Offering performance closer to that of larger six-cylinder cars, contemporary comparisons of the 2.6 against other four-cylinder cars showed that it could outpace its locally built four-cylinder competitors. It would be this engine that would also see service in Australia in both carburettor (and electronic fuel injection
from 1987) with the Magna range, the Triton
commercial range and the Pajero
four-wheel drive
up until 1996.
Released in May 1980, the GH series saw a considerable facelift on both front and rear ends. While it was only introduced to Australia in 1980, the facelift actually appeared on the Japanese home market Galant models and on New Zealand
assembled Mitsubishi Sigma models in 1979. The mechanical layout was as before except for the deletion of the 1.85-litre engine. The base model was now simply called "Sigma" instead of "Sigma Galant" to avoid confusion with the previous Mitsubishi Galant
.
A GLX model was placed between GL and SE level and was advertised as a "sports pack". A limited run of 1,016 "Peter Wherrett" editions of the GLX were built (option A05), named after Australian motoring journalist Peter Wherrett
who was given the task of improving the handling
of the Sigma by Mitsubishi Motors Australia
after complaining about it. The improvements included 15 × 6 Globe "Montego" alloy wheel
s fitted with Pirelli
P6 tyres, Recaro
seats, Momo
steering wheel
, Sonic extractors, as well as lowered coil springs and Bilstein shock absorber
s.
In October 1980 the range was rebadged from "Chrysler Sigma" to "Mitsubishi Sigma", due to Mitsubishi buying out Chrysler Australia
's operations. In September 1981, in partnership with turbocharger
specialists Normalair-Garrett
, Mitsubishi produced a limited run of 500 Sigma Turbos, the first Australian-built turbocharged production car. The forced-induction 2.0-litre Astron powerplant produced 116 kW and 235 newton metre.
This generation was discontinued in February 1982.
The redesigned GJ Sigma was released in March 1982, based on the 1980 Japanese domestic market Mitsubishi Galant. While a complete redevelopment was done for the sedan models, the wagon models in fact were new only from the firewall forward—the rest of the bodyshell was still GH based. Engine and transmission offerings remained as before, but received power and torque boosts; the 2.0-litre now produced 70 kW and 152 newton metre and the 2.6-litre 76 kW and 192 newton metre.
A sporting model, the Sigma GSR, was also released with either 2.0 or 2.6-litre engines offered with either automatic
or manual transmission
s. Features included alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brake
s, a sports steering wheel and blackouts, particularly on the window frames and doorhandles.
June 1983 saw the entry-level Sigma rebadged as the Sigma XL, to coincide with the trims on MMAL's small car, the Colt.
October 1983 saw the release of the luxurious Sigma "Super Saloon" which, placed above the SE trim level, came only with the 2.6-litre in either five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. Upmarket features of this model included alloy wheels, interior trim more plusher than the SE's (even in the boot which was fully lined), power window
s, air conditioning, power steering
, additional interior lighting (glove compartment
, door, and overhead reading lamps) and additional storage compartments. Two tone paint was also a feature of this model, notable colour combinations being metallic light-dark blue and light-dark brown.
The GJ series Sigma had the distinction of being the only Australian car during the 1980s to be exported to Europe (Chrysler previously did this with the Australian Valiant
). The car was sold in the United Kingdom
, in both sedan and wagon models, under the marque Lonsdale
.
and a shallower grille
, while at the rear new taillight clusters (which had actually appeared in certain overseas markets in 1982) and rear valence were fitted, the registration plate
being relocated below the bumper. Internally the specifications and trim of the models had changed. Seats were different in certain models, particularly the GL, and all models had the option of power windows (although rare), an option not available in most previous models.
The Sigma XL was the entry-level model of the range and came with either the 1.6 or 2.0-litre engines. In the SE, velour
seats with lumber control, adjustable headrest
s and a fold-down rear seat armrest with boot
access were fitted. Reading lights incorporated into the roof-mounted dome light and built into the rear pillars were now a stock feature on the SE model Sigma. Power assisted steering was also an option along with electric windows. The SE model sigma had stock dual line striping around the car, with chrome bonnet indicators.
Chrome detailing (around gauges and air vents, which often had a tendency to peel off) was replaced by black painting, and the door trim was now two-tone in certain models. A few other slight changes were included in the GK sigma, for example, the boot was fully lined with carpet and also featured a plastic protector for the lights. A painted boot with only base carpet was used in the GN sigma, with no plastic light protector. Also, red courtesy lights were built into the bottom of the doors on the SE model.
As for the mechanics of the car, the GK was unchanged from the GJ, while the SE model featured rear disc brakes as standard. The GSR received a sportier front air dam
, rear spoiler
and 15 inch alloy wheels and was only available with the 2.6-litre engine and five-speed manual transmission. The GSR Sigma also had a sports steering wheel, black door frames and door handles and came standard with rear disc brakes.
front-wheel drive
range, which was developed eventually to replace the Sigma in Australia.
The GN range had a number of external trim changes over its predecessors, notably a black trim line around the base of the body, and the deletion of the wrap-round chrome strip seen on the previous model. The grille was remodelled, resembling the SE grille of the previous model, and new hubcap
s were used with alloy wheels from the previous SE models optional. The largest change however, concerned the wagon models. To freshen the model before the impending release of the Magna wagon (which was being developed at that time, for a 1987 release), a new higher roof (dubbed "high roof") was developed for the car, which helped to improve the car's overall cabin space. It gave the wagon a unique appearance from its predecessors, particularly as it incorporated a roof-mounted spoiler.
The "high roof" Sigma wagon was an export model for MMAL. During 1986–1987 station wagons were shipped to New Zealand, due to that market's demand for wagon models. Although they were of a previous generation to the front-wheel drive Mitsubishi Sigma sedan (which was similar, but of a narrower bodyshell to the Magna, and fitted with smaller engines) range being sold in New Zealand, they proved popular, particularly with fleets.
Engine-wise, the GN sigma was offered either with the Astron 2.0-litre (70 kW at 5,600 rpm and 152 newton metre at 2,400 rpm) or the Astron II 2.6-litre (83 kW at 5,200 rpm and 200 newton metre at 2,400 rpm) units. The Astron II had a few changes over the previous models, notably a newly designed head with hydraulic tappets (replacing the manual tappet
s in previous Astrons) and flat-top piston
s. The oil pressure switch was now located at the rear of the cylinder block
. In December 1985 the 2.0-litre versions were dropped, as Mitsubishi did not believe it warranted the conversion to unleaded fuel. Unleaded was introduced in Australia in January 1986.
This final generation of the Sigma ceased production in early 1987, due to the release of the Magna wagon models, completing the overall Magna range.
Mitsubishi Galant
The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 or 1.5 L ...
automobile that was built by Chrysler Australia
Chrysler Australia
Chrysler Australia is the importer of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles for sale in the Australian marketplace. However, there had previously been a "Chrysler Australia Ltd" which had operated as a vehicle manufacturer in Australia from 1951 until 1980....
in Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
from 1977. When Mitsubishi Motors Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited is a fully owned subsidiary of parent company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation of Japan. Its Australian administrative headquarters are located at Tonsley Park , with branch offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth...
(MMAL) took over Chrysler Australia's manufacturing facilities in 1980, they renamed the vehicle the Mitsubishi Sigma. The range was discontinued in 1987, and replaced by the Mitsubishi Magna
Mitsubishi Magna
The Mitsubishi Magna was a mid-size car offered between May 1985 and September 2005 by Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited . Manufactured at the Tonsley Park assembly plant, Magna spanned three generations before being replaced by the Mitsubishi 380...
.
GE (1977–1980)
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n-built Sigmas were released in October 1977 to replace the outgoing GD series Galant
Mitsubishi Galant
The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 or 1.5 L ...
and were badged as Chryslers. The GE series Sigma was the first to introduce the Australian market to the Astron
Mitsubishi Astron engine
The Mitsubishi Astron or 4G5 engine, is a series of straight-4 internal combustion engines first built by Mitsubishi Motors in 1972. Engine displacement ranged from 1.8 to 2.6 litres, making it one of the largest four-cylinder engines of its time....
engine range; the 1.6-litre Saturn
Mitsubishi Saturn engine
The Mitsubishi Saturn or 4G3 engine is series of straight-4 internal combustion engines introduced by Mitsubishi Motors in 1969, along with the Astron, Orion, and Sirius. Displacement ranges from 1.2 L to 1.8 L.-4G30:...
engine was also available in the base model Sigma Galant. The mid-range model was the Sigma GL and came standard with the Astron (1.85- or 2.0-litre) and four-speed manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
. The top-line model was the Sigma SE and was initially only available with the Astron 2000 with three-speed automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. It had equipment levels never seen before at the time including reclining rear seats.
In March 1978 an imported two-door coupe version called the Sigma Scorpion was released based on the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda
Mitsubishi Galant Lambda
The Mitsubishi Galant Λ is a two-door hardtop coupé built by Mitsubishi Motors from 1976 to 1984. From 1978 it was exported under various names; as the Mitsubishi Sapporo in Europe and South America , the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo in North America and Puerto Rico, and the Chrysler...
, and six months later a station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
variant was added across the whole range.
A five-speed manual was offered as standard only on the SE from 1979 and in January 1980 the 2.6-litre Astron was released and was available as an option in GL and SE trim. The 2.6 was noted to be the most smoothest and most powerful Australian built four cylinder engine in its day and being renowned for its low-end torque, producing 73 kW at 4,800 rpm and 188 newton metre at 2,400 rpm. Offering performance closer to that of larger six-cylinder cars, contemporary comparisons of the 2.6 against other four-cylinder cars showed that it could outpace its locally built four-cylinder competitors. It would be this engine that would also see service in Australia in both carburettor (and electronic fuel injection
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
from 1987) with the Magna range, the Triton
Mitsubishi Triton
The Mitsubishi Triton is a compact pickup truck produced by Mitsubishi Motors. It was originally known as the Mitsubishi Forte in Japan from 1978 to 1986, when the name was discontinued in favour of the Strada. In the United States two captive imports of the Forte were sold by the Chrysler...
commercial range and the Pajero
Mitsubishi Pajero
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a sport utility vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. It was named after Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas Cat which is native to the Patagonia plateau region of southern Argentina. However, since pajero is an offensive term for "wanker" in Spanish, alternative names have...
four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
up until 1996.
GH (1980–1982)
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
assembled Mitsubishi Sigma models in 1979. The mechanical layout was as before except for the deletion of the 1.85-litre engine. The base model was now simply called "Sigma" instead of "Sigma Galant" to avoid confusion with the previous Mitsubishi Galant
Mitsubishi Galant
The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 or 1.5 L ...
.
A GLX model was placed between GL and SE level and was advertised as a "sports pack". A limited run of 1,016 "Peter Wherrett" editions of the GLX were built (option A05), named after Australian motoring journalist Peter Wherrett
Peter Wherrett
Peter Wherrett was an Australian motoring and motor sport journalist and race car driver.Wherrett learned to drive when his parents got their first motor car when he was twelve...
who was given the task of improving the handling
Car handling
Automobile handling and vehicle handling are descriptions of the way wheeled vehicles perform transverse to their direction of motion, particularly during cornering and swerving. It also includes their stability when moving at rest. Handling and braking are the major components of a vehicle's...
of the Sigma by Mitsubishi Motors Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited is a fully owned subsidiary of parent company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation of Japan. Its Australian administrative headquarters are located at Tonsley Park , with branch offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth...
after complaining about it. The improvements included 15 × 6 Globe "Montego" alloy wheel
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
s fitted with Pirelli
Pirelli
Pirelli & C. SpA is a diverse multinational company based in Milan, Italy. The company, the world’s fifth largest tyre manufacturer, is present in over 160 countries, has 20 manufacturing sites around the world and a network of around 10,000 distributors and retailers.Founded in Milan in 1872,...
P6 tyres, Recaro
Recaro
RECARO GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as Recaro, is a German company based in Kirchheim unter Teck in the vicinity of Stuttgart, known for their automobile bucket seats...
seats, Momo
MOMO (company)
MOMO Srl is a design company headquartered in Milan, Italy that makes accessories and parts for automobiles.- Company history :MOMO was founded by gentleman racer Giampiero Moretti in the 1960s. MOMO are the initials for Moretti-Monza. Monza is a region in the Province of Milan.In 1969 MOMO opened...
steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
, Sonic extractors, as well as lowered coil springs and Bilstein shock absorber
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
s.
In October 1980 the range was rebadged from "Chrysler Sigma" to "Mitsubishi Sigma", due to Mitsubishi buying out Chrysler Australia
Chrysler Australia
Chrysler Australia is the importer of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles for sale in the Australian marketplace. However, there had previously been a "Chrysler Australia Ltd" which had operated as a vehicle manufacturer in Australia from 1951 until 1980....
's operations. In September 1981, in partnership with turbocharger
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
specialists Normalair-Garrett
Garrett AiResearch
Garrett AiResearch was a manufacturer of turboprop engines and turbochargers, and a pioneer in numerous aerospace technologies. It was previously known as Aircraft Tool and Supply Company, Garrett Supply Company, AiResearch Manufacturing Company, or simply AiResearch...
, Mitsubishi produced a limited run of 500 Sigma Turbos, the first Australian-built turbocharged production car. The forced-induction 2.0-litre Astron powerplant produced 116 kW and 235 newton metre.
This generation was discontinued in February 1982.
GJ (1982–1984)
A sporting model, the Sigma GSR, was also released with either 2.0 or 2.6-litre engines offered with either automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
or manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
s. Features included alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brake
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s, a sports steering wheel and blackouts, particularly on the window frames and doorhandles.
June 1983 saw the entry-level Sigma rebadged as the Sigma XL, to coincide with the trims on MMAL's small car, the Colt.
October 1983 saw the release of the luxurious Sigma "Super Saloon" which, placed above the SE trim level, came only with the 2.6-litre in either five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. Upmarket features of this model included alloy wheels, interior trim more plusher than the SE's (even in the boot which was fully lined), power window
Power window
Power windows or electric windows as well as electric or power window lifts are automobile windows which can be raised and lowered by depressing a button or switch, as opposed to using a hand-turned crank handle.- History :Packard introduced the first power windows in the 1940 Packard...
s, air conditioning, power steering
Power steering
Power steering helps drivers steer vehicles by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.Hydraulic or electric actuators add controlled energy to the steering mechanism, so the driver needs to provide only modest effort regardless of conditions. Power steering helps considerably when a...
, additional interior lighting (glove compartment
Glove compartment
A glove compartment or glovebox, also known as a little cupboard, is a compartment built into the dashboard, located over the front-seat passenger's footwell in an automobile, often used for miscellaneous storage. The name derives from the original purpose of the compartment, to store gloves...
, door, and overhead reading lamps) and additional storage compartments. Two tone paint was also a feature of this model, notable colour combinations being metallic light-dark blue and light-dark brown.
The GJ series Sigma had the distinction of being the only Australian car during the 1980s to be exported to Europe (Chrysler previously did this with the Australian Valiant
Chrysler Valiant
The Chrysler Valiant is a passenger car which was introduced by Chrysler Australia in 1962 with production ceasing in 1981. Initially a rebadged locally assembled Plymouth Valiant from the U.S., the Valiant range was sold throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as South Africa...
). The car was sold in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, in both sedan and wagon models, under the marque Lonsdale
Lonsdale (car)
Lonsdale was a marque of car sold in the United Kingdom by Mitsubishi Motors between 1982 and 1983. It took its name from the industrial suburb of Lonsdale in Adelaide, South Australia where Mitsubishi Australia had an engine production facility. The only car sold under this brand was the Lonsdale,...
.
GK (1984–1985)
The GK Series was released in March 1984. It was a comprehensive facelift, both outside and in. Externally the GK was changed by having a new bonnetHood (vehicle)
The hood or bonnet is the hinged cover over the engine of motor vehicles that allows access to the engine compartment for maintenance and repair. In British terminology, hood refers to a fabric cover over the passenger compartment of the car...
and a shallower grille
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
, while at the rear new taillight clusters (which had actually appeared in certain overseas markets in 1982) and rear valence were fitted, the registration plate
Vehicle registration plate
A vehicle registration plate is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies the vehicle within the issuing region's database...
being relocated below the bumper. Internally the specifications and trim of the models had changed. Seats were different in certain models, particularly the GL, and all models had the option of power windows (although rare), an option not available in most previous models.
Velour
Velour or velours is a plush, knitted fabric or textile. It is usually made from cotton but can also be made from synthetic materials such as polyester. Velour is used in a wide variety of applications, including clothing and upholstery....
seats with lumber control, adjustable headrest
Headrest
In an automobile, head restraints are attached or integrated into the top of the seats in each seating position to limit the rearward movement of an adult occupant's head relative to his torso in a crash, so as to reduce the danger of whiplash or other injury to the cervical vertebrae...
s and a fold-down rear seat armrest with boot
Trunk (automobile)
The trunk or boot of an automobile or car is the vehicle's main storage, luggage, or cargo compartment. Trunk is used in North American English and Jamaican English; boot is used elsewhere in the English speaking world. Trunk is also primarily used in many non-English speaking regions, such as...
access were fitted. Reading lights incorporated into the roof-mounted dome light and built into the rear pillars were now a stock feature on the SE model Sigma. Power assisted steering was also an option along with electric windows. The SE model sigma had stock dual line striping around the car, with chrome bonnet indicators.
Chrome detailing (around gauges and air vents, which often had a tendency to peel off) was replaced by black painting, and the door trim was now two-tone in certain models. A few other slight changes were included in the GK sigma, for example, the boot was fully lined with carpet and also featured a plastic protector for the lights. A painted boot with only base carpet was used in the GN sigma, with no plastic light protector. Also, red courtesy lights were built into the bottom of the doors on the SE model.
As for the mechanics of the car, the GK was unchanged from the GJ, while the SE model featured rear disc brakes as standard. The GSR received a sportier front air dam
Spoiler (automotive)
A spoiler is an automotive aerodynamic device whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle in motion. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often called air dams, because in addition to directing air flow they also reduce the amount of air...
, rear spoiler
Spoiler (automotive)
A spoiler is an automotive aerodynamic device whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle in motion. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often called air dams, because in addition to directing air flow they also reduce the amount of air...
and 15 inch alloy wheels and was only available with the 2.6-litre engine and five-speed manual transmission. The GSR Sigma also had a sports steering wheel, black door frames and door handles and came standard with rear disc brakes.
GN (1985–1987)
Released in July 1985, the GN was an update, but also a rationalization of the previous Sigma range due to only being offered in GL trim. The range was rationalized due to the April 1985 release of the Mitsubishi MagnaMitsubishi Magna
The Mitsubishi Magna was a mid-size car offered between May 1985 and September 2005 by Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited . Manufactured at the Tonsley Park assembly plant, Magna spanned three generations before being replaced by the Mitsubishi 380...
front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
range, which was developed eventually to replace the Sigma in Australia.
The GN range had a number of external trim changes over its predecessors, notably a black trim line around the base of the body, and the deletion of the wrap-round chrome strip seen on the previous model. The grille was remodelled, resembling the SE grille of the previous model, and new hubcap
Hubcap
A hubcap, wheel cover or wheel trim is a decorative disk on an automobile wheel that covers at least a central portion of the wheel. Cars with stamped steel wheels often use a full wheel cover that conceals the entire wheel. Cars with alloy wheels or styled steel wheels generally use smaller...
s were used with alloy wheels from the previous SE models optional. The largest change however, concerned the wagon models. To freshen the model before the impending release of the Magna wagon (which was being developed at that time, for a 1987 release), a new higher roof (dubbed "high roof") was developed for the car, which helped to improve the car's overall cabin space. It gave the wagon a unique appearance from its predecessors, particularly as it incorporated a roof-mounted spoiler.
The "high roof" Sigma wagon was an export model for MMAL. During 1986–1987 station wagons were shipped to New Zealand, due to that market's demand for wagon models. Although they were of a previous generation to the front-wheel drive Mitsubishi Sigma sedan (which was similar, but of a narrower bodyshell to the Magna, and fitted with smaller engines) range being sold in New Zealand, they proved popular, particularly with fleets.
Engine-wise, the GN sigma was offered either with the Astron 2.0-litre (70 kW at 5,600 rpm and 152 newton metre at 2,400 rpm) or the Astron II 2.6-litre (83 kW at 5,200 rpm and 200 newton metre at 2,400 rpm) units. The Astron II had a few changes over the previous models, notably a newly designed head with hydraulic tappets (replacing the manual tappet
Tappet
A tappet is the noise made by a worn cam follower, however the term is widely used to represent the cam follower itself. In mechanical engineering it is a projection which imparts a linear motion to some other component within an assembly...
s in previous Astrons) and flat-top piston
Piston
A piston is a component of reciprocating engines, reciprocating pumps, gas compressors and pneumatic cylinders, among other similar mechanisms. It is the moving component that is contained by a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings. In an engine, its purpose is to transfer force from...
s. The oil pressure switch was now located at the rear of the cylinder block
Cylinder block
A cylinder block is an integrated structure comprising the cylinder of a reciprocating engine and often some or all of their associated surrounding structures...
. In December 1985 the 2.0-litre versions were dropped, as Mitsubishi did not believe it warranted the conversion to unleaded fuel. Unleaded was introduced in Australia in January 1986.
This final generation of the Sigma ceased production in early 1987, due to the release of the Magna wagon models, completing the overall Magna range.