Base price: ES, $26,500 (est); LS, $29,000 (est); VR-X, $28,000 (est)
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-drive; 4-door 5-passenger sedan
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 53/43/14
Wheelbase 107.1 in
Length/width/height 194.1/70.3/53.9 in
Turning circle 36.7 ft
Curb weight 3450–3550 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 18/25
Fuel-tank capacity/range 19.0 gal/342 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger airbags
POWERTRAIN
3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6, 205 or 210 hp; 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/disc
ABS standard
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MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE
Mitsubishi’s flagship sedan gets a new trim level for 2003, the Diamante VR-X. Designed to appeal to sports-sedan fans, the VR-X has a slightly power-boosted V-6 engine (210 horsepower versus 205 in the ES and LS trim), flashier bucket seats with sport-look fabric and VR-X badging, side-skirt air dams, and some cosmetic variations from the other models. The rear spoiler and leather seating surfaces now come as part of optional packages. The seat fabric in the ES is upgraded, and the LS now has standard traction control and heated seats and mirrors. The Diamante has a slick 0.28 drag coefficient, impressive for a fairly large sedan, and its suspension achieves a good balance between lively handling and a smooth, well-controlled ride. Value, especially in the LS model, is a Mitsubishi strength in the highly competitive, front-drive larger-sedan segment of the market.
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