August 9^th, 2000

New model Magna - more power, better economy

Reflecting the greater intensity of competition in Australia’s `battle of the big cars’, Mitsubishi has made some substantial changes to its Magna/Verada line-up.

A fiery new sports sedan, improved equipment levels across the range, more power, better economy, new paint colours, a new interior colour option and most importantly a bold new front and rear look, are the highlights of the new TJ Magna and KJ Verada.

And, as Mitsubishi has been at pains to point out, price increases are minimal.

The only local manufacturer to improve its market share position this year, Mitsubishi is pursuing further gains by giving Magna a distinctive new, fresh ‘Euro’ appearance with upgraded front and rear styling changes.

At the front the bonnet has a raised V-section which forms the body-coloured ‘nose’ section of the grille. At either side of this are two grille sections with egg-crate design features for Magna and oblique chrome features for Verada.

At the rear, the deck lid has been redesigned into a one-piece outer unit, with a depressed centre top section and a flat rear panel. The rear combination lamps have been completely redesigned to incorporate modern, stylish round lenses that are contained in the same outer shape.

More urge and grunt
However, the real news is in the extra performance and economy gains.

An improved camshaft profile across the complete 3.5 litre V6 range has increased power to 150kW at 5000 rpm (up from 147), while giving a flatter torque curve and improved idle quality. And this comes with improved fuel economy due to new logic within the engine computer.

Put simply, Mitsubishi claims that the new Magna/Verada V6 series has more power than a six-cylinder Commodore and the same fuel economy as a four-cylinder Camry.

The good news story on power does not stop there. Magna Sports and the newly introduced VR-X sports sedan gain an additional 13kW of power, giving them a fiery 163kW at 5250 rpm. This additional power is gained through an Australian-designed free-flowing exhaust system and corresponding unique engine calibration.

Both the Sports and VR-X put their power to the ground through a five-speed manual gearbox, or a new five-speed tiptronic-style ‘Sports Mode" clutchless automatic. Jointly developed by Australian and Japanese engineers, the gear ratios, final drive ratio and shift patterns of the acclaimed INVECS II automatic transmission have been revised to eliminate shift lag and produce astonishing performance.

The four-speed tiptronic-style automatic, which was previously in Magna Sports, has now been introduced into Verada models, with the standard INVECS II auto available in Magna Executive and Advance.

Galloping show-pony
The newly introduced VR-X model has plenty of ‘show’ to go with its ‘go’. A full body kit, comprising front air dam, side and rear skirts, wheel arch extensions, rear deck lid spoiler, and a large round chromed exhaust adds an aggressive appearance to the dramatic performance.

Both Magna Sport and VR-X now have a better footprint and greater road grip due to new wider 16" x 7" alloys shod with 215/60R16 tyres.

The automatic variants of Magna Sport and VR-X, as well as Verada Ei and Xi, enjoy improved traction control logic that has also been the beneficiary of a joint Australian/Japanese development program. The revised system allows for good vehicle control in brisk driving and subtle assistance in extreme or unexpected driving conditions.

For further economy, and in response to popular demand, Magna is available with a factory-backed LPG system for the first time. It has been developed especially to suit the unique requirements of Magna’s technologically advanced drivetrain.

Apart from the power and economy improvements, TJ Magna has four new bright fashion colours – Island Blue and Glacier Green (metallic), and Sapphire Blue and Daintree Green (pearlescent).

The model line-up has been revised, and now comprises Magna Executive sedan and wagon (3.0 and 3.5 litre V6s), Magna Advance 3.5 litre V6 sedan and wagon, Magna Sports 3.5 litre V6 sedan, Magna VR-X 3.5 litre V6 sedan, Verada Ei 3.5 litre V6 sedan and wagon and Verada Xi 3.5 litre V6 sedan.

More choices inside too
Inside the cabin has a fresh new look, as there are now two two-tone colour options – Dark Grey/Light Grey and Brown/Sandstone – available across the range (except Sports and VRX which is Black/Dark Grey).

Audio units have also been upgraded, so that all Magna models now get a higher-powered radio/single CD four-speaker sound system. They have a large display, easy-to-use buttons, an auxiliary input socket, one hour play with ignition key out, telephone mute input, switchable clock display, independent tone memories and random/repeat/scan disc facility.

A 2 DIN in-dash four CD stacker is a dealer-fit option on Magna and standard on Verada models. This in-dash unit has the ability to load or eject any of the four CDs independently, and CDs can also be ejected with the ignition key out.

Verada retains its eight speaker premium sound system (with four CD in-dash stacker).

A seat undertray has been added to the passenger front seat of all models with this upgrade. It is ideal for the stowage of soft convenience items such as maps, street directories, gloves etc, and incorporates a simple locking device to prevent inadvertent opening.

The introduction of the TJ Magna and KJ Verada series is a significant step forward in the evolution of one of Australia’s most refined and best handling mainstream ‘big sixes’. The styling and specification changes, the power and economy improvements and the introduction of the fiery Magna VR-X sports sedan have refreshed the range and further improved the car’s reputation for refinement and value for money.