A Brief Look at the Mitsubishi Cordia
The Mitsubishi Cordia is a popular compact car that was produced by Mitsubishi Motors from 1982 to 1990. This car was highly popular back in the day and it is still remembered by car enthusiasts today. It is important to delve into the history of the Mitsubishi Cordia to understand its evolution and contribution to the automotive industry.
First Generation Mitsubishi Cordia (1982–1986)
The first-generation Mitsubishi Cordia was introduced in Japan in 1982 and was available in two-door hatchback and three-door hatchback body styles. It was marketed as a stylish, yet affordable, compact car that offered exceptional driving dynamics. This model was powered by a transversely mounted 1.4L or 1.6L four-cylinder turbocharged engine combined with a five-speed manual gearbox.
The first generation of Mitsubishi Cordia featured an aerodynamic design, with a steeply sloping windshield and full-width rear spoiler. Its headlights were rectangular for the European market and round for the Japanese market. It also came with a standard power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension for exceptional handling and stability.
The Cordia Turbo was released in 1983, which was the first Mitsubishi car to have a turbocharger. It boasted a powerful 120 hp and a top speed of 125 mph, which made it a hit among car enthusiasts.
Second Generation Mitsubishi Cordia (1986–1990)
The second generation of the Mitsubishi Cordia was released in 1986 and was available in a three-door hatchback and four-door sedan body style. It was larger than the previous generation and had a more distinctive design with sharper lines and an updated front-end appearance. It also had more safety features, including a driver’s airbag and optional anti-lock brakes.
The second-gen Cordia was more refined compared to its predecessor, with a quieter and more comfortable ride. It was also equipped with the same 1.6L turbocharged engine as its predecessor, but with improved performance. It boasted a power output of 135 hp and 142 ft-lb of torque, which made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Cordia Variations
Although the Mitsubishi Cordia was only in production for eight years, it has several iterations that are worth mentioning. These variants include:
Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo
The Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo was the first turbocharged Mitsubishi car. It had a 1.6-liter engine that produced 135 hp and 142 lb-ft of torque, which propelled it from 0-60 mph in just 8.5 seconds. The Turbo was incredibly quick for its time and became a standout model in the Cordia lineup.
Mitsubishi Cordia SX
The Mitsubishi Cordia SX was a sports variation of the Cordia, designed for drivers who were seeking more power and higher performance. It had a 1.8-liter engine that produced 116 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque and was equipped with the same features as the Turbo model.
Mitsubishi Cordia GSR
The Mitsubishi Cordia GSR was a limited-edition model that was released in 1987. It was designed to have a more aggressive look and was equipped with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, producing 106 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque. The GSR was only produced for one year and was highly sought-after among car enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Cordia S
The Mitsubishi Cordia S was the base model of the Cordia lineup. It featured a 1.6L engine that produced 84 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque. Despite its low power output, the Cordia S was still a fun car to drive due to its handling and agility.
RunBidSell Insights
The Mitsubishi Cordia has a rich and fascinating history that spans over two decades. It is a testament to the innovation and creativity of Mitsubishi Motors in the early 1980s. The Cordia was a popular car among car enthusiasts and is still remembered fondly today. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the automotive industry.