A Brief Look at the Mitsubishi Precis
The Mitsubishi Precis, also known as the Hyundai Excel, was a subcompact car produced by Mitsubishi Motors from 1985 to 1994. It was a badge-engineered version of the Hyundai Excel, which was manufactured by Hyundai Motors. The Precis was Mitsubishi’s first entry into the subcompact car segment in the United States. It was designed to compete with similar models from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
First Generation (1985-1989)
The first generation of the Mitsubishi Precis was introduced in 1985 as a four-door hatchback and a two-door notchback. It was available with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 68 horsepower. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. The Precis had front-wheel drive and an independent suspension system.
In 1987, the Precis received a minor facelift that included a new grille, headlights, and taillights. The interior was also refreshed with new upholstery and a redesigned dashboard.
Second Generation (1990-1994)
The second generation of the Mitsubishi Precis was introduced in 1990. It was again available as a four-door hatchback or a two-door notchback. The new model had a more aerodynamic design and a slightly larger 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 81 horsepower. The engine was mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
In 1991, the Precis received another facelift that included a new grille, headlights, and taillights. The interior was also updated with new upholstery and a redesigned dashboard.
In 1994, the Mitsubishi Precis was discontinued in the United States due to low sales. However, Hyundai continued to produce the Hyundai Excel, which was essentially the same car with slight cosmetic differences.
Variations
During its production run, the Mitsubishi Precis was available in a number of variations, including:
– Base model: This was the most basic version of the car, with few features and no options.
– DL: This model added a few more features, such as air conditioning, power windows, and upgraded upholstery.
– GS: This was the top-of-the-line model, with additional features such as a cassette player, power door locks, and alloy wheels.
– RS: This model was introduced in 1987 as a sportier version of the car. It had a stiffer suspension, larger wheels and tires, and a front spoiler.
– XLS: This model was introduced in 1992 and had additional features such as power mirrors, a rear spoiler, and a tachometer.
Legacy
Despite its short production run and low sales, the Mitsubishi Precis left a lasting legacy. It was one of the first subcompact cars to be built in the United States, which helped to pave the way for other foreign automakers to establish manufacturing operations in the country. The Precis also served as a precursor to the Hyundai Accent, which was introduced in 1995 and continues to be produced today.
In addition, the Precis demonstrated Mitsubishi’s ability to develop and build reliable, fuel-efficient cars that appealed to budget-conscious shoppers. This reputation was further solidified with the success of the Mitsubishi Mirage, which was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Precis.
Overall, the Mitsubishi Precis may not have been a sales success, but it played an important role in the evolution of the subcompact car segment and helped to establish Mitsubishi as a viable player in the U.S. automotive market.