Hatch Heaven

The 1982 Mitsubishi Mirage II Panther was described as “the hatchback that handles like a sports car” with its 1410cc overhead can engine with electronic ignition. It achieved quick and quiet acceleration from 0-60 in 8.7 seconds. Engineered features included front wheel drive, rack and pinion steering, fully independent suspension, power assisted from disc brakes and radial or steel belted tires. (image source: John Lloyd)

The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo had a “racer” look starting with its new machined-surface aluminum alloy wheels and larger high-performance low profile 195/60HR14 tires. Further enhancements included color keyed aerodynamic add-onsand new, more agrresive grill with aerodynamic halogen headlights. Refinements to this popular front wheel drive included a 1.8 liter turbocharged engine with automatic valve lash adjusters for reduced maintenance and greater convenience, automatic spark advance at higher altitudes for improved mountain driving performance and cold start spark advance for better cold start drivability, and producing 116 horsepower.

“Euro-Sport” interior had a new buckskin knit/tweed seat material with “TURBO” embossing on the seat backs and upgraded rear parcel shelf for enhanced look and feel. (image source: John Lloyd)

The Mitsubishi Celeste (sold in Japan) was almost an identical copy of the Plymouth Arrow. its square headlights and rear view mirrors on the hood were the quickest way to visually separate them. It came in four models, the 1400 ST, 1600 GT, 2000 GSR and the 2000 GSR-A/T. (image source: John Lloyd)

The front-wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage is still around today, but this generation was produced from 1978 to 1983. It had a maximum of 72 HP. In 1979, they added a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 105 HP. I for one, like (this design) better. (image source: Mitsubishi)

The 1983 Mitsubishi Colt Mirage Turbo 1400 hatchback with it’s alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, aerodynamic front and rear spoliers and stereo radio/cassette sold for £6,500 and got 43.1 MPG. There were six models to choose from, starting with the 1250 EL at only £3,900. Two 1400 models with a choice of 3 or 5 doors. All requiring major service at 12,000 miles.

Standard features on all Mirage Hatchbacks are such luxuries as a laminated windscreen, all-round independent suspension, heated rear window, warning lights from everything from “Door Open” to “Low Fuel”, an aluminized exhaust system and metallic paint finish at no extra cost. Most model also included a push-button radio, tinted glass and rear window wash/wipe. It had a 3-year warranty.