The Mitsubishi Carisma 1.6, producing 99 horsepower with an automatic transmission, was a mainstay of the Carisma range produced between 1997 and 2000. Positioned as an entry-level to mid-range offering, it aimed to provide comfortable and economical transportation for families and commuters. The Carisma, internally designated as the DA_ series, represented Mitsubishi’s attempt to establish a stronger foothold in the competitive European compact car segment, sharing its platform (1HX0/A3) with the Volvo S40 and V40 following the strategic alliance between the two manufacturers. This variant was particularly popular in European markets where automatic transmissions were gaining traction, offering a convenient alternative to the standard manual gearbox.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Carisma |
| Generation | Carisma |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (99 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1997 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp, 89.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.1 kg/Nm, 124 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 99 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62 Hp/l |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 4000 rpm (101.05 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1597 cm3 (97.45 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.5 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1105 kg (2436.11 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 525 kg (1157.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4435 mm (174.61 in.) |
| Width | 1710 mm (67.32 in.) |
| Height | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm (100.39 in.) |
| Front track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Carisma 1.6 Automatic utilized the Mitsubishi 4G91 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a multi-point fuel injection system, contributing to relatively smooth operation and acceptable fuel efficiency for its time. The 4G91 engine, while not known for its outright performance, was praised for its reliability and ease of maintenance. The automatic transmission paired with this engine was typically a four-speed unit, designed for comfortable cruising rather than sporty acceleration. It wasn’t the most advanced automatic available at the time, lacking features like manual shift modes found in some competitors, but it provided a smooth and predictable driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine with the four-speed automatic transmission delivered a comfortable, if not exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.9 seconds, making it adequate for everyday driving but not particularly quick. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and smooth transitions, resulting in a noticeable delay when requesting sudden bursts of power. Compared to the more powerful 1.8-liter or the diesel variants, the 1.6 Automatic felt noticeably slower, especially when fully loaded or tackling inclines. However, the automatic transmission made it a more accessible option for drivers unfamiliar with manual gearboxes, and its relaxed nature suited urban commuting well.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 Automatic trim typically included features such as power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an AM/FM radio. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were alloy wheels and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Higher trim levels within the Carisma range offered features like leather seats, a sunroof, and a more sophisticated audio system, but the 1.6 Automatic focused on providing essential comfort and convenience features at an affordable price point.
Chassis & Braking
The Carisma 1.6 Automatic featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a coil spring rear suspension. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. However, the rear drum brakes, while adequate for normal driving, lacked the stopping power and fade resistance of disc brakes, particularly under heavy use.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mitsubishi Carisma 1.6 Automatic was generally well-received as a practical and affordable family car. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliable engine. However, it was often criticized for its lack of outright performance and its somewhat dated interior design compared to some of its rivals. Compared to the more powerful 1.8-liter Carisma, the 1.6 Automatic offered lower running costs but sacrificed performance. The diesel variants provided even better fuel economy but were generally noisier and less refined. In terms of reliability, the 1.6-liter engine proved to be robust and dependable, with relatively few reported issues.
Legacy
The Mitsubishi Carisma 1.6 Automatic, while not a standout performer, remains a reasonably popular choice in the used car market, particularly for those seeking an affordable and reliable family car. The 4G91 engine is known for its longevity, and parts availability is generally good. While it may not offer the latest technology or the most exciting driving experience, the Carisma 1.6 Automatic represents a solid and dependable option for budget-conscious buyers. Its simplicity and relatively low maintenance costs contribute to its enduring appeal, making it a practical choice for everyday transportation even today.
