The Mitsubishi Toppo 659 Rt, produced between 1990 and 1999, was a compact hatchback primarily aimed at the Japanese domestic market (JDM). As a “kei car” – a category of small, fuel-efficient vehicles in Japan – the Toppo occupied a unique niche, offering affordable transportation within specific size and engine displacement regulations. While not officially sold in the United States, the Toppo represents a significant example of Japanese automotive engineering focused on maximizing space and efficiency in an urban environment. The 659 Rt designation refers to its 659cc engine and trim level, offering a balance of performance and economy for its time.
Mitsubishi Toppo 659 Rt: A Kei Car Overview
The Mitsubishi Toppo, in its various iterations, spanned several generations, beginning in the 1980s. The 659 Rt model falls within the second generation, characterized by its boxy, yet functional design. Kei cars like the Toppo were – and continue to be – popular in Japan due to tax and insurance benefits associated with their compact size. These benefits made them an attractive option for city dwellers and commuters. The Toppo competed with other kei car offerings from manufacturers like Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Honda, each vying for market share in this specialized segment. The Toppo’s appeal lay in its relatively spacious interior for its exterior dimensions, coupled with a peppy turbocharged engine.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Toppo 659 Rt is its 659cc inline-four cylinder engine, equipped with a turbocharger and multi-port fuel injection. This configuration allowed Mitsubishi to extract a respectable 64 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 97 Nm (71.54 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm from such a small displacement. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 11.9 kg/Hp (84.2 Hp/tonne) and torque-to-weight ratio of 7.8 kg/Nm (127.6 Nm/tonne) contributed to surprisingly lively performance for a kei car. The engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with five valves per cylinder, enhancing its breathing and overall efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. While not a sports car, the Toppo 659 Rt offered sufficient power for navigating urban streets and even holding its own on highways.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Toppo 659 Rt is a three-door hatchback, designed to maximize interior space within the constraints of kei car regulations. Its boxy shape, while not particularly stylish by modern standards, prioritized practicality and headroom. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers, a notable achievement for its diminutive size. The interior was typically spartan, reflecting the Toppo’s focus on affordability. However, it offered essential features such as basic instrumentation, comfortable seating, and adequate storage space. Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a relatively advanced feature for a kei car of that era. The Toppo’s small turning radius made it exceptionally maneuverable in tight urban environments. The exterior design was characterized by simple lines and a functional aesthetic, prioritizing utility over visual flair. The 155/65 R13 H tires provided a balance of grip and fuel efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Toppo |
| Generation | Toppo |
| Type (Engine) | 659 Rt (64 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1990 year |
| End of production | 1999 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp, 84.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm, 127.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 64 Hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 97.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 97 Nm @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 71.54 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 659 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 40.21 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 60 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 2.36 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 58.3 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 2.3 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 5 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 760 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 1675.51 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 32 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 8.45 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 7.04 UK gal |
| Length | 3295 mm |
| Length (in.) | 129.72 in. |
| Width | 1395 mm |
| Width (in.) | 54.92 in. |
| Height | 1765 mm |
| Height (in.) | 69.49 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2260 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 88.98 in. |
| Front track | 1215 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 47.83 in. |
| Rear track | 1215 mm |
| Rear track (in.) | 47.83 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears |
| Type of gearbox | manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/65 R13 H |
The Mitsubishi Toppo 659 Rt, while largely unknown outside of Japan, represents a clever and efficient solution to urban transportation needs. Its compact size, turbocharged engine, and practical design made it a popular choice for Japanese commuters during its production run. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Japanese automotive engineering and the unique demands of the kei car market.
