Mitsubishi Outlander: Mitsubishi Carisma Road Test
Pick of the Carisma bunch has to be the 1.8 GDI. There are several models fitted with this revolutionary powerplant, and all are capable (depending on the way you drive) of either exceptional economy or above-average performance. If you drive with a heavy right foot, then you'll notice little difference, apart from a minor power increase over the older 'ordinary' 1.8-litre models (which disappeared with the late 1999 facelift).Tread lightly, though, and improvements in both economy and exhaust emissions of up to 20 percent are possible, according to Mitsubishi. The figures seem to bear this out. Compare a Carisma GDI with a typical equivalent rival – say a Ford Mondeo 1.8 – and the facts make interesting reading. The GDI puts out 125bhp as opposed to 115bhp for the Ford. Against the clock, it manages rest to 60 in just 9.7s (11.0 for the Ford). Meanwhile, at the pumps, it achieves a combined fuel consumption figure of 45.6mpg (36.2mpg for the Ford). So, yes, the GDI is a rare engine that really does let you enjoy the best of both worlds.
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Buying a Mitsubishi Carisma
This is a bit of a difficult one, as there's not too much to worry about,
which is excellent news for you. So, provided you're buying a car with full
service history, you shouldn't be in for any n
Mitsubishi Carisma Typical Pricing
For the earlier cars, you can expect to pay around £1,200 for a 95N 1.6GL
hatchback. GLX trim adds about £200 and another £200 or so secures a GLS. If you
prefer the rare saloon,
Mitsubishi Carisma Parts
(approx based on a 1996 Carisma 1.6GLX) A clutch assembly is around £125 and
an exhaust system about £550. Allow £30 or so for front brake pads, whilst the
rear set is £50.
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Hill start assist (vehicles with Twin Clutch SST)
The hill start assist makes it easy to start off on a steep uphill slope by preventing
the vehicle from moving backwards. It keeps the braking force for about 2 seconds
when you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
Caution
► Do not overly rely on the hill start
Coming home light
This function turns on the headlamps in the low beam setting for about 30 seconds
after the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK” position.
1. Turn the combination headlamps and dipper switch to the “OFF” or “AUTO” position
(for vehicles equipped with the automatic lamp control).
