Description
Mitsubishi introduced the eighth generation of its mid-size lineup Galant, in 1997, trying to catch up with other Japanese automakers.
Starting with the fourth generation of the model, the Japanese mid-size vehicle was available only as a hatchback or as a sedan. Yet, the eighth generation model was designed only as a four-door sedan or a station wagon. Thus, the Japanese automaker tried to get a slice of this segment on both sides of the Atlantic.
At the front, the shark-nose design imagined by the Japanese designer Akinori Nakanishi sported a trapezoidal grille surrounded by a chromed trim. Its narrow headlights with corner-mounted turn signals and the tall wrapped-around front bumper created an aggressive appearance. From its profile, the Galant revealed a sporty shape, with a slightly ascending beltline and a flat trunk lid in the back.
Inside, the Galant offered seating for five with enough legroom for the rear outboard passengers and limited for the one seated in the middle due to the transmission tunnel. Mitsubishi used the same floor for the entire range, regardless of the front- or all-wheel drive systems. The clean layout of the dashboard featured a center stack where the automaker installed the controls for the HVAC unit.
Under the hood, Mitsubishi installed a choice of gasoline engines ranging between 136 hp and 163 hp. For selected markets, it offered a turbo-diesel version that provided 90 hp.
