The Mitsubishi Cordia is a compact hatchback-coupé manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors between 1982 and 1990. Alongside the Tredia and Starion, the Cordia is one of the first cars imported and sold in the United States by Mitsubishi without the help of Chrysler Corporation, which owned a stake in Mitsubishi and sold its models as captive imports. The Cordia XP was the model sold at the Japanese Car Plazaretail chain, while the Cordia XG was sold at the Galant Shop chain. The Cordia XG model had a somewhat smaller front grille. The Cordia was one of the first mass-market cars to offer an optional electronic instrument cluster using a liquid-crystal display.
Overview
Offered between the existing Mitsubishi Galant and Lancer models, the Cordia used front-wheel drive and was similar in design to the Mirage, with the exception of its larger size. To further set the Cordia apart from its saloon counterpart, it received a deeper fascia which embraced the driver. Mitsubishi incorporated MacPherson strut/beam axle suspension, front disc brakes, manual or automatic transmission, and a choice of three engines: a 68hp 1.4-litre, a 1.6-litre, and a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. Some export markets also received a carb-fed 1.6-litre. A US version of the 2.0-litre generated 88 hp for the 1984 model. The cars received a mild facelift in 1983 and the option of four-wheel drive was offered in 1984. The engines were modified in 1985 to allow the cars to run on unleaded fuel with the introduction of a 1.8-litre engine in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged form. The Cordia sold in the United States throughout the 1988 model year. Japanese manufacture was discontinued in 1990. In Australia, the Cordia AA series was released in late 1983. An update, titled AB Series, arrived with a different grille and other minor changes in 1984. The final AC model was upgraded to unleaded fuel in late 1985. Production ceased in 1988. Two trim levels were available, the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre GSL and the turbocharged GSR. The early GSRs were fitted with 13-inch alloy wheels; unleaded cars came fitted with chrome alloy 14-inch wheels. The 1800 Cordias were considered average performers in the Australian market, particularly the turbo, which produced a meagre 110 kW, until both engines were modified to meet emission standards which markedly reduced the power of both the GSR and GSL. The GSR was trialled as a pursuit car by NSW Police, and later became an acceptable car with some enthusiasts. Mitsubishi made an effort for the Cordia to compete with, most notably, the Toyota AE86 and the Nissan Silvia S12, by upgrading the old 1.6 motor to 1.8 models. The 1.8 remained underpowered as it was not a DOHC design. The somewhat awkwardly designed Cordia, Starion and Tredia fitted uncomfortably into a crowded Mitsubishi lineup which not only included the new, front-wheel-drive Lancer/Mirage saloons but also the old rear-wheel-drive Lancer EX and were never strong sellers, neither in Japan nor in most export markets due to their boxy and ungainly shape and strange handling characteristics. The only place where these cars met with limited success was in Australia and New Zealand due to lower buyer standards of performance. In New Zealand the Cordia was assembled, with the Tredia that it is based on, first by Todd, and later by Mitsubishi New Zealand. The cars were imported as CKD kits and were built with about 41% local content including glass, upholstery, carpet, wiring harnesses and radiators. Both naturally aspirated engine models and turbocharged versions were made.
