Mitsubishi Motors used the name of Mitsubishi Sigma on several cars, two of which were the Galant-based and Diamante-based Sigma. Using the foundation of these vehicles, Mitsubishi added some modifications and retailed them as the Sigma. The Galant-based Sigma had a sporty design and robust performance, which contributed to the warm reception it got from most markets, including Australia.

First Generation (Based on the 3^rd-Generation Mitsubishi Galant)

GE (1977-1980) – Chrysler Sigma 

Chrysler Sigma was unveiled in 1977 as the GE series. This car was the very first to bring the Astron engine to Australia. Chrysler Sigma is a mid-size car, manufactured as a 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon. The wagon was introduced in 1977 after the sedans. Another version of the car came as a coupe called the Chrysler Sigma Scorpion.

The following powertrains were available for the Chrysler Sigma:

• 1.6L Saturn (4G32) 4-cyl petrol engine, 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission (56 kW, 117 Nm)
• 1.85L Astron (4G51) 4-cyl petrol engine, 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission (60 kW, 145 Nm)
• 2.0L Astron (4G52) 4-cyl petrol engine, 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission (64 kW, 145 Nm)
• 2.0L Astron (4G52T) 4-cyl Turbo petrol engine, 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission 
• 2.6L Astron (4G54) 4-cyl petrol engine, 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission (73 kW, 188 Nm)

GH (1980-1982) – Mitsubishi Sigma

In 1980, the Sigma GH series was launched in Australia. After a couple of days, Mitsubishi Motors and Mitsubishi Corporation acquired Chrysler Australia. The buyout resulted in Mitsubishi Motors Australia taking over Chrysler Australia and the renaming of the Chrysler Sigma as Mitsubishi Sigma. The Chrysler Sigma Scorpion was also rebadged as the Mitsubishi Scorpion.

In 1981, a new sporty GLX trim level slotted between the GL and SE levels. A limited-edition of this model, called the Peter Wherrett Special, was produced for 1,016 units as Option A05. The car included 15-inch Globe Montego alloy wheels, P6 Pirelli tyres, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel, Bilstein shock absorbers, lowered coil springs, and 4-wheel disc brakes. A sonic exhaust system enhanced the power of the car to 76 kW.

Later, another performance variant was unveiled. This one had higher power than that of the Peter Wherrett Special and was named as the Mitsubishi Sigma Turbo. It had the power of 116 kW and a torque of 235 Nm.

Second Generation (Based on the 4^th-Generation Mitsubishi Galant)

In Australia, the fourth generation of the Mitsubishi Galant was retailed as the Mitsubishi Sigma. The sedan and coupe of this period were larger than that of the previous one. The size, legroom, and headroom were all improved. The interior came carpeted, in addition to some noise-insulating materials that resulted in an overall quieter cabin.

A new addition to the engine made it to the markets, a Sirius engine, which was a part of the turbocharged versions, specially designed for performance car aficionados. An electronic fuel system was also brought to the market for some models with the Astron engine. The Paris Motor Show of 1980 saw the unveiling of the 2346-cc 4D55 turbo diesel engine, which was sporty enough for that time with the power of 62 kW. The wagon continued to be manufactured in Australia till 1987, after which the production ceased, and the new Mitsubishi Magna replaced the vehicle.

The powertrains available in the market were as follows:

• 1597-cc 4G32 4-cyl petrol engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
• 1795-cc 4G62 4-cyl petrol engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
• 1995-cc 4G52 4-cyl petrol engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
• 1995-cc 4G52T 4-cyl turbocharged petrol engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic (115 kW)
• 1997-cc 4G63/G63B 4-cyl petrol engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
• 1997-cc 4G63T 4-cyl Turbo petrol engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
• 2346-cc 4D55 4-cyl Turbo diesel engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic (62 kW)
• 2551-cc 4G54 4-cyl petrol engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic

The coupe gained new styling in 1980 and was branded as the Mitsubishi Scorpion in the country.

GJ (1982-1984)

The GJ series consisted of sedan and wagon models. The sedan was entirely refurbished, while the wagon received minor tweaks based on the body of the former GH series. Although no changes were seen in the engine and transmission, the power and torque levels were enhanced, thus:

• 2.0L offered 70 kW and 152 Nm
• 2.6L offered 76 kW and 192 Nm

A special edition version called the Sigma GL Satellite was also unveiled with sedan and wagon variants. The SE model was revamped with a lot of new features, followed by the reveal of Sigma GSR, which was a sporting model. Other releases include the Sigma Super Saloon with the SE trim level.

GK (1984-1985)

Released in 1984 after a full facelift, the GK came with new trims which included power windows. While the mechanics of the series remained the same as of the GJ series, other designing features differed. The trim level Super Saloon was also brought back in this period, now including some extravagant items that were previously offered only as options.

GN (1985-1987)

This series was only available in the GL trim level and was introduced in 1985. The manufacturing of Mitsubishi Magna as an ultimate replacement of the Sigma led to the rationalisation of the GN series. 

This series went through some exterior modifications in the trim. A black trim replaced the previous. The grille also saw some revamping, with the roof height increased, resulting in a roomier cabin room. The Astron and Astron II engines were still used in the cars for this series.

Lastly, the Mitsubishi Sigma’s production died down in 1987 with the release of the Mitsubishi Magna’s wagon variants.

Diamante-Based Sigma

The sedan version of the Mitsubishi Diamante was also sold as Mitsubishi Sigma in Japan. This particular Sigma moulded the foundation of the second generation of the Mitsubishi Magna – which would be manufactured in Australia.

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 Amara Z.