The last decade of the 20th century was amazing for many Japanese carmakers, including Mitsubishi. The three-diamond badge decorated several legendary cars from this era, but there are also not-so-familiar models for local markets only.
Verada is one of them, a large family car designed for the Australian roads and produced for almost 15 years in two generations. Without any doubt, it left a mark in the automotive industry Down Under, but how does it look from today’s perspective? Can we call this model successful, a flop, or maybe a little bit of both?
The First Generation of Mitsubishi Verada (1991-1996)
The first time Mitsubishi used the Verada nameplate was in 1991. Essentially, this was the second generation of Mitsubishi Magna, but for some reason, Mitsubishi decided to bring the new moniker to the Australian market.
The new model brought significant changes and upgrades compared to the previous-generation Magna. First of all, the platform was imported from Japan and was essentially a modified architecture of Mitsubishi Galant, another well-known model from the 1990s. The benefits of the new platform were numerous, starting from the significant increase in the wheelbase, which significantly improved the passenger room.
A more spacious cabin wasn't the only reason for improved comfort. This sedan also brought an entirely new suspension setup. At the front, the Verada featured independent suspension, with a lower A-arm, MacPherson strut and anti-roll bar. The rear end featured a 3-link suspension with coil springs, Panhard rod, twin trailing arm, and U-beam axle. Also, both axles were equipped with ventilated disc brakes.
The first-generation Verada was available in two body styles: a 4-door sedan or a 5-door wagon. Both versions were offered in the Ei grade, while the sedan was also available in the more luxurious Xi variant.
The base Ei grade included standard equipment like air conditioning, power mirrors, power steering, cloth trim, 4-speaker audio system, etc.
The Xi grade boasted upgrades like a 6-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, metallic paint, power windows, central locking, cruise control, etc.
Dimensions
As we already mentioned, the Verada brought a significant size increase compared to the previous-generation Magna. The wheelbase was stretched to 2,722 millimetres, while the total length went up to 4,831mm. The vehicle was 1,775mm wide and 1,449mm high. All these increases in size made Verada 100kg heavier than Magna, with its kerb weight going up to around 1,470kg.
The wagon was slightly longer, higher and heavier, while the rest of the measurements were pretty much the same as in the sedan.
Mitsubishi Verada Dimensions (4-door Sedan)
- Wheelbase: 2722mm
- Length: 4831mm
- Height: 1449mm
- Width: 1775mm
- Kerb weight: 1468kg
- Turning circle: 11m
- Rear track: 1525mm
- Front track: 1535mm
Mitsubishi Verada Dimensions (Wagon)
- Wheelbase: 2722mm
- Length: 4843mm
- Height: 1466mm
- Width: 1775mm
- Kerb weight: 1468kg
- Turning circle: 11m
- Rear track: 1505mm
- Front track: 1535mm
Engine
The Australian Mitsubishi Verada was offered with just one engine, a capable 3.0-litre V6 coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine featured a max output of 120kW and 235Nm of max torque, while the average fuel consumption was around 10 L/100km. Also, it's worth mentioning that the fuel tank capacity was 71 litres in the wagon and 64 litres in the sedan body style.
Mitsubishi Verada Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 2972cc
- Number of cylinders: V6
- Fuel type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: -
- Maximum torque: 235Nm
- Maximum power: 120kW
- Transmission: 4-speed Automatic
- Fuel consumption: 9.6L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 64L (sedan); 71L (wagon)
The Second Generation of Mitsubishi Verada (1996-2005)
Mitsubishi replaced the original Verada in 1996. The redesign brought a lot of novelties, but many things remained the same, starting from the platform to the dimensions.
What changed significantly was the platform, which received notable upgrades, starting with a new suspension. At the front, the new model’s setup seemed identical to the previous generation (independent, lower A-arm, MacPherson strut and anti-roll bar), but the rear end came with a new 5-link independent suspension, 4 trailing arms, coil spring, tubular axle, etc.
Of course, we saw a completely new styling, and once again, the Verada came as a sedan or a wagon (introduced in 1997). The sedan was available in Ei and Xi grades, and base models had much-improved equipment.
The list of standard equipment included airbags for driver and passenger, ABS, automatic climate control, CD player, 6-speaker audio system, power accessories, alloy wheels, fog lights, etc. The Xi offered upgrades like leather trim, leather steering wheel, power driver seat, additional airbags, CD stacker, etc.
Engine
The new generation also brought a new engine. Once again, there was just one powertrain option on offer. This time, we saw a bigger and more capable 3.5-litre V6, with a max output of 147kW and 300Nm of max torque. A 4-speed automatic was carried over from the previous generation but was replaced with a new 5-speed unit a few years later.
Mitsubishi Verada Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 3497cc
- Number of cylinders: V6
- Fuel type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: -
- Maximum torque: 300Nm (1996-2001); 315Nm (2002-2005)
- Maximum power: 147kW (1996-2001); 155kW (2002-2005
- Transmission: 4-speed Automatic (1996-2001); 5-speed Automatic (2002-2005)
- Fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 68L
Updates
The second generation of Mitsubishi’s mid-size sedan and wagon was in production for almost a decade. So, it’s no wonder that there were several updates during this long production cycle. Here are some of the most notable updates:
- In the 2000 Mitsubishi Verada, the Japanese manufacturer did its first facelift. The front end was slightly revised, with the new grille and fascia and the new hood design.
- The 2002 update brought a lot more changes. The most important was the new transmission, as the old 4-speed automatic was replaced with a new 5-speed unit. Also, the engine was slightly upgraded (max output increased to 155kW and 315Nm of torque). The Mitsubishi Verada 2002 was also updated with the new GT-V grade, which brought a couple of performance upgrades, such as a sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, etc. We also saw a couple of convenience upgrades, such as leather upholstery and satellite navigation.
- The 2003 Mitsubishi Verada brought an all-wheel drive version to the offer, which was exclusive to the sedan body style, just like the GT-V grade.
- In 2004, we saw the second major update. This facelift was pretty comprehensive. The front end was completely new, with new headlights, grille, bumper, etc. The rear end was also significantly upgraded, with new taillights, rear bumper, and exhaust. This update also brought a couple of new versions, including the TVi, which replaced the GT-V model. The critical upgrade was the addition of traction control.
- The production of second-generation Verada in Australia ended in 2005. The replacement came in the form of the Mitsubishi 380, which was produced between 2005 and 2008.
Are Mitsubishi Verada cars reliable?
Both generations of Mitsubishi Verada were designed in the golden era of the Japanese automotive industry. Back in the day, Japanese cars gained the status of the most reliable vehicles in the world, and this model wasn't much different. It was a comfortable cruiser and also a reasonably solid and dependable car.
Through all these years, we haven't heard of major Mitsubishi Verada problems. While the first generation may seem too old, for some, the second generation can still be a viable investment for someone looking for a cheap car that can serve as a daily commuter and a cruise vehicle.
Only two recalls have been recorded so far, both in 2004, one for loose seat back and the other for rear suspension arm. Other than that, some of the things to check when buying a used Verada are:
- Connector between ECU and main body computer
- Oil consumption
- Transmission glitches
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By Nebojsa Grmusa