1999 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE IS A FINELY CRAFTED GEM

Beautifully Styled Luxury Performance Sedan is Roomy, Powerful and Value-Packed

There seems to be an unwritten rule that roomy sedans have to be boring and under powered, yet the 1999 Mitsubishi Diamante is a welcome exception. In fact, like the gem it's named after, Diamante makes a powerful statement through its beauty and brilliance.

Diamante's elegant grille and coupe-like profile are certainly classic, while its tailored sides and subtly elevated rear deck bring a look that is decidedly European.

Fortunately, Diamante also has the power to back up what its sophisticated, aggressive looks promise. A 3.5-liter, SOHC 24-valve V6 produces an impressive 210 horsepower, making Diamante one of the most powerful V6-equipped sedans around. And, its innovative four-speed automatic transmission actually learns - and adjusts to - the driver's operating style for smoother shifts, more responsive acceleration and improved fuel economy.

Yet with all of Diamante's style and performance, perhaps the most important facet of this jewel-on-wheels is its long list of standard equipment and competitive pricing structure. For 1999, Diamante comes in a single, comprehensively equipped model, befitting its status as the flagship of Mitsubishi Motors' sedan fleet.

In fact, when compared to Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon, Diamante may just be one of the most powerful sedan values around. With standard features like anti-lock, 4-wheel disc brakes, keyless entry system, AM/FM stereo with cassette player, cruise control, lighted visor mirrors for both driver and front passenger, and power windows, locks and side-view mirrors, even the least expensive Diamante is extremely well-equipped.

And by adding Diamante's optional Premium Package - which includes alloy wheels, leather-faced seating, power driver's seat and sunroof, as well as several other luxury features - the MSRP is still less than $30,000, including destination/handling charges.

While value is one of its best attributes, a sedan named after one of the world's most precious gems should offer abundant luxury, and Diamante clearly does. From the function and style of its artfully crafted and woodgrain-trimmed instrument panel to its automatic climate control, six-speaker audio system and rear center armrest, Diamante's cabin is filled with comfort.

Diamante even has elegant details like a fade-up and fade-out interior lighting system that includes front and rear map lamps, 30-second reserve power for operation of the windows and sunroof after the ignition has been turned off, as well as front and rear cupholders. Its solar tinted glass helps block ultraviolet light, keeping the interior cooler while reducing sun damage to interior materials.

To complement its luxury expectations and powerful engine, Diamante's four-wheel independent suspension has a proven front strut arrangement, sophisticated multi-link rear design, and front and rear stabilizer bars that bring an excellent combination of ride comfort and responsive handling.

And, Diamante stops as well as it goes with anti-lock brakes, four-wheel discs and front ventilated rotors to resist heat build up and fade, even under hard use on twisty roads or when slowing from elevated speeds.

Another facet of Diamante's overall performance is safety. All five passengers have 3-point safety belts, with height adjustment and pretensioners in front. There are driver and front passenger air bags, as well as a security system that automatically activates when the doors are locked.

For 1999, Diamante also offers the safety and convenience of available traction control. The system immediately identifies wheel spin on slippery surfaces, then automatically works to enhance traction during standing start acceleration. In addition, the system has a unique "trace control" function which reduces power to the engine when the driver is exceeding the vehicle's cornering capability under acceleration.

With the multifaceted advantages of a powerful engine, unquestionable style and finely crafted quality, the Mitsubishi Diamante luxury performance sedan is certainly a diamond of the automotive world. And, considering its competitive pricing and long list of standard features and luxuries, Diamante's most jewel-like attribute may indeed be its value.