The Mitsubishi Magna became a mid-size vehicle available between May 1985 plus September 2005 by Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited. Manufactured at the Tonsley Park assembly plant, Magna spanned 3 decades before being changed by the Mitsubishi 380. Their 4-cylinder plus V6 machines were additionally produced by MMAL inside South Australia, at the Lonsdale plant.

Before Magna, Mitsubishi did have a big family automobile with rival the Ford Falcon plus Holden Commodore inside the shape of the 6-cylinder Chrysler Valiant, that was inherited on MMAL's takeover of Chrysler Australia's surgery inside 1980. However, the Valiant was place from creation the following year, generating the Sigma MMAL's biggest providing.

Whenever Sigma's substitution became due, MMAL opined a car's width became a important element with Australian motorists that have traditionally favoured big vehicles. As a happen, with compete more effectively from the large-sized Ford Falcon plus Holden Commodore, previous Chrysler technicians today functioning for MMAL, developed a wider mid-sized auto specific for the Australian marketplace. They accomplished this by splicing an additional 6.6 cm appropriate down the center of Japan's mid-sized Mitsubishi Galant sedan, with create the distinctive Mitsubishi Magna range. Given the inherent area efficiency of front-wheel-drive relative with rear-wheel-drive platforms, this authorized MMAL to provide a passenger cabin that has been because spacious, when not more spacious, than which of the market-dominant Ford Falcon plus Holden Commodore.

Over the years, Magna grew inside size plus available V6 energy plus All-Wheel-Drive, the latter with compete against its rivals' perception of better dynamics from RWD. The Magna was the initial all-new Australian produced Mitsubishi car, changed by the FWD Mitsubishi 380 sedan, that became the next plus last of Australian produced Mitsubishi vehicle, on MMAL's closure of its South Australian creation facilities inside 2008.

The 1985 TM Magna was initially accessible just because a sedan. An Australian developed station wagon was introduced inside 1987 with all the up-to-date TN series, proving prevalent with business fleets.

While the general styling plus side profile was synonymous with the Japanese marketplace Mitsubishi Galant of the time, the Magna was many centimetres wider inside purchase to support Australian marketplace specifications. The small footprint at no cost of inside area equally meant which Magna can escape with a big-bore 4-cylinder engine, rather of the more conventional 6-cylinder motors of its rivals. Fuel efficiency, still, wasn't greatly greater.

The Magna range was FWD plus created by: GLX, Executive, SE plus Elite. In later years, the range extended with include a stylish Elante plus Grand Tourer, and many limited editions.

Their engine was an Australian-made single overhead cam transversely installed 2.6-Litre Astron II 4-cylinder 8-valve engine codenamed "4G54", that was produced within the "4G52/Astron" of the preceding RWD Mitsubishi Sigma. It yielded 85 kW at 5000 rpm plus 198 N·m at 3000 rpm.

This new "Astron II" engine showcased hydraulic mounts plus counterbalancing shafts with lessen vibrations, characteristic of big 4-cylinder motors. Initially, these Australian motors were carburetted, with Mitsubishi's "ECI Multi" electronic Fuel injection adaptation introduced inside April 1987.

Fuel usage about average for all models was 11.0 L/100 km inside city driving plus 7.8 L/100 km inside highway driving, because calculated based on the appropriate Australian Standard.

Magna was fitted with either a 5-speed guide or perhaps a 4-speed automatic with overdrive or 4-speed mode), with all the TN Executive plus deluxe Elite accessible just inside automatic. In terms of suspension, the auto showcased McPherson strut independent front shape at the back a 3 link torsion beam axle with coil springs. The wagons ran a 4 link beam axle with coil springs.

The more luxury-oriented models - SE plus Elite - showcased high equipments: seats were covered inside velour trim with all the driver's seat being multi-adjustable; back travelers benefitted from integrated headrests; automatic transmission, force windows, central locking, alloy wheels plus metallic paint standard about Elite plus optional about SE; radio radio/cassette players were built with a rooftop installed telescopic antenna plus novel protection program which might result in the device completely inoperable inside the event which its energy was disconnected, when Elite's program equally showcased a separate equalizer plus controls buttons about its steering. Additionally, instead of standard control steering stalks plus air conditioner panel about their dashboards, SE plus Elite had 2 steering side pods, therefore delivering all main controls in the driver's fingertips, plus creating them jointly height adjustable with all the steering column. Finally, Elite additionally showcased an LCD instrument panel, because of the Japanese automotive trend inside the late 1980s.

The initially range TM Magna was marred by numerous quality-control issues, that were eventually rectified throughout the lifetime of the 1st-generation Magna. At release, but, this automobile was voted Wheels magazine's 1985 Car of the Year.
1985 TM Magna SE

The TP wagon stayed about sale alongside the modern 2nd-generation TR-series Magna for a period, being run-out because the Safari limited edition model till the arrival of the TR wagon models.

TM

GLX
Executive
SE
Elite

TN

GLX
Executive
SE
Elite
Challenge
Elante sedan

TP

GLX
Executive
SE
Elite
Elante sedan
Grand Tourer Sedan
Grand Tourer Wagon
Executive Safari wagon


Magna was reengineered within the ground-up inside 1991, with all the introduction of the heavier sedan plus wagon based found on the Japanese Mitsubishi Diamante plus Sigma hardtop. Unlike its Japanese cousins, the 2nd-generation Magna showcased traditional B-pillars plus suspensions designs and also no advanced electronics.
1991–1994 TR Magna Elite sedan
1994–1996 TS Magna Executive sedan

Despite this, the Australian-made TR Magna range was crafted with be exported as well as its build standard reflected this technology aim. Indeed, for the very first time With this unique generation Magna, for the very first time inside its history, MMAL built a 2-tier deluxe range, called the Verada Ei plus Xi. Both Magna plus Verada shared the same body, still, the latter showcased greater bumper bars to satisfy export marketplace protection practices, plus more deluxe fittings including electronic suspension control found on the top of the range Verada Xi.

TR Magna was more effective than its predecessor, notwithstanding carrying over the venerable "Astron II" engine - this time reworked plus fitted with EFI. This was over the range except for the base model GLX, that stayed carbureted. While Australia continued with endure the early 1990s recession, MMAL's dreams with battle against Ford plus Holden with a 6-cylinder Magna stayed about hold.

Finally, inside 1993, with all the economy recovering plus oil costs restabilised following the Gulf War, a V6 engine was indeed available about Magna for the first-time inside its history - albeit because a choice.
1994 TS Magna Executive

The V6 was effectively the same device which had driven the deluxe KR Verada range because late 1991. Both TR/KR's Astron II plus V6 were designed with run about either usual or premium unleaded gas, with all the respective energy plus torque outputs about either gas being: 98 kW at 4750 rpm / 212 N·m at 3750 rpm or *102 kW at 4750 rpm / 220 N·m at 4000 rpm for the 4-cylinder; 120 kW at 5500 rpm / 235 N·m at 4000 rpm or 124 kW at 5500 rpm / 244 N·m at 3000 rpm for the V6.

All models were facelifted inside March 1994, therefore creating the brand-new TS Magna plus KS Verada. Their respective machines were further upgraded, whilst Verada benefitted from additional for-export fittings including more distinctive front grille plus multi-parabola headlights plus additional equipment with distinguish it within the increasingly prevalent Magna V6. The sturdy establishment of the Verada because the deluxe flagship, plus upmarket shift of the Magna SE, lead to the demise of the Magna Elite.
1994–1996 TS Magna Executive sedan

In a show of self-confidence with demonstrate MMAL's ability with build top quality vehicles, with all the TR Magna wagon, Australia became truly the only source of Diamante-based wagons for Japan, inside thus doing, planting the source for a future globe export system.

The ensuing premium export variation of the V6 wagon was available nearby because the Mitsubishi KS Verada Touring wagon inside December 1995 inside a limited edition of just 81 manuals plus 99 automatics. In Japan it was available inside tiny numbers because the Diamante wagon.

TS Magna was changed by the all-new TE series inside 1996, still, TS wagons stayed for sale about 1997 pending the delayed arrival of the TE-based wagon.

TR

GLX
Executive
Executive V6
SE
Elite

TS

GLX
Executive
Executive V6
SE
SE V6


n 1996, MMAL introduced its 3rd generation Magna, the TE series generally based found on the pillar-less Japanese Diamante. A big, imported, 2.4-Litre 4-cylinder along with a 3.0-Litre V6 were initially accessible, when a 3.5-Litre V6 was available inside the upscale Verada. Due with slow sales because of growing customer choice for more effective motors, Magna's imported 4-cylinder was dropped inside March 1999, inside time for the TH facelift. At this time, the 3.0-Litre V6 became standard plus Verada's 3.5-Litre engine moreover became a Magna way. The TH/KH Magna/Verada claimed Wheels’ 1996 "Car of the Year" honor.
1996–1998 TE/TF Magna Altera sedan
1997–1998 TF Magna Executive wagon

At the time of its release, the TE Magna again shown advanced styling - because did the pioneering TM Magna - turning into the many aerodynamic Australian-made sedan of the time with a 0.28 Cd element. This achievement was due with a sweeping roofline plus these factors because "flag" exterior rear-view mirrors, fixed with independent door posts rather of straight within the front doors' A pillar triangle.

TE Magna plus KE Verada again shared the same body, that was stiffer, bigger but just marginally heavier than the preceding 2nd-generation. This time about, the Magna/Verada duo had coupe-like frameless windows and thin centre/B pillars, with improved front plus back legroom plus boot area. Magna's interior sported a mixture of gray trim along with a excellent waistline, causing certain criticisms regarding a claustrophobic 'bunker' impact this caused.

The TE Magna range included 4- plus 6-cylinder machines, with improving marketplace choice for the heavier engine because of comparatively low gas costs inside Australian following the Gulf Wars inside Iraq. The range initially composed 2 models, the Executive as well as the Altera, both of that available the choice of 4-cylinder plus V6 machines, 4-speed automatic plus five-speed manual transmissions. From October 1996, totally prepared Advance plus Altera LS models were added. The 4-cylinder engine had been a fresh 2.4-Litre device providing 105 kW plus 205 N·m. The 3.0-Litre V6 was furthermore all unique with 140 kW plus 255 N·m, plus advertised with be markedly faster with the 100 km/h benchmark. Also, it advertised improved acceleration inside the important 80–100 km/h overtaking area. The four-speed electronic automatic transmission with "INVECS II", was brand-new plus can adjust with the driver's pattern of utilize plus road conditions with choose the maximum gear for any condition, because of "fuzzy-logic". Front independent front plus back, together with disk brakes with all the way of the multi-channel anti-lock braking program. The braking program moreover included Australia's initial "Banksia" parking brake, several 10 with 20% lighter plus cheaper than traditional systems at the time.

The entry model for the TE range was the Executive, with qualities including: force steering, four-speaker sound program, energy mirrors, remote boot plus gas filler launch, central locking plus an engine immobiliser. The Altera model added: air-conditioning, force windows plus cruise control. Options included: airbags for driver plus passenger, ABS, a CD player plus alloy wheels. The Advance as well as the Altera LS model included: ABS, airbags, CD plus alloy wheels. On the New Zealand marketplace, all V6 models from this series onwards were just available because Diamante's - MMAL's before exports there had otherwise been well-known as V3000 for the V6, plus Magna for the 4-cylinder.

The TE was introduced with an initial palette of 8 colors. Four were carried over within the past TS Magna: Paris White, Calypso Red, Arctic Blue, plus Maderia, when the rest, Silverleaf, Kashmir, Greenstone, plus Embassy, were new colors.

The TF Range was introduced inside the initially half of 1997 plus consisted of five versions: Executive, Advance, Altera, Altera LS plus Sports. The imported 2.4-Litre 4-cylinder engine was enjoyed just inside the Executive. These vehicles had upgraded inside trims plus redesigned wheel covers plus showcased a speed-limit chime plus cup holders. The Executive plus Advance were identical inside appearance however the Advance had a different inside trim plus was fitted because standard with airbags plus ABS. The full colour-coded Altera plus Altera LS introduced force windows plus many alternative choices including double front airbags. Manual transmissions became just accessible about Executive, Advance, Solara plus Sports. From June with August 1998, a limited edition Solara was introduced which included all Advance qualities because standard, plus: factory alloy wheels; colour-coding; "Solara" badging found on the back doorways at the bottom right-hand side of the boot.
1997–1998 TF Magna Executive wagon
1997–1998 TF Magna Executive sedan

The TF Sports was obtainable in just 4 colours: Paris White, Calypso Red, Nautilus Blue, plus Frontier Green, the latter 2 colors being modern with the TF range. It carried all of the standard highlights of the Executive model about that it was based, and a back spoiler, red side strip, 16" alloy wheels, plus distinctive inside trims including an aluminium facia for the instruments surrounds. Its V6 was because standard about all Magna's, yet, it can be optioned with a 4-speed automatic transmission featuring for the very first time about an Australian-built automobile, a "tiptronic" manual mode. The Sports had improved handling characteristics because of the addition of a 18 mm back swaybar, 11% firmer back springs, firmer upper control arm plus trailing arm bushes, plus suspension height lowered by 10 mm. Options included double airbags plus ABS. This particular variation represented MMAL's foray into the Australian stylish family passenger automobile sector, in addition to an initial plus about overdue departure within the more traditional Japanese technique of thinking. TF Sport's manufacturing ceased following September 1998.

Many hot colors, Astral Blue, Lugano Green plus Burra) were introduced throughout the later manufacturing of the TF range as well as the final device built came out inside December 1998. The 3.5-Litre KF Verada's were identical with the past KE, except for a some updates including the speed-limit chime. Regarding 60,000 TF Magna's were built plus over 5,000 KF Verada's.
The TH Range was established early inside 1999 with all the earliest examples integrated December 1998. The expense of the upgrade reached $12 million. There were several updates with the simple shape of the auto, like a more aggressive front grille, redesigned back, revised interior designs, complete modern designs inside the wheel covers plus alloy wheels. Air conditioning was produced standard over the range. A amount of color changes occurred: Calypso Red was changed with Sienna Red, whilst Sable Black pearl took the spot of Embassy gray. Riversand, a modern beige metallic color, was furthermore introduced inside April 1999 and also Mawson White, a brighter more pure white, plus Pewter, that changed Silverleaf. The 2.4-Litre engine was dropped; the 3.0-Litre V6 was fitted found on the Executive; whilst all alternative models inherited the past 3.5-Litre V6. This Magna reported the honours of being the initially Australian-made vehicle with a 4-channel ABS featuring an Electronic Brake-force Distribution program - a Bosch 5.3 component. Another new key feature was an 8-function trip computer plus integrated anti-theft alert program. The line up was: Executive; Advance; Altera LS plus Sports.

MMAL additionally became the initially Australian maker to provide a traction control program called "TCL" that has been switchable plus initially accessible just about Magna Sports. A limited edition Solara was re-introduced later in 1999 plus the V6 Si of April 2000. Altera LS was discontinued at the finish of 1999, due with its nearness with the Verada Ei model. The 1999 models lacked V6 badges however the 2000 models frequently showcased V6 badge found on the back lower appropriate end of the boot lid. The last TH models built between May plus June 2000, were 1000 Executive LS units, that were synonymous with the discontinued Altera LS nevertheless without force windows, double airbags plus somewhat not completely colour-coded.

Magna Sports participated inside the Australian GT Production Car Championship, with differing successes at the hands of MMAL's engineer plus privateer, Robert Chadwick. The car showcased front limited slip differential later brought with manufacturing found on the TJ Magna Ralliart.

With the release of the TJ series inside July 2000, Magna presented itself with a more aggressive styling. The car's total form stayed the same because the past TE with TH range, except for a raised central section for the bonnet ending with a beak splitting the front grille, creating several journalists coin the phrase "bird of prey". Magna Sports as well as the unique VR-X model showcased the same one-unit turn-light/headlights because Verada. At the back, the bootlid showcased a recessed centre section plus brand-new tailgate lenses with circular lights.
2002–2003 TJ II Magna Advance sedan
2000–2002 TJ Magna Executive wagon
2000–2002 TJ Magna Sports sedan inside the rarest color of the range
2002–2003 kJ II Verada Ei wagon
2002–2003 kJ II Verada Xi sedan

A fresh new-chromed Mitsubishi badge was equally introduced, changing the more conventional red triple diamonds. MMAL's proposal with employ black triple Mitsubishi diamonds because a distinguishing feature of the Magna sports range was refused by Japan's traditional administration. Another outside change inside the TJ model was the substitution of the chrome-look window surround with a more contemporary black installing.

The TJ range composed Executive, Advance, Sports as well as the modern VR-X model. Many fresh colors were introduced including a really bright Island Blue plus Glacier Green, that were discontinued following just a limited months of manufacturing. In May 2001, a brand-new darker Pacific Blue color was introduced with substitute the only stated 2 colors plus Flame Red was equally reintroduced with the range. Sapphire Blue plus Daintree Green were equally added. Grey plus Beige inside choices were created accessible with any outdoor color inside the Executive/Advance, with Grey otherwise the standard, becoming truly the only choice found on the Series II provided its better sales recognition. Equipment degrees improved inside the TJ series with a driver's airbag plus CD player today standard over the range.

The fresh range carried over the past 3.0-Litre 6G72 V6 for the Executive models, that was shortly dropped following the initially series inside favour of the 3.5-Litre 6G74 V6 with be fitted with all models.. The 3.5-Litre was somewhat modified providing it an initial energy output of 150 kW, improved with 155 kW - by the mildly high compression ratio a Karman Vortex airflow meter - at the release of the TJ series II.

Unlike 6G74-based motors inside Japan, the Australian-built V6s nevertheless had 24 valves nevertheless employed a SOHC shape rather of the more complex plus costly double overhead cam shape. For the first-time, a factory-fitted LPG way was prepared accessible about Executive plus Advance models with those motors delivering the maximum energy of 143 kW at 5000 rpm plus maximum torque of 296 N·m at 4000 rpm.

Automatic Sports plus VR-X models were today fitted with a 5-speed transmission, generating Mitsubishi the initial Australian maker with go beyond the then popular 4-speeds. Meanwhile, manual transmissions were dropped within the wagons, that gained standard automatic transmissions.

VR-X plus Sports today showcased a heavier 2.5" free flowing sports exhaust program, minor ECU mapping plus cam tweaks which boosted energy as much as 163 kW, causing a reasonably stylish exhaust tone plus performance with eclipse additional established Australian stylish sedands plus even bite at the heels of the V8 Ford Falcon XR8 plus supercharged V6 HSV XU6. Sports plus VR-X's shared engine was labelled "High Output" powerplant, with distinguish it from its 150-155 kW cousin. The Sports showcased full colour-coding, 16"x6" alloy wheels with standard tyres, improved suspension plus swaybars, along with a back wing. Additionally with these qualities, the mechanically synonymous VR-X showcased full colour-coding, aggressively styled front plus back bumper spoiler extensions, wheel arch extensions, side skirts plus round chrome exhaust tip. At the time, the TJ Sports plus VR-X models proven with become the quickest Australian-made, naturally aspirated 6-cylinder cars compared to their rivals, the AU Ford Falcon XR6 & Falcon XR8, V6-supercharged Holden Commodore S plus even HSV XU6. These mechanicals were later fitted with the automatic-only Verada models, therefore creating the limited edition TJ-series Verada GTV model. The Verada GTV was exported plus available inside the USA because the Diamante VR-X, featuring 16" alloy wheels within the Magna Sports.

In May 2001, MMAL introduced about 220 Magna VR-X Limited Edition featuring modern distinctive Bridgestone GridII-shod 17"x7" alloy wheels, distinctive black brake calipers plus black door handles, all piece of the Luxury Pack, that furthermore included colour-coded piece black cloth trim/Howe leather inside blue or red with matching instruments fascia depending about chosen outdoor colours; twin-tone silver/black leather steering wheel; silver centre consoles; chrome gear selector plate; upgraded sound program with in-dash 4 CD stacker plus extended trip computer. A sunroof was equally optional. As far because standard Magna's were worried, a limited edition included the Executive-based, Magna Limited Edition, that showcased the following Verada fittings: full leather trim, front parabolica headlights plus fog lights.

In 2001, a mid-cycle update model called the TJ2 was introduced, to not be confused with all the TJ Series 2 that followed inside 2002. A key TJ2 upgrade, for illustration about VR-X models, was climate control from Verada.
TJ Magna Limited Edition interior

The TJ Series 2, dropped the 3.0-Litre V6 inside favour of the 3.5-Litre V6 about all models, plus added standard ABS over the range plus "tiptronic" with all 4-speed automatic models. Finally, the top-of-the-range status of the Magna VR-X was completely reinforced with all the Limited Edition's 17"x7" alloy wheels becoming standard as well as the Sports was equally being assigned a small back wing.

In October 2001, MMAL's drive with scroll off perceptions of conservatism cause the showcasing of 2 prototypes at which year's Sydney Motorshow: a Magna Ralliart plus Magna Sportswagon. The latter became a Magna wagon with Sports/VR-X mechanicals along with a full bodykit. The Magna Ralliart became a further development of the VR-X, as well as the many effective Magna ever crafted toleverage off Mitsubishi's globe rally prowess. In truth, its total styling was based found on the famous AWD Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution range, inside certain the front bumper bar as well as its bi-plane back wing inspired by the limited edition Lancer Evolution VI TME. Among additional points, inside prototype shape, Magna Ralliart was mentioned with feature AWD plus full Recaro seats plus steering wheel, because element of the loud black plus bright red interior.
TJ Magna Ralliart

Due with budget constraints, though, the Ralliart was brought with marketplace inside FWD just, with cheaper Mitsubishi-derived sport seats plus steering wheel, and silver inside upgrade trims for the centre system plus tunnel, because showcased found on the deluxe pack of the 2001 Magna VR-X Limited Edition. Mechanically, it showcased Pirelli-shod 17"x7" Enkei alloy wheels plus suspension components and upsized brake disks. Its engine was nevertheless a SOHC "6G74" however, with a