Mitsubishi FTO E-DE3A 3.0 i V6 24V (225 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mitsubishi FTO:

The Mitsubishi FTO is a front-engined, front-wheel drive coupe produced by Mitsubishi Motors between 1994 and 2000. Originally planned exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, its popularity as a grey market import to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand led to eventual limited distribution through Mitsubishi's official dealers in those regions at the tail-end of production. Upon its debut it won the Car of the Year Japan award for 1994–95, commemorated by a Limited Edition of the FTO GPX model....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E-DE3A Overview:

Mitsubishi FTO (E-DE3A). With 275 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1670 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mitsubishi FTO E-DE3A was primarily a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicle and was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Therefore, no official star rating is available for this generation.

3.0 i V6 24V (225 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

This 3.0L V6, likely a 6G72 engine swap, offers significantly increased power and torque, transforming the FTO into a much more potent machine. Performance is thrilling, but it's important to note this is not a factory option.

Fuel Economy

With a larger displacement and higher power output, fuel consumption will be considerably higher than the factory engines. This setup is optimized for performance, not economy.

Best Use Case: Track / Custom Build / Enthusiast

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Distinctive and attractive styling
  • • Engaging V6 engine options (especially MIVEC)
  • • Good handling for a FWD coupe
  • • Unique JDM appeal and rarity
  • • Generally reliable Mitsubishi engineering

Cons:

  • • Primarily Right-Hand Drive (RHD) only, limiting accessibility
  • • Parts availability can be challenging outside Japan
  • • Interior design is dated by modern standards
  • • Fuel economy can be high, especially for V6 models (and given data points)
  • • Front-wheel drive might deter some sports car purists

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E-DE3A: 1994 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Mitsubishi
Model:FTO
Generation:E-DE3A
Modification (Engine):3.0 i V6 24V (225 Hp)
Start of production:1997
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:225 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:75.7 Hp/l
Torque:275 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine displacement:2972
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:91.1 mm
Piston Stroke:76 mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Weight-to-power ratio:7.4 kg/Hp, 134.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.1 kg/Nm, 164.7 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1670
Max. weight:1890
Max load:220
Fuel tank capacity:75 l
Size:
Length:4590 mm [270mm more]
Width:1840 mm [105mm more]
Height:1285 mm [15mm less]
Wheelbase:2470 mm [30mm less]
Front track:1560 mm
Rear (Back) track:1580 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/50 R17
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi FTO. How does it handle on the road?