Mitsubishi Carisma Hatchback 1.8 16V GDI (125 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

6.6 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mitsubishi Carisma:

The Mitsubishi Carisma is a small family car that was produced for the European market by Mitsubishi Motors from 1995 to 2004.
The model name was derived from a combination of the English car and the Greek kharisma, meaning "divine gift". It was co-developed with Volvo, sharing its chassis with the first generation of the Volvo S40, and built at the NedCar factory in Born, Netherlands, which the two companies co-owned at the time. Over 350,000 were built during its production run. Volume production begun in May 1995 with sales starting in The Netherlands in June. The four-door saloon sales started the following year....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Hatchback Overview:

Mitsubishi Carisma (Hatchback). With 174 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1215 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.4 s). The top speed reaches 205 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 1998
Adult Occupant 19 points
Stars 3
Expert Note:
The Mitsubishi Carisma achieved a 3-star Euro NCAP rating in 1998, which was an average performance for its time, indicating reasonable but not outstanding adult occupant protection.

1.8 16V GDI (125 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Maintains surprisingly good acceleration despite the automatic transmission, but lacks the manual's engagement.

Fuel Economy

Likely less efficient than the manual GDI, with the automatic transmission incurring a fuel penalty.

Best Use Case: Highway (for relaxed cruising)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Wide range of efficient GDI petrol and DI-D diesel engines available.
  • • Comfortable ride quality and a spacious interior for its class.
  • • Generally reliable, especially the non-GDI petrol engines.
  • • Offers good value on the used car market due to being often overlooked.
  • • Practical hatchback body style with decent boot space.

Cons:

  • • Base engines can feel underpowered, particularly with automatic transmissions.
  • • GDI engines may require specific maintenance to prevent carbon build-up issues.
  • • Interior styling is somewhat bland and lacks character compared to rivals.
  • • Automatic transmissions significantly impact both performance and fuel economy.
  • • Euro NCAP safety rating of 3 stars was only average for its time.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Hatchback: 1996 - 2000).

General:
Brand:Mitsubishi
Model:Carisma
Generation:Hatchback
Modification (Engine):1.8 16V GDI (125 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1997
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:125 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:68.2 Hp/l
Torque:174 Nm @ 3750 rpm.
Engine displacement:1834
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:89 mm mm
Compression ratio:12.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.4 sec
Maximum speed:205 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.7 kg/Hp, 102.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7 kg/Nm, 143.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1215
Max. weight:1685
Max load:470
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:660 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:430 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4445 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1710 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1405 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2550 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1455 mm
Rear (Back) track:1475 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/65 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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