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Mitsubishi FTO E-DE3A 1.8 i 16V GS (126 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mitsubishi FTO:
The Mitsubishi FTO is a front-engined, front-wheel drive sport compact car 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 161 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1100 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 200 km/h. 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.
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.
1.8 i 16V GS (126 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The entry-level 1.8L engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving, offering a more accessible entry point to the FTO range. Performance is adequate, but not overtly sporty.
Fuel Economy
Despite being the smallest engine, the reported fuel consumption of 17.8 l/100 km is unusually high and likely an anomaly or specific test cycle. In typical driving, it should be the most economical FTO option, especially with a manual gearbox.
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:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mitsubishi |
| Model: | FTO |
| Generation: | E-DE3A |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i 16V GS (126 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 126 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 68.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 161 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1834 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 17.8 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.7 kg/Hp, 114.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 146.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1100 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4320 mm mm |
| Width: | 1735 mm mm |
| Height: | 1300 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2500 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1560 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1580 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 S |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Mitsubishi FTO?