MitsubishiI Sigma (1991 - 1996)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
If acronyms sold cars wed be knee deep in Mitsubishi Sigmas. The fact that were not is down to the British buyer going with what they know, and the small matter of the Sigma being nowhere near as good as its immediate competition. Initially bandied as a BMW 5 Series competitor, the first generation Sigma fell on its face, and the grandiose Series II car was little better. In estate guise it made more sense, but here was a car that crashed and burned horribly in the sales charts.
Canny used buyers will realise that this equates to a lot of car for not a lot of money, all backed up by Mitsubishis legendary reliability. A car that was a total duffer from new now makes a very clever used buy.
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The second-generation saloons seem to have tried to offer Lexus-lite style appeal, but again fall slightly short due to the uninvolving chassis and over reliance on gimmicky electronics. The estate versions make far more sense, giving a decent carrying capacity and unpretentious 12-valve engines. Plus theres less to go wrong.
If you are set on a Sigma, the 24v saloon models represent a lot of car for the money. The first generation cars from late 1991 and early 1992 can be yours for not very much at all, although wed recommend one of the facelifted cars starting at £1,000 for a 1993 K-registered example. The last of these models commands around £1,500 for a 1996 N-plated model. Insurance for the Sigma is group 17 for the 24v saloons and Group 16 for the estates.
Mechanically, not a lot goes wrong. The engines are tough and the technology has weathered the years well. Less of a shining scorecard is awarded to many of the electronics which have been known to go on the fritz with expensive consequences. The CD stereo systems in the saloons have a tendency to self-destruct and electric sunroofs are well known for malfunctioning.
Check the tyres for signs of uneven wear, a sure sign that the Sigmas four-wheel steering system is out of alignment. If in doubt, go for a car with a substantial service history and hope for the best.
(approx. - based on a 1993 Sigma V6 - ex Vat) Consumables for the Sigma are reasonably priced. An air filter is around £22, an oil filter retails at approximately £10 and a fuel filter will set you back £20. Spark plugs are £10 a pop whilst a timing belt is £30.
Directing serious amounts of horsepower through the front wheels may sound like the recipe for a wild ride, but the first generations 202bhp is marshalled by four-wheel steering, two-stage traction control, variable rate spring and damper settings and a novel coil spring/air suspension set up gives a smoothness to the ride that makes a Citroen feel fidgety. Top marks on this call. Larger bumps and ridges arent dealt with so smoothly, shudders making the chassis feel slightly lightweight, but in terms of motorway refinement, the Sigma is one of the class leaders. If you think this will equate into a car that knows how to have fun, the Sigma disappoints, turning up with a party-six of Ovaltine just when you want to cut loose.
The handling can best be described as soggy, the lifeless steering giving the driver little feedback from the front end and the traction control bleeding power rapidly away from the outside front wheel which quickly gets overloaded mid corner. If youre expecting sporty handling from all those acronyms remember the Mitsubishi 3000GT enough electronics to power the missile defence shield but less ability than Dick Cheney on a squash court.
The Mitsubishi Sigma isnt a great car; its not even a particularly good car. What it offers are a whole host of technological refinements that are now within reach of the average used car buyer. If you enjoy driving you ought to give the Sigma a wide berth, but if you just want a refined mile-muncher with all the toys, the Sigma answers the call. The estate is a far more sensible choice and early cars can now be bought for reasonable prices.
Bear in mind that theres not exactly a booming market for Sigmas, so although you may be able to haggle down the price of your new acquisition, expect selling it on to test your patience. One consolation is itll never, ever go wrong. Figuratively speaking of course
