Mitsubishi Carisma Hatchback 1.8 16V GDI (122 Hp)


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. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1260 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.4 s). The top speed reaches 200 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 (122 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A strong performer with good responsiveness, offering a noticeable step up from the 1.6-liter engines.

Fuel Economy

Impressive fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size, thanks to the GDI technology.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / Highway

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: 2000 - 2003).

General:
Brand:Mitsubishi
Model:Carisma
Generation:Hatchback
Modification (Engine):1.8 16V GDI (122 Hp)
Start of production:2001
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:122 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:66.5 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:174 Nm @ 3750 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:4G93 More details about the engine 4G93
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 oil capacity:3.8 l
Coolant:6.3 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:89 mm mm
Compression ratio:11.6:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.4 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.3 kg/Hp, 96.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.2 kg/Nm, 138.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1260
Max. weight:1750
Max load:490
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1050 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:430 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4475 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1710 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1405 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2550 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1475 mm
Rear (Back) track:1470 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 size195/60 R15
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

If you could change one thing about the Mitsubishi Carisma, what would it be?