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Introduction

The Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo arrived in Australia in early 1984 and became an instant hit! The Cordia Turbo was enthusiastically greeted by Australia in much the same way as the Subaru Impreza WRX is today. As a High Performance Vehicle without the exotic price tag. The Cordia Turbo could not be matched in the "Bang for your bucks" department, with its electronically controlled injected 1.8 SOHC Turbo motor producing around 145 hp. Its major competitors of the time were Nissan's Pulsar EXA/ET & Daihatsu's Charade Turbo.

Performance wise the Cordia Turbo was more than a match for the more expensive Toyota Supra, MR2, Nissan 300Z, Mazda RX7, Holden Piazza, and the Cordia's bigger brother the Starion. (The car that had begun the 1980's Japanese Turbo charging Fad!) . Car Magazines of the time had nothing but positive things to say about Mitsubishi's little turbo rocket. Extremely popular then, it's also one of the cheapest cars to purchase second hand and fit a large range of new model motors into including the hot 4G63 2.0 DOHC motor.

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Specifications

There are a number of differences between the AA(84), AB(84-85) and the AC(86-88) models with the major differences in power, interior and brakes. The AA and AB model run two different forms of the TC06 turbocharger running 8.4psi to produce 110kw. Due to unleaded petrol, the AC model runs a very small TC05 turbocharger with 6.5psi boost and a cat converter to produce 90kw. The AC models also run smaller injectors. Despite popular belief, all models have the same intake and exhaust manifolds. As the years progressed, paint quality, seats and door trims improved dramatically. The AC models also have the front brake package from the TP Magna.

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Review

Mitsubishi Cordia GSR Turbo 1984-1989

Best Features: Fantastic performance with good economy, everyday versatility (hatchback design, spacious & comfortable interior), inexpensive to purchase.

Worst Features: "Torque steer" effect resulting from sending great power to the driven front wheels.

Interior: A stock Cordia GSR interior is all-round pretty good. The sporty bucket seats are quite comfortable and the Cordia comes standard with electric mirrors and all of the driving controls are easily accessible. Apart from the big plastic steering wheel and old fashioned standard radio, the Cordia Turbo's interior looks surprisingly modern once you change the steering wheel for a nice leather one and install a better sound system.

Equipment: Power steering was optional and made the car not only easier to park but generally better to drive. There was reasonable equipment by 1984 standards but many of the items expected today - power windows, central locking, air conditioning - were not included as standard, rather as optinal extras.

Handling: Like most front-wheel drive cars with high performance, the Cordia Turbo suffered from excessive torque steer, the steering wheel fighting in the drivers' hands under fierce acceleration. Cornering ability though was good and the ride was surprisingly comfortable.

Power / Performance: With its zero to 100 km/h time of less than nine seconds and a quicker standing 400 metre figure than a 5.0 litre Commodore, the Cordia Turbo was the Impreza WRX of the mid-'80s. The last of the series ran on unleaded fuel and suffered a significant loss of power as a consequence. One of the great aspects of a turbocharged engine is that it uses a lot of fuel only when being used hard, and it was possible to achieve outstanding fuel consumption at highway cruising speeds.

Modifications: Cordia Turbo takes very well to performance modifications as long as they are being done by capable hands.
* A good Exhaust system 2 1/2 inches and up,
* Hi-flowed turbo,
* A Blow off valve and
* Mild boost increase to 9-10 psi (any more and you should look at intercooling.)

Reap great performance benefits from a Cordia. By using good quality oil and installing a turbo timer are both extremely beneficial to a Cordia. The Cordia Turbo does come standard with a boost gauge of sorts, but it really isn't that accurate so it would probably be wise to invest in an aftermarket gauge.

What To Look For: Hard-driven Cordia Turbos often displayed signs of severe engine wear before 180,000 km. Check for evidence of blue smoke from the exhaust under acceleration or on lift-off (either case meaning an expensive repair in the not too distant future). As with any front-wheel drive car, check for worn constant velocity joints. Check the tailgate, doors and guards for rust.

Summary: Exciting in the mid-'80s, a Cordia Turbo might not feel like a rocketship by Impreza WRX standards but is nevertheless a strong performer. But it is important to check carefully before buying because a worn engine or turbocharger will defeat the purpose of buying a cheap used performance car.

Verdict: The Cordia Turbo was probably the most effective turbocharged car of its era.

Read a review of the Mitsubishi Cordia GSR Turbo done by Auto Speed by clicking here.

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Pictures

1985 AB Mitsubishi Cordia

Standard Interior - except aftermarket boost guage.

Standard 1.8 Litre Turbo Motor

My (Filip's) Cordia GSR Turbo

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