Magna Sport Revisited
Following our test
(autospeed-Issue27)
of the Magna Sport, Mitsubishi made available to AutoSpeed another Sport and also the first car that we tested, this time with revised ROM data in the engine management system. We put the car with revised ROM data through a number of tests, including the evaluation of dyno and driving performance. On the dyno the car in old and new forms had near-identical power curves, being up by just a percent or two in the mid-range. And on the road the power delivery felt just as before. However, one aspect of the car that we criticised strongly in the full test - the traction control system - was far less harsh in its operation in the revised car. In fact, unless punting the Magna very hard, it did not operate. It was still quickest (in dry conditions, at least) to disable the system, but in general driving the TCL was much improved.
Quickies
- American Honda Motor Co Inc has announced that it will build a new factory in Alabama to build minivans or sport utility vehicles as well as engines.
- Daewoo Automotive Australia has just launched an innovative promotion designed to boost sales of the Lanos and is offering a minimum of A$2,000 on vehicles traded in.
- Kia Motors Corporation has unveiled an all-new people mover built on a 1.8-litre Mentor platform. The new model, which was displayed publicly for the first time today at the opening of the Seoul Motor Show in Korea, may be imported into Australia and, if so, could be available before the end of the year.
- GT Radial South East Asia's largest tyre maker, is distributed in Australia by ITD at www.itdtyres.com.au The company sells in the mid-price bracket and all tyres have a free replacement guarantee.
