Alternative Eyecatching Import (Mitsubishi FTO GPX)

Member Name: TheLetch

Product:	Mitsubishi FTO GPX
Date:	27/03/01 (5286 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great looks and drive

Disadvantages: High insurance

You may have seen one.

You probably wondered what it was.

You may even have wanted one – it’s that striking!

A Japanese car that defies preconceptions that they can’t look dramatic – without comprising the taken for granted build quality that Mitsubishi’s other excellent machines (Lancer EVO, Shogun, Charisma, etc.) have proven.

An import that has proved so popular that Mitsubishi now sell them here themselves…

The Mitsubishi FTO comes in various models GS, GX, GR, GP, GPvR – but mine is the GPX. This is the top of the range in performance and features; this means a 2.0L V6 DOHC Engine with a MIVEC system (similar to Honda’s VTEC) which provides for low-down torque response (below 5500RPM) and high-end power (over 5500RPM) and outputs 205bhp, Air Conditioning, power windows, sunroof and wing mirrors (which retract electronically too!), quality alloys and all the other normal amenities.

The car is designed to be driven, the bucket seats, small chunky steering wheel and instant response from the car let you know very quickly – when I had a test drive I grinned the whole way and didn’t stop for the first couple of months when I bought it!

It sounds cool too; the V6 gurgles and is nice and throaty low down, but then fairly screams when your hitting 8500RPM – on windy country roads I turn any music off just for the sounds.

It’s quick but not dangerously so, think Honda Integra Type R equivalent, but it is very responsive nevertheless and many other drivers don’t know what it is and steer clear!

It is a very comfortable drive (for 7 months I drove from Edinburgh-Aberdeen and back each weekend) and the seats are adjustable in most vertices. Although not my experience (average height) there are plenty of tall FTO drivers who report that it is fine for them.

On the downside insurance is expensive at the moment
(all imports are apparently) and will need a Thatcham Category 1 Alarm and Immobiliser fitted. It’s not particularly efficient in the fuel stakes (well it would be if you kept it below the 5500RPM mark at all times – but why buy it then?) but only requires Unleaded. Other negatives are; that it is pretty small in the back (I wouldn’t recommend long journeys in the back) and quite difficult to get out of being a 2 door Coupe, there is little sound proofing by today’s standards and some annoying rattles from windows/car panels (although these can be silenced).

Add to the car itself, a very loyal, knowledgeable and helpful bunch of current owners who can guide you from purchase tips to fixing those rattles to organising meets and events and you have an experience not just a car. Parts can be sourced via these owners and group buying discounts for imported parts are also available vastly reducing the risk and cost of buying an import.

In conclusion, it is not a family car, it is not an entirely practical car but it IS a driver’s car, it IS exceptionally fun to drive, it IS superbly styled and it IS my most treasured possession…

… throw caution to the wind, buy an FTO.

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