The Mitsubishi Magna is a mid-size car that was produced over three generations between 1985 and 2005 by Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL). Developed as a replacement for the Mitsubishi Sigma, each Magna generation derived from Japanese platforms re-engineered for the Australian market and conditions. Initially, Magna offered inline-four engines in a mid-size sedan package—a station wagon debuted in 1987. Over the years, each new series grew in size, and with the second generation of 1991, the range was bolstered by a luxury variant called Mitsubishi Verada and a V6 engine. The Magna/Verada became the first Australian-made vehicle to be exported worldwide in large numbers, predominantly as the Mitsubishi Diamante. The third and final iteration Magna/Verada launched in 1996, adding all-wheel-drive (AWD) from 2002, and receiving a substantial styling update in 2003. They were replaced by the Mitsubishi 380 in 2005.

MMAL manufactured the Magna/Verada at its Clovelly Park, South Australia plant. The majority of its engines—most notably, the original four-cylinder Astron II (codenamed 4G54) and subsequent Cyclone V6 engines (codenamed 6G72 and 6G74)—were manufactured at the Lonsdale, South Australia plant.

First generation (1985)

Following a claimed million development cost, initially as a sedan only model, but with a station wagon added in June 1987. It was manufactured at Tonsley Park, South Australia. MMAL designated this first, 1985 Magna as the TM series, with the 1987 and 1989 updates known as the TN and TP series respectively. Nevertheless, the Valiant was put out of production the following year, making the medium-sized Sigma MMAL's largest offering. When a replacement became due, MMAL opined that a car's width was a crucial factor to Australian buyers who have traditionally favoured large cars. As a result, to compete more effectively against the large RWD rivals, viz. the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, former Chrysler engineers now working for MMAL, developed a wider mid-sized car specific to the Australian market. This model derived from the fifth-generation Japanese Mitsubishi Galant Σ (Sigma), a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle released in August 1983. Engineers accomplished this by splicing an extra of width through the Galant's body and by strengthening it for Australian road conditions. Mitsubishi Motors codenamed these cars as "YF" and "YFW"—"W" for "wide". To emphasise the size advantage of the Mitsubishi over other medium cars, it was named Magna—deriving from the Latin word magnus, meaning "big".

The only major aesthetic difference of the Magna relative to its Japanese donor was the wider body, as the general styling and side profile were similar also thanks to shared tooling for doors, guards and pillars. the Magna trumped the latter for interior space due to the inherently superior packaging offered by the FWD layout. As the enlarging added minimal weight and the overall footprint remained smaller compared to rivals, the Magna could make do with a big-bore four-cylinder engine instead of the more traditional six-cylinder engines used by Holden and Ford.

The engine of the Magna was the Australian-made 2.6-litre transversely-mounted inline-four cylinder engine. Codenamed 4G54 and marketed as Astron II, it was a development of the Astron engine (codenamed 4G52) fitted to Sigma. It initially produced at 5000 rpm and at 3000 rpm. Astron II was an eight-valve single overhead cam (SOHC) design with advanced features for the time, such as hydraulic mounts and "Silent Shaft" counterbalancing technology, designed and licensed to other automakers by Mitsubishi Motors to reduce the vibrations inherent in large four-cylinder engines. In the TM series, these engines were carbureted, with Mitsubishi's "ECI Multi" electronic fuel injection (EFI) version launched with the TN series, boosting power to .

Magna was fitted with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed ELC automatic transmission with electronic control and overdrive (a button on the shift lever providing the ability to switch between the default three-speed mode or overdrive four-speed). The Executive and luxury Elite models, however, were available only in automatic. In terms of suspension, Magna's front comprised MacPherson struts front design and, at the rear, a three-link torsion beam axle with coil springs (specifically, a torsion beam axle, located by two trailing arms and a Panhard rod).

TM

At launch in April 1985, August 1986 saw the range expanded with a better-than-GLX equipped model known as the "Executive". Aimed at fleet buyers, this new variant added full plastic wheel coverings, standard power steering and automatic transmission with air conditioning as the sole option. The luxury-oriented models—SE and Elite—featured higher equipment: seats were covered in velour trim with the driver's seat being seven-way adjustable (instead of four-way); lumbar support for driver and passenger; rear integrated headrests and folding centre armrest with boot access; map lights and remote boot release; power windows, central locking and alloy wheels (standard on Elite and optional on SE); metallic paint standard (two-tone standard on Elite and single-tone optional on Elite and SE); radio/cassette players (featuring a novel security system that would make the unit completely inoperable in the event that its power was disconnected) with the Elite also adding a rear quarter panel electric antenna, separate equaliser and steering wheel controls. In addition, instead of standard control steering stalks and ventilation panel on the centre console, both the SE and Elite had two steering side pods, thus bringing all major controls within a driver's fingertips and making them jointly height adjustable with the steering column. Elite also featured an LCD instrument panel, in line with the Japanese automotive trend in the late 1980s. Common to all models were a tilt adjustable steering and cable-operated fuel filler door release. Non-Elite models also had a roof mounted manual antenna above the right A-pillar and the following optional equipment: air conditioning (GLX, Executive and SE), power steering and automatic transmission (GLX and SE).

Sale prices were a key critical factor in Magna's market competitiveness, since for less money, MMAL was able to sell a more refined and economical package relative to its main rivals. This was especially reflected in the merits highlighted under the "value for money" category of the Wheels Car of the Year title won by Magna in 1985.

The TM series was marred by various quality-control problems (chiefly, fragile engine heads and automatic transmissions), which were gradually rectified throughout the life of the first generation.

TN

April 1987 brought the first update to Magna, designated TN. In June 1988, a sporty Elante model (with EFI, sportier suspension tuning and bodykit) and an Elite wagon also arrived. Manual transmission was now available on the Executive. In September 1990, a Grand Tourer model of 1,000 sedans came to the market with bigger wheels, the Elante's tauter suspension set-up and EFI.

The TP sedan remained in production until April 1991 whereas the station wagon continued to be sold alongside the new TR series Magna sedan until May 1992. Several limited editions were introduced to support sales. These included the GLX-based Encore sedan and wagon of May 1991 with air-conditioning as standard. This series was designated TR and carried over its powertrain from the previous generation. MMAL estimated that, between 1989 (when the project started) and the wagon's arrival in 1992, the total investment in the new Magna totalled some . Both Magna and Verada shared the same body, although the latter featured a unique grille and larger bumpers from the US export models as well as luxury fittings. The Australian-made 3.0-litre V6 was codenamed 6G72 and marketed as Cyclone. Its outputs ranged from at 5500 rpm and at 4000 rpm on ULP 91, to at 5500 rpm and at 3000 rpm on PULP. The automatic transmissions used by both four- and six-cylinder models was marketed INVECS.

While Australia continued to endure the early 1990s recession, MMAL's ambitions to compete more directly with Ford and Holden with a six-cylinder Magna remained on hold. Finally, in 1993, with the economy recovering and oil prices stabilised after the Gulf War, the Verada's V6 engine was offered on Magna for the first time—albeit as an option. This 3.0-litre V6 was only available on the Executive, which was also equipped with larger 15-inch wheels and different interior trim. A small "V6" badge on the boot lid distinguished the six- from the four-cylinder model.

At launch, the TR series comprised the Magna Executive sedan, SE sedan, and the automatic sedan-only Elite. Of the V6-engined Verada range, the Ei version was equipped to about the same level as a Magna SE, with the exception that air-conditioning was standard. The top of the range Verada Xi also included alloy wheels, keyless door entry, climate control, cruise control, an upmarket sound system, steering wheel controls for cruise and sound system, power windows, electrically adjustable driver's seat, power antenna, and security system. 120 with manual and 280 with automatic transmission; standard interior colour was blue with Albans trim replacing Dawson trim; exterior paint available were only Sarajevo White, Mirage Silver and Calypso Red; extra features included: V6Si decal to right hand side deck lid and both front quarter panels; 5-spoke 15-inch alloy wheel (type J42); body coloured grille, side protection mouldings, front and rear mud flaps; deck lid spoiler including high-mounted stop light; dual exhaust muffler outlets; air conditioning; ABS brakes).

Third generation (1996)

TE / KE

thumb|left|Magna Altera V6 sedan (TE)

thumb|left|Verada Ei sedan (KE)

In April and July 1996, MMAL respectively released a new generation Magna and Verada, which were broadly based on the pillar-less Japanese second generation Diamante.

The cost of the Australian project was some and both cars won the 1996 Wheels Car of the Year award, with judges praising the car's value for money.

As was the case with the second generation, the TE and KE series shared the same platform, which was codenamed "YR". Their bodies were bigger ( higher and longer than the TS series but close to the KS series) and stiffer (13 percent more) yet only marginally heavier (by less than ) The V6 returned official city and highway fuel consumption figures of and , respectively. In New Zealand, the V3000 badge was retired and the new Diamante sold there consisted of rebadged Australian models of both the Magna and Verada, instead of Diamantes with exclusive specifications for all other world export markets.

The Executive was the entry-level model that featured: power steering, four-speaker sound system, power mirrors, remote boot and fuel filler release, central locking and an engine immobiliser. The Altera model, which was a mid-entry-level model, added: air-conditioning, power windows and cruise control. Options included: airbags for driver and passenger, ABS, a CD player and alloy wheels. Subsequent additions to the model range included the Advance (safety-package) and the Altera LS (mid-luxury package), which featured ABS, airbags, CD player and alloy wheels as standard.

The TE series was launched with an initial palette of eight colours. Four were carried over from the previous TS Magna (i.e. Paris White, Calypso Red, Arctic Blue, and Madeira (maroon)) and another four were newly introduced (i.e. Silverleaf (silver), Kashmir (light beige), Greenstone and Embassy (charcoal grey)). A short-lived Olive Green colour was made available late production in the TE/KE production and Atlantis Blue (dark sapphire blue pearl) was unique to the Verada.

The TE and KE series were the most aerodynamic car produced ever in Australia even compared to the VF Commodore or FG X Falcon, with an amazing . This achievement was due to a sweeping roofline (which, however, compromised rear headroom) and such things as "flag" external rear-view mirrors, fixed to independent door posts instead of being more traditionally mounted directly on the front door A-pillar triangle.

A wagon version was launched in March 1997, with a , but was quickly replaced by the TF series equivalent three months later.

TF / KF

The TF/KF series was introduced in June 1997. Magna's range consisted of five models: Executive, Advance, Altera, Altera LS and Sports. The 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine was seen only in the Executive. These cars offered redesigned wheel covers, speed-limit alert and upgraded interior trims, which included cup holders. The Executive and Advance were identical in appearance but the Advance had a different interior trim and was fitted as standard with airbags and ABS. The full colour-coded Altera and Altera LS introduced power windows and several other options such as dual front airbags. Manual transmissions became only available on Executive, Advance, Solara and Sports. From June to August 1998, a limited edition Solara was introduced and it included all Advance features as standard, plus: alloy wheels, colour-coding, "Solara" badging on the rear doors and at the bottom right-hand side of the boot.

The Magna Sports was available in only four colours: Paris White, Calypso Red, Nautilus Blue (deep blue), and Frontier Green (deep green), the latter two colours being new to the TF series. This new model carried all the standard features of the Executive model on which it was based, plus a deck lid spoiler, red side strip, 16-inch alloy wheels (same as the Verada Ei, but polished), and unique interior trims such as a metal-style instrument cluster fascia. Its V6 was standard as on all Magnas, however, only the Sports could be optioned with a manumatic Tiptronic four-speed automatic transmission featuring for the first time on an Australian-built car, a manual shifting function (via a second transmission gate plane to the right of standard gear positions, with "push-forward" upshifts and "push-back" downshifts). The Sports had improved handling characteristics thanks to the addition of an 18 mm rear swaybar (a rear bar swaybar was not fitted to the standard Magna), 11 percent firmer rear springs, firmer upper control arm and trailing arm bushes, and suspension height lowered by 10 mm. Options included dual airbags and ABS. This specific model represented MMAL's foray into the Australian sporty family passenger car sector, as well as an initial and long overdue departure from the more conservative Japanese product planning. The Sports' production ceased after September 1998.

The 3.5-litre engine that powered the KF series Verada was identical to that fitted to the KE series. Its main changes, like the TF series Magna, included new wheel designs and cabin trim, revised colours and a specification adjustment – such as an over-speed warning device, cupholders and standard dual front airbags.

Several new colours (Cocoon White (pearl white), Astral Blue (metallic blue), Lugano Green (pearl blue/green) and Burra (pearl dark red/bronze)) were introduced during the later production of the TF series and the final unit built came out in December 1998.

About 60,000 TF Magna's were built and over 5,000 KF Verada's for Australian roads.

TH / KH

The TH series was launched in March 1999 with the earliest examples built in December 1998. The cost of this upgrade (including Verada models) reached , which went towards increased availability of the 3.5-litre V6 engine and a matching manual transmission as well as specification and trim changes across the range.

On the engine front, in fact, due to slow sales and growing consumer preference for more powerful engines, Magna's imported four-cylinder was dropped. At this time, the 3.0-litre V6 became standard and Verada's 3.5-litre engine also became a Magna option. The 3.0-litre V6 was fitted only to the Executive, while all other models could be powered by the previous Verada's 3.5-litre V6 (optional on Executive).

Cosmetic changes included revisions to the basic design of the car, such as a more aggressive front grille, redesigned rear, revised interiors, redesigned wheel covers and alloy wheels. Air conditioning was made standard across the range. A number of colour changes also occurred: Calypso Red was replaced with Sienna Red, while Sable Black pearl (pearl black with green flakes) took the place of Embassy grey. Riversand, a new strong beige metallic colour, was also introduced in April 1999 as were Mawson White, a brighter more pure white (pictured right) and Pewter (metallic silver), which replaced Silverleaf. Island Blue and Glacier Green (aqua blue/green) were two other new colours used on the TH but are rare.

The TH and KH series claimed the honours of being the first Australian-made car with a four-channel ABS featuring an Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system—a Bosch 5.3 module. Another new key feature was an 8-function trip computer and integrated anti-theft alarm system. The model range included: Executive (manual and auto); Advance (manual and auto); Altera LS (auto) and Sports (manual and Sports Mode automatic).

MMAL also became the first Australian manufacturer to offer a traction control system labelled "TCL" (meaning, Trace Control Logic), which was switchable and initially available only on Magna Sports. A limited edition Solara was reintroduced later in 1999 as well as the V6 Si in April 2000. Altera LS was discontinued at the end of 1999, due to its closeness to the Verada Ei. The 1999 models lacked V6 badges but the 2000 models often featured these on the back lower right end of the boot lid. The last TH series production between May and June 2000, were 1000 Executive LS units (automatic only), which were similar to the discontinued Altera LS but without power windows, dual airbags and less colour-coding (e.g. unpainted black mirrors).

A Magna Sports participated in the Australian GT Production Car Championship, with varying successes, driven by MMAL engineer and privateer, Robert Chadwick. The vehicle featured front limited slip differential (LSD) later brought to production on the TJ series Magna Ralliart.

TJ / KJ

With the launch of the TJ series in July 2000, Magna offered revised styling. The car's overall shape remained the same as the previous TE to TH series, except for a raised central section for the bonnet ending with a beak splitting the front grille, making some journalists coin the phrase "bird of prey". Magna Sports and the new VR-X model featured the same one-unit turn-light/double parabolic headlights as Verada. At the back, the boot-lid featured a recessed centre section and new tail light lenses with new-trend circular lit chambers. The cost of this upgrade was some .

A new new-chromed Mitsubishi badge was also introduced, replacing the more traditional red triple diamonds. MMAL's proposal to use a black Mitsubishi badge to distinguish the Magna sports range was rejected by Japan's conservative management. Another external change in the TJ series was the replacement of the chrome-look window surround with a more modern black fitting (Verada sedans maintained the more luxurious chrome).

Several new colours were introduced including a very bright Island Blue (aqua) and Glacier Green (green aqua, both used on some previous TH series in 1999), which were discontinued after only a few months of production. In May 2001, a new darker Pacific Blue colour was introduced to replace the just mentioned two colours and Flame Red was also reintroduced to the range, mostly as the hero colour for the subsequent Ralliart model. Sapphire Blue and Daintree Green were added too and proved popular. Grey and beige interior options were made available to any exterior colour in the Executive/Advance, with grey otherwise the default, becoming the only option on the Series 2 given its greater sales popularity. Equipment levels increased in the TJ series with a driver's airbag and CD player now standard across the range.

The TJ series carried over the previous 3.0-litre V6 (6G72) for the Executive models, which could now be upgraded with the optional 3.5-litre V6 (6G74), otherwise fitted to all other models as standard. This resulted in Executive models with a 3.0-litre engines being extremely rare and, ultimately, dropped altogether in subsequent series.

Unlike 6G74-based engine available in Japan, the Australian-built V6 still had 24 valves but used a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design instead of a more complex and costly double overhead cams (DOHC) design.

Sports and VR-X featured a larger 2.5-inch free flowing sports exhaust system, minor changes to the timing and duration of valve opening (both inlet and exhaust), which boosted power up to , resulting in a moderately sporty exhaust tone and class-leading performance amongst Australian-made sport sedans. Their engine was marketed as a "high output" unit to distinguish it from the mainstream version fitted on all other Magnas and Veradas.

At launch, the model range of the TJ and KJ series comprised: the Magna Executive, Magna Advance sedan and wagon, Magna Sports sedan, Magna VR-X sedan, Verada Ei sedan and wagon, and Verada Xi sedan.

The Magna Sports featured full exterior colour coding, six-spoke 16x6-inch alloy wheels, improved suspension and swaybars and a deck lid spoiler shared with the Magna VR-X. The mechanically similar VR-X shared these features, but also had aggressively styled front and rear bumper spoiler extensions, wheel arch extensions, side skirts and large diameter round chrome exhaust tip. Inside, the Sports and VR-X also shared white instrument cluster dials, sports fabric seat trim and front seat backrests embroidered with the respective models' name. The automatic VR-X also had a chrome gear gate inherited from the Verada. The subsequent and rare Magna Sports wagon (produced only with the TJ series) was fitted with a full bodykit featuring silver accents, unlike the Sports sedan that featured only had a deck lid spoiler.

Automatic Sports and VR-X (as well as Verada) models were now fitted with a five-speed Tiptronic transmission with "TCL" traction control system, making Mitsubishi the first Australian manufacturer to go beyond the then common four-speeds. Meanwhile, manual transmissions were dropped from the wagons, which gained standard automatic transmissions.

In October 2000, MMAL offered a limited-run Magna Solara, which was based on the Advance. Inside it featured a four-disc in-dash CD player, while externally it was distinguished by 15-inch "Manta" alloy wheels as standard, two-tone paint finish and body-coloured exterior mirrors, front grille and door side mouldings.

The TJ series was the subject of a number of rolling updates, beginning in May 2001 spearheaded by an upgraded VR-X range, followed by that of September 2001 affecting all models including the Verada range (officially known as the MY02 series) and culminating with the TJ and KJ Series 2 in July 2002. This subsequently became a permanent model rebadged as the Verada GTVi from March 2003.

Total production of the TJ and KJ series as at the end of 2001, reached 43,492 units with 19,215 exported to the US, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and the Middle East (where Magna also ended up served as an Iraqi police patrol cars). The most notable award won by this series was the Diamante's title of New Zealand's Car of the Year for "Best Large Car".

In 2001, a Magna TJ Sports won Class D of the GT Production Showroom Showdown Race at Bathurst and a V8-powered RWD Magna contested the V8 Future Touring class of the 2000–01 Australian Super Touring Championship. The Magna VR-X was voted the best-value performance car on the Australian market by a News Limited panel of motoring journalists.

;May 2001 update

From May 2001, coinciding with the launch of the Magna VR-X Limited Edition, Furthermore, the suspension was modified with higher rate springs, revised shock absorbers and a new front sway bar. It featured the above exterior upgrades plus interior upgrades that were part of a "Leather Pack" offered in two parts. The optional "Pack 1" included:

  • Unique black fabric/Howe leather trim with "VR-X" embroidered front seats in either blue or red with matching door panels, depending on exterior paint (i.e. blue with Pacific Blue, Sapphire Blue and Mawson White paint; red with Sienna Red, Pewter and Sable (black))

;August 2001 update

As part of this update, officially known as the TJ MY02 series, side impact bars previously fitted only to export models were also introduced for Australian market cars, and the front doors now featured energy absorbing material. The Magna Executive received ABS and power windows as standard, while the Advance, Sports and VR-X were each fitted with a six speaker sound system (up from four), automatic climate control, front map lamps, glove box lamp and power antenna.

In March 2002, MMAL also launched the limited-run Magna Commonwealth Games edition. Based on the Executive sedan, it was further equipped with a front passenger airbag, six-disc CD player, cruise control, floor mats and power antenna. Externally, it has 16-inch alloy wheels, "Commonwealth Games" badging and body-coloured features as on V6 Si. The latter was a Magna wagon with Sports/VR-X drivetrain, with a dark purple ChromaFlair exterior and interior centre console, full bodykit accented in silver, lowered suspension and aftermarket 17-inch ROH Adrenalin alloy wheels. It was launched two months later with a more conventional interior and standard 16-inch alloy wheels of the Magna Sports sedan.

The Ralliart concept in sedan form only, was a further development of the VR-X and the most powerful Magna ever designed to leverage off Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship exploits. In fact, its overall styling was based on the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution range, in particular the front bumper bar (void of any fog lights) and its bi-plane deck lid spoiler inspired by the limited edition Lancer Evolution VI TME (the rest of the body kit included carry-over VR-X wheel arch extensions plus unique side skirts and squared-off chrome exhaust tip). Among other things, in prototype form, Magna Ralliart was said to feature AWD, Supercharged, Recaro front seats, MOMO steering wheel and gear levers as part of a loud black and bright red interior. 500 individually numbered Ralliart models had been planned.

Due to budget constraints, however, the Ralliart (codenamed "TJ0R42") was brought to market in February 2002 still as an individually numbered vehicle, but only with a FWD platform and with less third party-sourced fittings. In fact, the front seats ended up being the standard Mitsubishi-designed Magna seats, but with revised side bolsters; the standard Magna's steering wheel and gear levers were retained, although the former was leather wrapped (black and red) in Italy by MOMO; the red-only instrument cluster dials (but with a "Ralliart" inscribed rev counter) and silver interior trims for the centre console and tunnel were sourced from the VR-X Limited Edition (without the Verada-sourced chrome gear plate for the automatic fitted to the VR-X). The sound system was a complete upgrade, however, being a 14-speaker Fujitsu Ten Eclipse tuner with CD player and remote control. This car also became the first local Mitsubishi product to offer datadot paint technology.

;TJ and KJ Series 2

Released in July 2002, these series (also known as TJ II and KJ II) comprised further and final incremental updates until the launch of the redesigned TL and KL series. Tiptronic was introduced to the four-speed automatic for the Executive and Advance models—making this function standard on all Magna automatics.

In November 2002, a Magna Limited Edition (also known as the "LE") was the final special edition model launched to boost sales of the TJ series. It was, essentially, a 4-speed automatic transmission Executive that featured the Verada Ei's full leather trim (seats, door inserts and steering wheel), front parabolic headlights (of the original KJ series with amber turning lights), cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights as well as a passenger-side airbag. As with other non-sports limited editions, externally, it was distinguished by its body-coloured mirrors, side protection mouldings and side air dams. With its introduction, MMAL could claim the title of being the first Australian mass-built AWD passenger car (excluding the XY Falcon-based commercial utility produced and sold by Ford Australia in the 1970s). The range comprised only three sedans available only with the five-speed automatic transmissions: Magna AWD, Magna Sport AWD and Verada AWD.

With Magna now competing well in terms of overall size, the AWD development was an attempt by MMAL to counter Australians' long held perception that its perennial RWD rivals – the market-dominant Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore – offered better handling. This led to a advertising campaign including on television, which portrayed a high speed sprint involving a Magna AWD, Holden Commodore (VY) and Ford Falcon (BA), with the latter RWD cars oversteering wildly out of control on a dirt bend. The television advertisement became the subject of complaints alleging that it promoted unsafe driving. This resulted in MMAL being forced to make changes following the intervention of the Advertising Standards Board finding the company to be in breach of a then new national code for car advertising.

Overall, the Magna and Verada AWD failed to provide any noticeable boost in sales. The drivetrain proved to be mechanically reliable with improved handling compared to the FWD version, albeit at the cost of lower performance and official fuel consumption figures. Specifically, Magna AWD and Verada AWD shared the / engine, while the Sports AWD had a / version. Those power and torque outputs – and overall performance – were down on equivalent FWD Magna's due to structural revisions (chiefly, a revised firewall developed in Australia by ROH) restricting the Sports' free flowing exhaust system, and the extra weight of the AWD hardware – up to , depending on model and equipment level. Due to budget and development constraints, the subsequent TL series Magna VR-X AWD was limited to 16-inch alloy wheels instead of the FWD's 17-inch wheels.

Original AWD sales projections were for 300 sales per month, but actual sales by August 2003 showed that only 150 AWDs were being sold each month. Fleets and rental agencies are attributed as the biggest buyers of the initial production. The AWD system was available only on sedans and only with the five-speed automatic transmission of the FWD Magna Sports/VR-X and Verada.

;Marketing initiatives

Despite its competitive pricing relative to the key rival products from Holden, Ford, and Toyota, ongoing speculation of the Adelaide plant's closure forced MMAL to launch extensive marketing campaigns and promotions, such as free servicing and cash-back offers. Another initiative included the TJ Magna, spearheaded by the Magna VR-X and Magna wagon models, becoming the official vehicles of the 2002 Tour Down Under international cycling event held in Adelaide. Following the Magna Ralliart and Sports wagon a year prior, in October 2002, MMAL also displayed at the Sydney Motor Show a Ralliart painted in the same yellow paint as the Lancer Evolution of the time, to renew interest in its performance range. The colour was marketed as Wasp Yellow and thus made available on the Magna VR-X, Ralliart and Verada GTVi. Prototypes painted in various ChromaFlair paints (bearing the experimental "XX" paint code) were also displayed over time, but never officially marketed.

TL / KL

thumb|right|Verada Xi sedan (KL)

In April 2003, an Australian-made vehicle was previewed internationally for the first time, thanks to the new KL series Diamante (based on the new Verada) being displayed at that year's New York Motor Show. Australia had to wait for the launch of the TL and KL series (codenamed "XR") until July 2003. The new series featured restyled front and rear ends, and mildly revised mechanicals and interior trims.

The project was said to have cost over (including alone for the radical new headlights) and the range no longer featured Executive, Altera or Sports models, which had been replaced by ES, LS and VR, respectively. The only carryover badge remained VR-X. A limited edition "Solara" was reoffered, carrying electric windows, alloy wheels and deck lid spoiler. Full leather trim became an option on the VR-X and the export Diamante went on sale in Canada for the first time.

A Ralliart-accessorised VR and VR-X Limited Edition from March 2004 was marketed with the aid of Mitsubishi rally driver, Ed Ordynski. These models featured the TJ series Magna Ralliart's Koni suspension components and Enkei alloy wheels but no upgraded engine or brakes relative to the rest of the range. A new VR-X AWD model was also announced at this time, going on sale 1 August (with the update for both models labelled MY04) but only offering 16-inch wheels as opposed to the 17-inch version fitted to the 2WD. VR-Xs were now distinguished by body coloured headlight bezels, a body coloured upper grille, silver mesh lower grille, a platinum coloured rear bumper insert (except for Platinum coloured cars, which received a Sable insert), and an extended chrome exhaust outlet. Mitsubishi adjusted the model range, with the Magna LS sedan (but not wagon) disappearing from the range, the base Magna AWD becoming the Magna LS AWD sedan, and the addition of the Verada GTVi AWD sedan, a combination of the former KL Verada GTVi and Verada AWD. The Platinum, Zen, and Fusion paint colours added to the KL MY04 VR-X in June were now available on most models. In addition, MMAL launched an advertising campaign that starred MMAL's then CEO Tom Phillips stating to potential customers "If you can find a better built car—buy it!". This approach recycled the advertising used by Chrysler in the US in the early 1980s, when Lee Iacocca used a similar slogan. Both strategies helped reduce the number of stockpiled vehicles from 5,500 in September 2004 down to 800 by June 2005—an important requirement in the lead-up to the launch of the Mitsubishi 380 replacement in October.

Given its long-serving architecture and slow sales from circa 2000, MMAL management specifically excluded the Magna as a name for its replacement—the eventual 380. However, TL and TW Magnas became popular in the second hand market given their sound engineering, reliability and low resale values—the latter due in part to heavy discounting when new and also of its 380 successor.

Safety

List of models

TE (1996–1997)

  • Executive (2.4-litre 4-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6)
  • Advance (3.0-litre V6)
  • Altera (2.4-litre 4-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6)
  • Altera LS (3.0-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)

Luxury series:

  • Verada Ei (3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • Verada Xi sedan (3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)

Note: manuals always five-speed only and all non-limited edition models offered in sedan and wagon with manual or automatic transmissions unless specifically noted (TE to TW series).

TF (1997–1998)

  • Executive (2.4-litre 4-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6)
  • Advance (3.0-litre V6)
  • Altera (3.0-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • Altera LS (3.0-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • Sports sedan (3.0-litre V6; manual or 4-speed Tiptronic automatic)

thumb|right|Magna Solara sedan (TF)

Limited editions:

  • Solara (July and August 1998: based on Executive 3.0-litre V6)

Luxury series:

  • Verada Ei (3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • Verada Xi sedan (3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)

Note: TF is the last Magna series offered with a four-cylinder engine (never fitted to Verada).

TH (1999–2000; the first approx. 30 units built in December 1998)

  • Executive (3.0-litre or 3.5-litre V6)
  • Executive LS (May–June 2000: 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • Advance (3.5-litre V6)
  • Altera LS (1999: 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • Sports sedan (3.5-litre V6; manual or 4-speed Tiptronic automatic)

thumb|right|Magna Solara sedan (TH), now distinguished by two-tone paint

thumb|right|Magna V6 Si sedan (TH)

Limited editions:

  • Solara (based on Advance, same interior trim as Advance)
  • V6 Si (based on Executive 3.5-litre V6)

Luxury series:

  • Verada Ei (3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • Verada Xi sedan (3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)

TJ (2000–2003)

  • Executive (prior to TJ Series 2: 140 kW 3.0-litre V6 or optional 150 kW 3.5-litre V6; latter only engine after TJ Series 2 with 150 kW output)
  • Executive LPG (from April 2003: 143 kW 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic only; first dedicated LPG Magna)
  • Advance (150 kW and later 155 kW 3.5-litre V6)
  • Advance LPG (from April 2003: 143 kW 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic only; first dedicated LPG Magna)
  • AWD sedan (from TJ Series 2: down-powered 154 kW 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • Sports sedan (163 kW 3.5-litre "high output" V6; manual or 5-speed automatic)
  • Sports wagon (late 2001: 163 kW 3.5-litre "high output" V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • Sports AWD sedan (from TJ Series 2: down-powered 159 kW Sports 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • VR-X sedan (based on Sports but with full bodykit; 163 kW 3.5-litre "high output" V6; manual or 5-speed automatic)
  • Ralliart sedan (2002: based on VR-X but with revised bodykit; uprated 180 kW 3.5-litre V6; manual with LSD; 5-speed automatic from Sports/VR-X; total production approx. 500 individually numbered; 4 units painted in Wasp Yellow in 2003)

thumb|right|Magna Solara sedan (TJ)

thumb|right|Magna Commonwealth Games Edition sedan (TJ MY02)

Limited editions:

  • Solara (based on Advance; 4-speed automatic; 2 versions)
  • V6 Si (based on Executive; in Sports/VR-X colours only)
  • Commonwealth Games (based on Executive; in Sports/VR-X colours only)
  • Limited Edition (badged "LE" and based on Executive with Verada appointments; 4-speed automatic; KJ series front parabola headlights with amber turn bezels)
  • VR-X Limited Edition sedan (May 2001: 175 units built; August 2001: 95 units built (MY02); featuring leather pack with matching instrument dials, black/silver wrapped steering wheel, silver centre dash, 2-DIN Verada sound system, 17-inch wheels with revised suspension settings and optional sunroof)
  • VR-X sedan painted in Wasp Yellow (2002–2003: total 50 cars built)

Luxury series:

  • Verada Ei (150 kW and later 155 kW 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic and later 5-speed)
  • Verada Xi sedan (150 kW and later 155 kW 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic and later 5-speed)
  • Verada AWD sedan (from TJ Series 2: down-powered 154 kW 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • Verada GTVi sedan (from March 2003: 163 kW 3.5-litre "high output" V6 from Sports/VR-X; 5-speed automatic; 20 units painted in "Wasp Yellow")

Limited editions:

  • Verada GTV sedan (from July 2002: 163 kW 3.5-litre "high output" V6 from Sports/VR-X; 5-speed automatic; limited to 400 units prior to becoming permanent model, GTVi)

Note: May 2001 and September 2001 updates bear no revised badging, unlike "Series 2"; transition from 150 kW to 155 kW for 3.5-litre V6 engine from September 2001 update; manual transmission not available in wagons, dedicated LPG or AWD models; all 5-speed automatic transmissions Tiptronic, as on 4-speed automatics from TJ MY02 series, with former transmission only on all AWD range and on Verada from KJ Series 2 upgrade; AWD range fitted only with 16-inch wheels; VR-X sedan only (TJ to TW series).

TL (2003–2004)

  • ES (previous 3.5-litre V6; manual or 4-speed automatic; replaced Executive)
  • ES LPG sedan (previous dedicated 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • LS (previous 3.5-litre V6; manual or 4-speed automatic; replaced Advance)
  • LS LPG sedan (previous dedicated LPG 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • AWD sedan (previous down-powered 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • VR (previous uprated 163 kW 3.5-litre V6; manual and 5-speed automatic; replaced Sports)
  • VR AWD sedan (previous down-powered Sports 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • VR-X sedan (previous uprated 163 kW 3.5-litre V6; manual and 5-speed automatic)

Limited editions

  • Solara (based on ES; automatic)
  • VR Limited Edition sedan (2004: main highlights – Koni suspension and Enkei wheels from TJ Magna Ralliart; standard VR/VR-X engine)
  • VR-X Limited Edition sedan (2004: main highlights – Koni suspension and Enkei wheels from TJ Magna Ralliart; standard VR/VR-X engine)

Luxury series:

  • Verada Ei (previous 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • Verada Xi sedan (previous 3.5L-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • Verada GTVi sedan (previous 3.5-litre V6 from Sports/VR-X; 5-speed automatic; permanent range model)
  • Verada AWD sedan (previous down-powered 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)

TW (2004–2005)

  • ES (previous 3.5-litre V6; manual and 4-speed transmission)
  • ES LPG sedan (previous dedicated 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic)
  • LS AWD sedan (previous down-powered 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • LS wagon (previous 3.5-litre V6; 4-speed automatic; LS FWD sedan discontinued)
  • VR wagon (previous uprated 163 kW 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic; rare model; VR sedan discontinued)
  • VR-X sedan (previous uprated 163 kW 3.5-litre V6; manual or 5-speed automatic)
  • VR-X AWD sedan (previous down-powered Sports/VR 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic; new model replacing VR AWD sedan)

Luxury series:

  • Verada Ei (previous 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)
  • Verada Xi sedan (previous 3.5-litre V6 5-speed automatic)
  • Verada GTVi sedan (previous 3.5-litre V6 from Sports/VR-X; 5-speed automatic)
  • Verada AWD sedan (previous down-powered 3.5-litre V6; 5-speed automatic)

Sales

{| class = "wikitable"

|+ Australian sales

! Variant

! colspan = "5" |

! 1985

! 1986

! 1987

! 1988

! 1989

|-

| Magna I4 || colspan = "5" | || 26,902 ||30,540 || || ||

|-

! Variant

! 1990

! 1991

! 1992

! 1993

! 1994

! 1995

! 1996

! 1997

! 1998

! 1999

|-

| Magna I4 || 31,808 || 27,066 || 29,020 || 27,114 || 24,828 || 16,619 || 10,209 || 5,916 || 3,099 || 307

|-

| Magna V6 || || || || 5,903 || 12,208 || 13,850 || 20,640 || 29,964 || 29,523 || 24,814

|-

| Verada || || 1,699

The following table lists the Export Markets.

{| class="wikitable"

|-

! rowspan="2" | Market !! colspan = "22" | Year

|-

! 85 !! 86 !! 87 !! 88 !! 89 !! 90 !! 91 !! 92 !! 93 !! 94 !! 95 !! 96 !! 97 !! 98 !! 99 !! 00 !! 01 !! 02 !! 03 !! 04 !! 05

|-

! scope="row" | New Zealand || || || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || °

|-

! scope="row" | USA || || || || || || || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° ||

|-

! scope="row" | Canada || || || || || || || || || || || || || || || || || || || ° || ° ||

|-

! scope="row" | Japan || || || || || || || || || || || || || || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || °

|-

! scope="row" | UK || || || || || || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° ||

|-

! scope="row" | Puerto Rico || || || || || || || || || || || || || || || || ° || ° || || || ||

|-

! scope="row" | Middle East || || || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° || ° ||

|}

References