Geneva Not A Car For The Sleepy

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 230, 9 February 1988, Page 1 (Supplement)

Geneva Not A Car For The Sleepy

'Effortless' is the word that immediately springs to mind after a stint at the wheel of a Mitsubishi Mirage Geneva CX Extra.

If the riile is one should never go driving when feeling drowsy, it must apply doubfe for this car. Power steering, electric windows and side mirrors, a luxurious interior and a suspension that handles the bumps of King Country roads with no trouble, makes driving this car a breeze. King Cuntry Motors supplied the 1500cc sedan for a drive out to Waimiha for the last day of that community's Post Office. The dash is the first thing that strikes you. Gone are the traditional needle speedo and tach gauges and instead an orange liquid crystal display lights up with the turn of the ignition key. The speedo takes the form of 5cm high numbers, which tick over as speed increases. It's distracting at first - the temptation is there to see how quickly you can get the digits climbing. But I imagine the novelty wears off. The tachometer, petrol and temperature gauges

take the form of orange lit bars decreasing and increasing depending on the rate of whatever they measure. I have a personal prejudice for the old-type displays but one criticism that cannot be levelled at the Geneva is that in bright sunlight the driver cannot see the LCD display. The gauges are deeply - and attractively - set into the space-age looking console and even on a very sunny day were easy to read at a glance. There is a dimmer control for night-time driving. Pity Mitsubishi couldn't have continued the ultramodern theme to the heater controls. The car is particularly suited for driving by different people - say a couple who will both have stints at the wheel on a long trip or when the other person isn't using it. Everything is adjus-

table to suit different driver s' sizes. The firm seats have the usual adjusting levers for leaning the back or moving the seat closer to the pedals for shorties. But there's an extra lever for raising and lowering the height of the seat - a welcome addition. Mirrors can be adjusted with ease from inside the car with the electronic gadget. The electric windows are also a boon - especially if t you're driving alone and want to open the opposite passenger window for a cooling breeze. A favourite aspect of the car is its five-speed gear shift (automatic option is available). This writer has never struct a shorter, more positive or smoother shift. There's no need for any hesitation changing gears or finding reverse. Leg-room in the back of the Geneva CX would probably only be average, but the boot is spacious and the spring-loaded boot-lid must be excellent when you are trying to close it and juggle grocery parcels as well. The charcoal to dark grey with

white flecks cloth upholstery and black carpet appeals - a nice change from the bland mid grey of so many cars. On to what probably really matters - the ride. The new Mirage Range features the Cyclone system; "A completely redesigned engine, gearbox and suspension system." According to the brochure blurb, the completely re-designed combustion chamber means 'super quick response at low revs, improved torque around town and low gear driving that delivers unparalled nimbleness and agility.' Well the Geneva is certainly no slug but nothing that really

shakes you as super-quick. What was noticeable was the stable and smooth ride, even round the twisty road to Waimiha. Power steering just made it a breeze. At $26,400, The Geneva -with all its extras - must certainly be worth a look.

There are six new Mirages in four different body shapes, from the well-priced G1 hatchback, to the luxury Geneva saloon, the Spacewagon or the family 5 door GLX. All of the Mirage's get Mitsubishi's nine-step anti corrosion programme.