Mitsubishi FTO
If you’re in the market for a sporty Japanese car that blends style and performance with a phenomenal drive and decent levels of practicality, the Mitsubishi FTO should be your first choice. A true great that has improved with every generation, it’s easy to see why it has so many awards and accolades to its name. The FTO is an undeniably superb car, but are you a good enough driver to handle it?
Produced from 1994 to 2001, the 2 door coupe perfectly demonstrates the Japanese attitude towards sports cars. A light weight combined with some powerful engines makes it fast and furious, but the fantastically balanced chassis and almost racing standard gearbox and brakes mean it’s easy to control. 2 main generations existed- the 1994/1997 and 1997/2001, the latter being slightly face lifted and upgraded. Both have similar trims, although the later GPX, GP Version R and GP Version R Aero were simply epic.
To look at, the FTO is exactly how you’d picture a sports coupe from the Orient to be- sleek and low with an aerodynamic profile. Some stand-out features include the rear spoiler, distinctive front grille and funky headlights. While the interior isn’t as striking as the outside, it’s still not a bad place to sit. There’s a lot of plastic around, but that was just the style of the time so can’t really be faulted. Higher spec models had some interesting colour schemes such as neon blue seats. Overall the Mitsubishi is comfortable, quite spacious and equipped with a solid amount of gear that’s arranged in a nicely minimalist fashion.
Although it looked great at a standstill, the FTO really excelled out on the road. Its renowned handling ability was superb thanks to a front engine, front wheel drive layout and quality engineering, and this really allowed drivers to get stuck in and push the limits with ease. Armed with V6 engines, the higher end versions were lightning quick, and could ease from 0 to 60mph in 7 seconds. Venturing onto a track is the best way to really experience the FTO in its element, and you’ll be awe struck.
You don’t the Mitsubishi very often on British roads, and that’s because there aren’t a great deal around at all. Having said that, if you’re really committed to getting your hands on this fantastic auto, a second hand one from Motors.co.uk will give you a whole lot of car for your cash. With mesmerising price discounts across a vast range of cars for sale, any used Mitsubishi FTO will be of seriously high quality.
The clear fact is that the FTO is a legend of Japanese motoring and deserves all the praise it gets. Wonderful to look at and even better to drive, it’ll make you feel like a racing driver. High spec R versions are just supreme and rival some big name brands, but the best thing of all is the value for money. Why pay full price for something brand new when you can get this beast for considerably less?