Mitsubishi MirageMitsubishi's entry-level car was on the verge of living up to its name until a complete rework for '97 saved it from fading into obscurity. Though little is new for '98, last season's redraft was so extensive it's well worth recapping. By reworking the body structure and going after noise with a vengeance, Mitsubishi engineers were able to net substantial reductions in interior racket. They also revamped steering and suspension to improve ride and inject more fun into the handling. Styling-inside and out-was boldly redrawn, too. Base level DE coupes and sedans have 1.5-liter/92-horsepower inline-four engines, while the uplevel LS versions have sportier 1.8-liter/113-horsepower engines.
| Body type: | Coupe, sedan |
| Drivetrain: | Front engine, front drive |
| Airbag: | Driver/passenger |
| Base curb weight, lb: | 2127 |
| Base engine: | 1.5-liter I-4, SOHC, 92 hp |
| Opt. engine: | 1.8-liter I-4, SOHC,
113/111 hp, 49 state/Cal. |
| Brakes, f/r: | Discs/drums, ABS opt. |
| Price range: | $11,500-$15,000 |
| Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: | 33/40 |
Nissan 200SXReal estate values in California have just jumped sharply in response to the news that the highly entertaining Nissan 200SX SE-R will be back on sale in the Golden State for '98. After an emissions-related hiatus last year, this dynamic sport coupe once again wears the tailpipe-sniffer's seal of approval. And there's more: All 200SX models benefit from new front and rear styling licks, highlighted by a trio of new colors. The base model gets larger 14-inch wheels and an upgraded interior, too. Standard motivation comes in the form of a 1.6-liter/115-horsepower inline four; sign up for the SE-R, and you'll thrill to a free-revving 2.0-liter/140-horsepower inline four and juicy handling upgrades.
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Drivetrain: | Front engine, front drive |
| Airbag: | Driver/passenger |
| Base curb weight, lb: | 2330 |
| Base engine: | 1.6-liter I-4, DOHC, 115 hp |
| Opt. engine: | 2.0-liter I-4, DOHC, 140 hp |
| Brakes, f/r: | Discs/drums, ABS opt. |
| Price range: | $14,000-$18,500 |
| Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: | 30/40 |
Nissan 240SXAs the sole remaining rear-drive coupe in the Nissan line, the 240SX carries on the grand Z-car tradition-with a luxury personal coupe twist. Over time, the 240 has gotten softer, cushier, and more sophisticated. Fully independent suspension and Nissan's design expertise bless the car with precise handling and deliver great seat-of-the-pants sensations on twisty roads, but other more focused sports cars have higher handling limits. Likewise on the powertrain side. The 2.4-liter/155-horsepower inline four is smooth (considering that it's big for a four) and torquey, but at about 8 seconds 0-60 mph, it's only moderately fleet of foot. Handsome styling inside and out advance the 240SX's personal luxury mission.
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