written by kippler86 on 05/03/2005
Good Points
I have had my Carisma 1.9 DID elegance for over a year from new. The diesel engine is extremely reliable and the cruise control as standard is fantastic. The electronic trip/milage/average everything computer is another great feature.
The boot is large and it has plenty of power (living in germany it does over 120MPH on the autobahns - not bad for only 100BHP. The leather trim is durable and looks good in a black car.
The handling is good and the ride soilid.
For a `cheapish` car it far surpasses its cost.
Bad Points
Although it has electric windows, central locking, aircon etc, it does lack electric rear windows, not too much of a problem as I don`t sit in the back ;-) .
The central locking is not remote central locking, so you must use your key for entry. Personaly I see this as a plus point as someone will have a reomte opener soon!(if not already)!.
The power steereing is a little heavier than most (if that is a valid point?).
If you want to put your own CD/DVD player (ETC) in then you loose the functionality of the on board computer which is accessed by a button on the installed CD player.
General Comments
For a budget all round Diesel, this Mitsubishi Carisma 1.9 DID Elegance family car is an exellent buy. It is well equiped and very reliable and extremely economical.
It is not a diesel TDI type engine as in VW but is still fast for a diesel, infact even by the book the DID is faster in pick-up and top-speed than the petrol version. In reality I can agree!!
I tour germany, cruising at 120MPH in cruise control with no problems. I have had no handling problems at all.
I think (know) the mitsubishi Carisma has a stigma attached - in that it is a boring car given a `nice` name. Well It is a good car these days with an old stigma attached!
I recommend to anyone.