Due to the peculiarities of tax policy, subcompact cars are very popular in Japan’s domestic car market. Specific Japanese cars of this type include subcompact minivans. In size and layout, they are similar to class B hatchbacks, but differ in greater body height and advanced transformation capabilities. One such model is the Mitsubishi Dingo. The following are the features and specifications of the car, reviews of the owners about it.
General Features
The model in question was produced from 1998 to 2003 with an update in 2000. Since 2001, the car began to be produced in China under the name Hafei Saima.
Platform, body
Mitsubishi Dingo is built on the Mirage platform. The design of the car is similar to the Dion. Before restyling, it looked very unusual, thanks to the front with vertical headlights. After the upgrade, the Mitsubishi Mirage Dingo got a more traditional design. The dimensions of the body are 3.885-3.92 m in length, 1.695 m in width, 1.62-1.635 m in height. The wheelbase is 2.44 m, the curb weight is 1.17-1.28 tons.
Engines
The model in question was equipped with 4-cylinder 16-valve engines. Mitsubishi Dingo initially had only one engine. Later, two more engines were offered.
- 4G15. 1.5 liter DOCH engine equipped with GDI. Its power is 105 liters. from. at 6000 rpm, torque - 140 Nm at 3500 rpm. Initially, Dingo was released only with this motor.
- 4G13. This is a 1.3 liter engine with cylinder head SOCH. Its performance is 80 liters. from. at 5000 rpm and 118 Nm at 3000 rpm.
- 4G93. 1.8 liter DOCH engine, representing the most powerful option for Dingo. Develops 135 liters. from. at 6000 rpm and 181 Nm at 3750 rpm.
Transmission
Mitsubishi Dingo has a front-wheel drive layout. There was an all-wheel drive option available for the 4G15. Initially, the car was equipped with only a 4-speed automatic transmission INVECS-II. After restyling for 4G15, the INVECS-III variator began to be used.
Chassis
Mitsubishi Dingo received both independent suspensions: in front - like McPherson, in the back - multi-link. Brakes - disc, ventilated on the front axle, drum - rear. Dingo was equipped with 14-inch wheels in sizes 185/65, 175/70 and 15-inch 195/55 for the most powerful version.
Interior
Salon Dingo has a traditional 5-seater double-row layout. The rear row of seats can be represented as a solid sofa in the initial configuration, or divided in half in the highest version. In the second case, each fragment is equipped with individual longitudinal adjustment. In addition, the rear seat is folded, laid out in berths and dismantled to create a cargo compartment.
The location of the gearshift lever on the panel and the absence of a central tunnel provides free space between the front seats. The design, as for the exterior, is borrowed from Dion. When restyling, it was slightly updated.
Cost
Mitsubishi Dingo for almost the entire production period was offered exclusively in the domestic market, where it competed with models such as Nissan Cube, Honda Capa, Mazda Demio. The price of a car in the secondary market currently starts from about 100 thousand rubles and reaches 250-280 thousand.
Reviews
Dingo satisfies many owners with performance. Its advantages include compactness, maneuverability, roomy and comfortable interior, visibility, economy, comfort and stability on the go, maneuverability due to the flat bottom, unpretentiousness. The disadvantages are poor sound insulation, windage, low clearance, insufficient performance 4G13. To some, the Mitsubishi Dingo's trunk seems small. Reviews about the stiffness of the suspension, as well as reliability, are contradictory.
This car is characterized by problems with power steering, steering rack, electronics. The most problematic node Dingo consider 4G15. This engine is demanding on fuel quality and maintenance, so often there are many problems (increased fuel consumption, significant loss of performance, knocking lifters, etc.) up to failure due to improper operation.
On 4G13, valves must be adjusted. In addition, Dingo owners mention difficulties with a cold start. There have been cases of corrosion on the sills, bottom and rear arches. Due to the rarity of the model, it is difficult to find spare parts for it. In addition, for most nodes, original parts are required, which must be purchased to order. This leads to a relatively expensive service.
Summary
Mitsubishi Dingo with its compact size hatchback class B is characterized by a spacious interior with extensive transformation capabilities. The 4G15 engine is considered the most problematic unit of the model due to the demanding quality of fuel and service. There are also problems with steering and electronics. The rest of the car is very unpretentious. Due to the rarity of Dingo, it is difficult for him to find parts.