The Mitsubishi Toppo 659 Rt, produced from 1990 to 1999, was a compact hatchback primarily aimed at the Japanese domestic market (JDM). Representing a segment of affordable, efficient city cars, the Toppo occupied a niche similar to the Suzuki Cappuccino or Honda Beat, though focused more on practicality than outright sportiness. While never officially sold in the United States, the Toppo exemplifies the innovative and space-efficient vehicle design prevalent in Japan during the late 20th century. It was a popular choice for navigating congested urban environments, offering a blend of maneuverability, fuel economy, and a surprising amount of interior space for its diminutive size.
Mitsubishi Toppo 659 Rt: An Overview
The Toppo, in its various iterations, spanned several generations, with the 659 Rt representing a specific configuration within the broader Toppo lineage. This model was characterized by its 659cc turbocharged engine and automatic transmission, making it accessible to a wide range of drivers. The “Rt” designation likely indicates a trim level, potentially signifying specific features or equipment packages offered within the Toppo range. The vehicle’s three-door hatchback body style and compact dimensions were key to its appeal in Japan, where road space and parking are often at a premium.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Mitsubishi Toppo 659 Rt is its 659cc inline four-cylinder engine. Despite its small displacement, the engine utilizes a turbocharger and multi-port fuel injection to produce 64 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 97 Nm (71.54 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm. This configuration results in a power-to-weight ratio of 11.9 kg/Hp and a torque-to-weight ratio of 7.8 kg/Nm. The engine’s power per liter is a notable 97.1 Hp/l, demonstrating the effectiveness of the turbocharging system in extracting performance from a small displacement. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. While not designed for blistering acceleration, the Toppo 659 Rt offered adequate performance for urban driving and highway cruising, prioritizing fuel efficiency and ease of use. The front-engine, transverse layout contributes to the vehicle’s compact footprint and nimble handling.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Toppo 659 Rt is a three-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its dimensions – 3295 mm (129.72 in) in length, 1395 mm (54.92 in) in width, and 1765 mm (69.49 in) in height – reflect its focus on maximizing interior space within a minimal exterior footprint. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 760 kg (1675.51 lbs) further contributes to its agility. The Toppo featured a relatively simple, functional design typical of Japanese Kei cars and compact hatchbacks of the era. While not overtly stylish, the design prioritized practicality and visibility. Standard features included front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup, providing responsive and precise control. The vehicle rides on 13-inch wheels fitted with 155/65 R13 H tires. The 32-liter (8.45 US gal) fuel tank provides a reasonable driving range, contributing to the Toppo’s overall practicality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Toppo |
| Generation | Toppo |
| Type (Engine) | 659 Rt (64 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1990 year |
| End of production | 1999 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp |
| Hp/tonne | 84.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Nm/tonne | 127.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 64 Hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 97.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 97 Nm @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 71.54 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 659 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 40.21 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 60 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 2.36 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 58.3 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 2.3 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 5 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 760 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 1675.51 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 32 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 8.45 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 7.04 UK gal |
| Length | 3295 mm |
| Length (in.) | 129.72 in. |
| Width | 1395 mm |
| Width (in.) | 54.92 in. |
| Height | 1765 mm |
| Height (in.) | 69.49 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2260 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 88.98 in. |
| Front track | 1215 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 47.83 in. |
| Rear track | 1215 mm |
| Rear track (in.) | 47.83 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/65 R13 H |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
In conclusion, the Mitsubishi Toppo 659 Rt was a practical and efficient city car that catered to the specific needs of the Japanese automotive market. While not a performance vehicle, its turbocharged engine and compact dimensions provided a surprisingly capable and enjoyable driving experience. Its legacy lies in representing a period of innovation and resourcefulness in Japanese automotive engineering, focused on maximizing space and efficiency in a densely populated urban environment.
