Mitsubishi Tredia (A21_) 1400 GLX (A211) (70 Hp)

The Mitsubishi Tredia, known internally as the A21 series, was a compact sedan produced by Mitsubishi Motors between 1982 and 1985. Primarily aimed at the European and Asian markets, the Tredia was not officially sold in the United States. It served as Mitsubishi’s entry into the increasingly competitive small family car segment, offering a practical and affordable alternative to established European and Japanese rivals. The 1400 GLX (A211) variant, powered by a 1.4-liter engine producing 70 horsepower, represented a mid-range offering within the Tredia lineup.

Mitsubishi Tredia (A21_) 1400 GLX: An Overview

The Tredia was designed to be a versatile vehicle, balancing fuel efficiency with reasonable performance and interior space. It was offered with a range of engine options and trim levels, catering to diverse customer preferences. In Europe, it competed with models like the Ford Escort, Opel Kadett, and Toyota Corolla. The Tredia’s design emphasized practicality and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. While not known for groundbreaking innovation, the Tredia represented a solid and reliable offering from Mitsubishi during the early 1980s.

Engine & Performance

The 1400 GLX variant of the Mitsubishi Tredia was equipped with the 4G12 engine, a 1.4-liter (1410 cm³) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produced 70 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 106 Nm (78.18 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3500 rpm. Power delivery was adequate for everyday driving, with a power-to-liter ratio of 49.6 hp/l. The engine utilized a carburetor fuel injection system and an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel drive configuration contributed to efficient packaging and improved handling. The Tredia 1400 GLX achieved a maximum speed of 150 km/h (93.21 mph). The weight-to-power ratio was 13.4 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio was 8.9 kg/Nm. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, allowing drivers to optimize fuel economy and performance.

Design & Features

The Mitsubishi Tredia A21_ was a four-door sedan with a relatively conservative design typical of the early 1980s. It offered seating for five passengers and featured a practical interior layout. The body dimensions were 4280 mm (168.5 in) in length, 1660 mm (65.35 in) in width, and 1370 mm (53.94 in) in height. The wheelbase measured 2445 mm (96.26 in). The front suspension utilized an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension employed a trailing arm design. Braking was provided by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Power steering, utilizing a hydraulic system, was included as standard equipment. The Tredia’s features were focused on practicality and affordability. While not lavishly equipped, the 1400 GLX trim level offered a reasonable level of comfort and convenience for its time. Safety features were limited by the standards of the era, but the vehicle did provide a basic level of occupant protection. The fuel tank capacity was 50 liters (13.21 US gal).

Technical Specifications

The Mitsubishi Tredia 1400 GLX, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a competent and affordable option in the compact sedan segment during the early 1980s. Its blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice for buyers in Europe and Asia seeking a reliable and economical mode of transportation.