Mitsubishi Santamo 2.0 i 16V (139 Hp) Automatic

The Mitsubishi Santamo, specifically the 2.0 i 16V (139 Hp) Automatic variant, represents a significant offering from Mitsubishi Motors in the minivan segment during its production run from May 1999 to December 2004. While not a widely recognized nameplate in the North American market, the Mitsubishi Santamo played a crucial role in other international markets, particularly in Asia and parts of Europe, as a versatile and family-oriented vehicle. This generation of the Santamo was engineered to provide practical transportation for up to seven occupants, blending a comfortable ride with a capable, albeit modest, powertrain designed for everyday utility. Its architecture centered around an internal combustion engine driving the front wheels, a common and efficient setup for a vehicle of its class, emphasizing reliability and ease of use.

Engine and Performance Characteristics of the Mitsubishi Santamo

At the heart of the Mitsubishi Santamo 2.0 i 16V (139 Hp) Automatic lies a robust 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, meticulously engineered for a balance of power and efficiency. With an engine displacement of 1997 cm³ (121.86 cu. in.), this naturally aspirated gasoline unit delivers a respectable 139 horsepower at 5800 rpm. Its power output translates to a power-per-liter ratio of 69.6 Hp/l, a competitive figure for its era and segment. Torque is equally important for a family-oriented minivan, and the Santamo provides 178 Nm (131.29 lb.-ft.) at 4000 rpm, ensuring adequate pulling power for city driving and highway cruising, even when fully loaded. The engine’s layout is front, transverse, contributing to efficient packaging and maximizing interior space.

The valvetrain features a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) configuration with four valves per cylinder, totaling 16 valves for the four-cylinder setup. This DOHC design, coupled with a multi-port manifold injection fuel system, optimizes combustion efficiency and throttle response, leading to smoother power delivery. The compression ratio of 9:1 is standard for a naturally aspirated engine of this type, balancing performance with fuel economy and the ability to run on regular gasoline.

Power is channeled to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission, a common choice for minivans of its time, prioritizing smooth shifts and driving comfort over raw performance. Despite its family-hauler designation, the Santamo 2.0 i 16V (139 Hp) Automatic offers decent acceleration for its class, reaching 60 mph from a standstill in an estimated 12.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 12.8 seconds). The maximum speed is rated at 108.74 mph (175 km/h), which is more than sufficient for typical highway speeds. In terms of fuel economy, the combined cycle consumption is rated at 9.7 l/100 km, translating to an estimated 24.2 US mpg, making it a reasonably economical choice for its segment and the technology available at the turn of the millennium.

Design and Features for the Modern Family

The Mitsubishi Santamo embraces the classic minivan body type, a design ethos entirely focused on maximizing interior volume and passenger comfort. With four doors and a generous seating capacity for seven, it was explicitly designed to cater to families requiring significant people-carrying ability. Its dimensions – a length of 177.76 inches (4515 mm), a width of 66.73 inches (1695 mm), and a height of 63.78 inches (1620 mm) – contribute to a substantial interior without making the vehicle overly cumbersome for urban environments. The wheelbase of 107.09 inches (2720 mm) is a key factor in its stable ride quality and expansive cabin. Both front and rear tracks measure 57.48 inches (1460 mm), ensuring a balanced stance on the road.

Inside, the focus was on practicality and adaptability. While specific interior amenities might vary by market and trim, the core design prioritizes ease of access for all seven passengers and flexible cargo configurations. The minimum trunk space, with all seats in place, is a practical 7.49 cu. ft. (212 l), sufficient for groceries or smaller items. However, when the rear seats are folded or removed, the cargo volume expands dramatically to a cavernous 60.53 cu. ft. (1714 l), transforming the Santamo into a highly capable hauler for larger items, sporting equipment, or even light commercial use. This versatility was a key selling point for minivans of its era.

On the safety front, the Santamo 2.0 i 16V (139 Hp) Automatic was equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as a standard assisting system, providing enhanced control during emergency braking maneuvers. The braking system itself comprises ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, a robust setup for a vehicle of its size and weight. Hydraulic power steering was standard, ensuring comfortable and effortless maneuvering, particularly in parking situations or tight urban spaces. The suspension system, featuring spring struts at the front and coil springs at the rear, was tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively and contributing to overall passenger comfort.

The vehicle’s kerb weight stands at 3196.7 lbs. (1450 kg), and with a maximum allowable weight of 4563.57 lbs. (2070 kg), it offers a substantial maximum payload capacity of 1366.87 lbs. (620 kg). This capacity further underscores its utility as a family or multi-purpose vehicle. Rolling on 14-inch wheel rims fitted with 185/70 R14 H tires, the Santamo provided a balanced combination of ride comfort and predictable handling, suitable for its intended market and use case. The Mitsubishi Santamo, therefore, stands as a testament to practical engineering, offering a reliable and adaptable solution for family transportation during its production years.

Technical Specifications: Mitsubishi Santamo 2.0 i 16V (139 Hp) Automatic