The Mitsubishi Sigma (F16A) is a mid-size sedan produced by Mitsubishi Motors from 1990 to 1996. While not officially sold in the United States, the Sigma was a significant model in the European and Asian markets, particularly as a competitor to vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra, and Toyota Camry. The F16A designation refers to the specific generation and powertrain combination – a 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission. The Sigma aimed to provide a comfortable and well-equipped family sedan, emphasizing refinement and a relatively powerful engine for its class.
Mitsubishi Sigma (F16A): An Overview
The Sigma represented Mitsubishi’s attempt to establish a stronger presence in the competitive mid-size sedan segment. It was positioned as a more premium offering compared to the Galant, focusing on a more sophisticated driving experience and a higher level of standard equipment. The F16A model, with its 3.0-liter V6, was the top-of-the-line variant, offering a substantial power output for the time. The car’s design reflected the styling trends of the early 1990s, with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and a relatively conservative aesthetic.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Sigma F16A is its 2.972-liter (181.36 cubic inches) V6 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 177 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 251 Nm (185.13 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. This configuration delivers a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 8.3 kg/Hp and a torque-to-weight ratio of 5.8 kg/Nm. The engine’s performance translates to a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 10.3 liters per 100 kilometers (22.8 US mpg or 27.4 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Sigma F16A is a four-door, five-seat sedan with a traditional front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Its body measures 4750 mm (187.01 inches) in length, 1775 mm (69.88 inches) in width, and 1435 mm (56.5 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2720 mm (107.09 inches). The Sigma’s interior was designed to offer a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers. Standard features included power steering, ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety. The trunk offers a generous 447 liters (15.79 cubic feet) of space, expandable to 892 liters (31.5 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The car’s suspension utilizes a wishbone setup at the front and a spring strut arrangement at the rear, aiming to provide a balance between ride comfort and handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sigma |
| Generation | Sigma (F16A) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (177 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1990 |
| End of production | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 22.8 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 27.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.7 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 177 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 251 Nm @ 3000 rpm (185.13 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 2972 cm3 (181.36 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 91.1 mm (3.59 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1468 kg (3236.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2070 kg (4563.57 lbs.) |
| Max load | 602 kg (1327.18 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 447 l (15.79 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 892 l (31.5 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 72 l (19.02 US gal | 15.84 UK gal) |
| Length | 4750 mm (187.01 in.) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.88 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm (107.09 in.) |
| Front track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Mitsubishi Sigma (F16A) represents a solid, if somewhat understated, offering in the mid-size sedan category. While it didn’t achieve widespread recognition in the US market, it served as a capable and comfortable vehicle for drivers in Europe and Asia, showcasing Mitsubishi’s engineering capabilities and commitment to providing a refined driving experience.
