The Mitsubishi Sigma (F16A) is a mid-size sedan produced by Mitsubishi Motors between 1990 and 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/Vauxhall 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 with a focus on refinement and performance for its time.
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, featuring a larger engine and more luxurious appointments. The F16A model, with its 3.0-liter V6, was the top-of-the-line variant, offering a balance of power and fuel efficiency. The car’s design reflected the styling trends of the early 1990s, emphasizing aerodynamic shapes and a relatively understated elegance. It was a popular choice for families and business professionals seeking a reliable and comfortable vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Sigma F16A is its 2.972-liter (181.36 cubic inches) V6 engine, producing 205 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. This naturally aspirated engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s configuration allows for a smooth power delivery and a relatively high power-to-liter ratio of 69 hp/l. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.
Performance figures for the Sigma F16A are respectable for its era. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 8.1 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 7.7 seconds. The car boasts a maximum speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 7.7 kg/hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 5.8 kg/Nm contribute to a responsive driving experience. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.1 liters per 100 kilometers (23.3 US mpg or 28 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Sigma F16A is a four-door, five-seat sedan with a conventional 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 car’s design is characterized by its smooth lines and relatively conservative styling, typical of early 1990s automotive design.
Inside, the Sigma F16A offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin. Standard features included power steering, ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The trunk provides a generous amount of space, ranging from 447 liters (15.79 cubic feet) with the rear seats up to 892 liters (31.5 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The Sigma’s focus was on providing a comfortable and refined driving experience, making it a suitable choice for long journeys and everyday use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sigma |
| Generation | Sigma (F16A) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (205 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) | 10.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 23.3 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 28 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.9 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 205 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 69 Hp/l |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 3000 rpm (199.14 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 | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1579 kg (3481.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2070 kg (4563.57 lbs.) |
| Max load | 491 kg (1082.47 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 | 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 |
