MITSUBISHI'S original Magna series - encompassing the TM of 1985, 1987's TN and its lightly facelifted TP of 1989 - was arguably the most revolutionary Australian car of the 1980s. Its idea of taking the aerodynamically styled, front-wheel drive, 1983 Mk4 Sigma/Galant sedan, widening it by 65mm, and then beefing it up for our conditions proved hugely successful. It also helped influenced Mazda, Toyota, Nissan and Honda to do the same for other markets. The resulting Magna embarrassed the contemporary Commodore for cabin space and most others for refinement. There was also a handsome wagon by early 1987, accompanying the TN facelift. Magna's only weak links were the early four-speed auto transmission’s fickle reliability and the hoary 2.6-litre Astron four-cylinder engine. Mid 1989's TP saw few changes, limited to a new grille, hubcaps, colours and trim, while a revised four-speed auto and improved seats were also introduced. The second-generation Magna, the 1991 TR, could not come soon enough by then...