HANDSOME and long-lasting, Mitsubishi's third-generation TE Magna series was an all-new car, with improved space, refinement, dynamics and equipment levels, while for the first time there was a greater emphasis on the now-locally made V6. The modern Euro aero styling featured Subaru-style frameless doors. Only two models were initially released, the Executive and well-specified Altera. A new 105kW 2.4-litre EFI four-cylinder engine finally laid the long-serving 2.6 Astron unit to rest, while the new 3.0-litre V6 now pumped out 140kW of power. Transmissions – a four-speed auto or five-speed manual – were also completely new. The redesigned rear suspension (now an advanced multi-link set-up for finer ride and handling qualities), better brakes and weight-saving cast aluminium sub-frame boosted the Magna’s driver appeal significantly. Meanwhile the old TS wagon soldiered on until March ’97, when the new-generation, locally designed wagon was released, and was offered on all model variants. Which means that the TE Magna wagon only lasted for three months, which must be a short production model record. The TF model that followed from mid-June was a very minor facelift...