TS

TS

Verada Equivalent: KS Released March 1994 Discontinued April 1996 (Sedan), February 1997 (Wagon) Preceeded by TR Replaced by TE Engines Astron II 2.6L (Carby and EFI) 12 valve 6G72 3.0L V6 Transmissions 2.6L Carby: KM177-6 (4Sp auto), KM210 (5Sp Manual) 2.6L EFI: F4A33 (4Sp auto), KM210 (5Sp Manual) 3.0L EFI: F4A33 (4Sp auto), F5M33 (5Sp Manual) Model Designations GLX, Executive, V6Si, SE, Advance, Safari, Challenge

The TS Magna was the only facelift model of the second generation. Externally, the TS was similar to it's TR predecessor - the only exterior differences being the new split grille and body coloured rear facia (which also neccesitated the need for a new boot lid). On the inside - seats and door trims were updated.

The 4 cylinder GLX, Executive, SE and V6 Executive were available as manual or automatic with the V6 SE being available only as an automatic. Of the V6 Executives sold, around 40% were manual. The TS marked the end of the Elite, but introduced the V6Si and Advance as well as bringing back the Safari wagon.

Major changes were made to the equipment list with the V6 becoming available in the SE in addition to the Executive. All Magnas now came with central locking and height adjusters on the front seats. ABS and driver's airbag (at a $990 price each) became available as options across the V6 range. The SE also came fitted with an immobiliser as standard equipment.

The main change to the TS came with the electronic controls. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) were now capable of communicating with each other, which Mitsubishi called "Total Control by Computer". In previous Magnas the ECU and TCM shared inputs but did not actually communicate. In the TS, a three wire communications channel was added allowing the engine and transmission to be matched during upshifts - reducing rough gear changes, putting less strain on the transmission and giving a more responsive drive.

The equipment list and details for each model are as follows:

GLX

The GLX was the "price leading model", having the original Astron II 4 cylinder engine with carburettor. The GLX featured power steering, central locking and a 2 speaker radio/cassette. The interior was quite bland with the fronts of the seats cloth covered and the rest vinyl, the seats did however feature height adjustment for the first time on a base-model (this was previously reserved for SE and higher models). Only the front seats had headrests. The door trims were all vinyl.

Air conditioning and metallic paint was optional on the GLX.

Executive

Executive interior

The Executive was the most popular model in the Magna line up. The Executive was available with the revised Astron II with fuel injection as standard or the 3.0L V6. The Executive had the same seats as the GLX but had cloth inserts on the door trims. Standard equipment included power steering, power mirrors and central locking. Optional items included air conditioning, alloy wheels, metallic paint, leather wrapped steering wheel and engine immobiliser. On V6 models ABS and driver's airbag were also optional.

SE

SE interior

The SE was the top-of-the line Magna in the TS series following the discontinuation of the Elite. The SE had full cloth seats and both front and rear headrests. The trim of the SE was more pleasing than the Executive to indicate that it was an upmarket model. On the outside, the SE was similar to the TR in that it had colour-coded bumpers and mirrors.

The standard equipment list for the SE featured everything that the Executive had as standard as well as the dash mounted analog clock, 4 speaker radio/cassette, engine immobiliser, power windows, metallic paint, cruise control and air conditioning. The only option was for alloy wheels and on V6 models driver's side airbag and ABS.

V6Si

The V6Si was released in August 1994 only in V6 sedan form. The V6Si was based on the Executive and included attractive 5 spoke alloys, rear spoiler and body coloured mirrors, bumpers and side mouldings. The interior of the V6Si was also upgraded over the Executive.

In addition to the standard equipment of the Executive, the V6Si included ABS and air conditioning. Driver's airbag was optional, but commanded a $1033 premium (more than any other Magna in the TS range).

The V6Si appeared to be a "sporty" variant, but unlike the Elante before it did not feature modified suspension.

The V6Si was initially only available from August to December 1994, but was reintroduced in June 1995. 400 were built, 128 manual and 272 auto.

Advance

The Magna Advance debuted in October 1994 as a competitor to Holden's Commodore Acclaim and Ford's Falcon Futura. Based on the Executive model it included the V6 engine, ABS and central locking as standard equipment. Options on the Advance were for alloy wheels and driver's side airbag.

Instead of having badging on the vehicle's boot or tailgate, it instead had "Advance" decals where the Executive badge would normally be located. 1000 were built, with about 20% having manual transmission.

Safari

The Safari was a limited release in November 1994. The Safari was only built in 4 cylinder wagon form. It was a value pack based on the Executive which included safari pin striping and stickers, roof racks, headlight protectors, rear mudflaps, air conditioning and body coloured bumpers at no extra charge. Only 400 were built. (64 manuals and 336 automatics.)

Challenge

1995 saw yet another limited release Magna known as the Challenge. The Challenge was based on the Executive and was available in both 4 cylinder and V6 sedan and wagons.

The Challenge included rear mudflaps, body coloured bumpers and side immpact strips (like the Verada), air-conditioning, bonnet protector, headlight protector and window weathershields. The 4 cylinder also scored 15" steel rims (same as had been fitted to the V6).