{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}{{Use British English|date=October 2024}} {{Short description|Car model from Chrysler (1977–1987)}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Chrysler Sigma | image = 1977-1980 Chrysler Sigma (GE) SE sedan (2012-02-26).jpg | caption = 1977–1980 Chrysler Sigma (GE) SE sedan | manufacturer = [[Chrysler Australia]]<br />[[Mitsubishi Motors Australia]] | aka = [[Mitsubishi Galant]]<br />[[Mitsubishi Sigma]]<br />[[Lonsdale (car)|Lonsdale YD41/YD45]] (United Kingdom) | production = 1977–1980 (Chrysler)<br />1980–1987 (Mitsubishi) | assembly = Australia: [[Clovelly Park, South Australia|Tonsley Park, South Australia]] | predecessor = [[Mitsubishi Galant|Chrysler Galant]] | successor = [[Mitsubishi Magna]] (officially)<br />[[Chrysler 300]] (as a Chrysler) | class = [[Mid-size car]] | body_style = 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br />5-door [[station wagon]] | layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]] | engine = 1.6 L ''Saturn'' ([[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|4G32]]) [[inline-four engine|I4]] (petrol)<br />1.85 L ''Astron'' ([[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G51|4G51]]) I4 (petrol)<br />2.0 L ''Astron'' ([[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G52|4G52]]) I4 (petrol)<br />2.0 L ''Astron'' ([[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G52|4G52T]]) I4-[[turbocharger|T]] (petrol)<br />2.6 L ''Astron'' ([[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G54|4G54]]) I4 (petrol) | transmission = 4-speed manual<br />5-speed manual<br />3-speed automatic | wheelbase = | length = | width = | height = | weight = }}
The '''Chrysler Sigma''' is a version of the [[Mitsubishi Galant]] automobile that was built by [[Chrysler Australia]] in [[Adelaide]], [[South Australia]] from 1977. When [[Mitsubishi Motors Australia]] (MMAL) took over Chrysler Australia's manufacturing facilities in 1980, they renamed the vehicle the '''Mitsubishi Sigma'''. The range was progressively discontinued and replaced by the [[Mitsubishi Magna]], starting with the sedan in 1985 and the wagon in 1987.
== {{anchor|first}} First generation == === {{anchor|GE}} GE (1977–1980) === Chrysler launched the GE series Sigma in October 1977 to replace the outgoing [[Mitsubishi Galant#GD|GD Galant]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&make=Mitsubishi&model=Galant |title=Mitsubishi Galant – Used Car Research |work=GoAuto |access-date=29 August 2016 |archive-date=2 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002013323/http://goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&make=Mitsubishi&model=Galant |url-status=dead }}</ref> Assembly occurred at the [[Clovelly Park, South Australia|Tonsley Park, Adelaide]] plant.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/186921597 |title=Sigma success story |newspaper=Victor Harbour Times |date=18 June 1980 |page=23 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
{{multiple image |align=left |direction=vertical |image1=1978-1980 Chrysler Sigma (GE) GL station wagon (2012-02-26).jpg |image2=1978-1980 Chrysler Sigma (GE) GL station wagon (16987764355).jpg |footer=Chrysler Sigma (GE) GL 2.0 wagon }}
The GE series Sigma was the first to introduce the Australian market to the ''[[Mitsubishi Astron engine|Astron]]'' engine range.<ref name="Sigma right car for new Chrysler image">{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Pedr |date=6 December 1977 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110881439 |title=Sigma right car for new Chrysler image |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=14 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="New Scorpion unveiled">{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Pedr |date=7 March 1978 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110886413 |title=New Scorpion unveiled |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=9 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> The 1.6-litre ''[[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|Saturn]]'' engine with four-speed [[manual transmission]] was also available in the base model, badged Sigma Galant.<ref name="New Chrysler Sigma: the total sum">{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187068030 |title=New Chrysler Sigma: 'the total sum' |newspaper=Victor Harbour Times |date=5 October 1977 |page=12 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> The ''Saturn'' engine was good for {{convert|56|kW|hp|abbr=on}} of power and {{convert|117|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} of torque.<ref name="GoAuto GE">{{cite web |url=http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/carfamilytree?ReadForm&ID=AACE23C4DDEAECF9CA25712B000A38E9 |title=Mitsubishi Galant (Chrysler GE Sigma Galant) |work=GoAuto |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> The mid-range model, the Sigma GL, came standard with the 1.85-litre ''Astron'' and four-speed manual,<ref name="New Chrysler Sigma: the total sum"/> providing {{convert|60|kW|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|145|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="GoAuto GE"/> Both Galant and GL had an upgrade option to the 2.0-litre ''Astron'' engine—standard with four-speed manual or optional five-speed manual or three-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]].<ref name="Chrysler Sigma (GE) brochure, September 1977, p. 15">{{cite web |url=http://www.tocmp.com/brochures/Chrysler/1977/Sigma-Aus/images/brochurege01pg15_jpg.jpg |title=Chrysler Sigma (GE) brochure |publisher=[[Chrysler Australia]] |date=September 1977 |page=15 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> Outputs for the 2.0-litre were {{convert|64|kW|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|145|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="GoAuto GE"/> The top-line model, the Sigma SE, offered the 2.0-litre and five-speed standard—automatic remained an option.<ref name="Chrysler Sigma (GE) brochure, September 1977, p. 15"/> The ''Astron'' engines were initially imported,<ref name="Sigma right car for new Chrysler image"/> with the [[Lonsdale, South Australia]] engine plant producing the ''Astron'' from October 1979.<ref>{{cite magazine |editor-last=McKay |editor-first=Peter |date=October 1981 |title=Used car: Mitsubishi Sigma/Scorpion |magazine=[[Motor (Australian magazine)|Modern Motor]] |volume=28 |number=5 |page=96 |quote=October 1979: Astron engine plant is opened in Lonsdale, South Australia}}.</ref>
Sigma SE offered equipment including five-position, reclining rear seats.<ref name="New Chrysler Sigma: the total sum"/> An interior boot lid release, roof console (incorporating dome lamp, map reading lamp, seat belt and door ajar warning lamps), steel belt [[radial tire|radial ply tyres]], laminated windscreen, distinctive grille, smoked glass on all instrument dials, front seat back pockets, and ''Ivanhoe'' cloth trim were also standard with the SE (with leather optional).<ref name="New Chrysler Sigma: the total sum"/> The SE was further distinguished by its body-coloured [[hubcap]]s with silver trim.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tocmp.com/brochures/Chrysler/1977/Sigma-Aus/images/brochurege01pg02_jpg.jpg |title=Chrysler Sigma (GE) brochure |publisher=[[Chrysler Australia]] |date=September 1977 |page=2 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
From launch, Chrysler also offered a "Sportspack" option for the GL 2.0-litre.<ref name="Chrysler Sigma (GE) brochure, September 1977, p. 15"/> This included exterior striping, [[halogen lamp|quartz-halogen high-beam headlights]], a sports [[steering wheel]], low-fuel warning light, [[tachometer]] and steel belted radial tyres.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Pedr |date=7 February 1978 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131714372 |title=Five-speed Sigma a surprise |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=14 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
In March 1978, a Japanese-made, two-door [[coupé]] version called the "Sigma Scorpion" was released—based on the [[Mitsubishi Galant Lambda]].<ref name="New Scorpion unveiled"/> Although the Sigma Scorpion shared many common engine and mechanical components with the sedan, all body panels and most interior features were unique to the coupe.<ref name="New Scorpion unveiled"/> On 12 October 1978, a [[station wagon]] body variant of the Sigma was released—available in Galant, GL, and SE trims.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/186913383 |title=New Sigma wagon – a winning formula |newspaper=Victor Harbour Times |date=12 October 1978 |page=10 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
On 1 November 1979, Chrysler announced and commenced sales of the enlarged, 2.6-litre ''Astron'' engined Sigma GL and SE.<ref name="Chrysler launches bigger four">{{cite news |last=Gover |first=Paul |date=2 November 1979 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110965313 |title=Chrysler launches bigger 'four' |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=3 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> At the same time, the 1.85-litre engine was dropped.<ref name="More muscle in new Sigma">{{cite news |last=Robertson |first=David |date=2 November 1979 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3TcRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=i-YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1395,221651 |title=More muscle in new Sigma |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |page=6 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> Paired only with the automatic gearbox, 2.6-litre was believed to be the biggest four-cylinder engine sold internationally at the time.<ref name="Chrysler launches bigger four"/> The 2.6 came further equipped a new braking system with larger front [[disc brake|discs]] and a 56 percent increase in [[brake pad|pad area]].<ref name="Big Sigma innovative">{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Pedr |date=18 December 1979 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110974285 |title=Big Sigma innovative |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=16 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> 14-inch cast [[alloy wheel]]s were also made available as a further option for the 2.6.<ref name="More muscle in new Sigma"/> The 2.6 was noted for its smoothness and refinement, although less so than its 2.0-litre counterpart.<ref name="Chrysler launches bigger four"/><ref name="Big Sigma innovative"/><ref name="Scorpion an orthodox but economical coupe">{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Pedr |date=19 February 1980 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/137016455 |title=Scorpion an orthodox but economical coupe |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=12 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> Its large displacement made it competitive with six-cylinder rivals.<ref name="Chrysler launches bigger four"/><ref name="Big Sigma innovative"/><ref name="Scorpion an orthodox but economical coupe"/> Chrysler claimed {{convert|73|kW|hp|abbr=on}} of power and torque of {{convert|188|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="GoAuto GE"/> According to Chrysler, this made it the most powerful four-cylinder engine sold in Australia at the time.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125617305 |title=Advertisement: Unbeatable |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |publisher=[[Chrysler Australia]] |date=21 August 1980 |page=4 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>
<gallery widths="200px" heights="120px"> File:1978 Chrysler Sigma (GE) GL Sportspack sedan (17299461025).jpg | Chrysler Sigma (GE) GL Sportspack sedan File:1977-1980 Chrysler Sigma (GE) SE sedan (16987763925).jpg | Chrysler Sigma (GE) SE 2.0 sedan File:1979-1980 Chrysler Sigma (GE) SE sedan (2008-12-19).jpg | Chrysler Sigma (GE) SE 2.6 sedan File:1978 Chrysler Sigma (GE) GL Sportspack sedan (17299473875).jpg | Interior, Chrysler Sigma (GE) GL Sportspack sedan File:Chrysler Sigma SE Wagon (GE).jpg|Chrysler Sigma SE Wagon (GE) </gallery>
=== {{anchor|GH}} GH (1980–1982) === {{multiple image |align=right |direction=vertical |image1=1980-1982 Mitsubishi GH Sigma GL sedan 01.jpg |caption1=Mitsubishi Sigma (GH) GL sedan |image2=1980 Chrysler Sigma (GH) GL sedan (14516430563).jpg |caption2=Chrysler Sigma (GH) GL sedan |image3 = Mitsubishi Sigma GH.jpg | caption3 = Mitsubishi Sigma (GH) GL wagon }}
On 28 April 1980, Chrysler unveiled the GH Sigma in [[Brisbane]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=de Fraga |first1=Christopher |last2=Porter |first2=Ian |date=29 April 1980 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XuBUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=u5IDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3203,6651465 |title=Chrysler might lift output |newspaper=[[The Age]] |page=30 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> Then on 30 April, [[Mitsubishi Corporation]] and [[Mitsubishi Motors]] jointly acquired [[Chrysler]]'s remaining 65 percent share of Chrysler Australia (bringing the dual Mitsubishi ownership to 98.9 percent).<ref>{{cite news |last=Port |first=Ian |date=1 May 1980 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A_dUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AJMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3321,170275 |title=Chrysler sold for a song |newspaper=[[The Age]] |page=19 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Robertson |first=David |date=1 May 1980 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kv9jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4-YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3021,116186 |title=$52m deal on Chrysler |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |page=11 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> On 1 October 1980, the GH range was rebadged from Chrysler Sigma to Mitsubishi Sigma, due to the renaming of Chrysler Australia to [[Mitsubishi Motors Australia]] (MMAL) following the buy-out.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Tony |date=11 March 1994 |url=http://www.carrentaladelaide.com.au/car-rental-adelaide-articles/1994/3/11/diamonds-are-for-export/ |title=Diamonds Are For Export |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510025552/http://www.carrentaladelaide.com.au/car-rental-adelaide-articles/1994/3/11/diamonds-are-for-export/ |archive-date=10 May 2015}}</ref>
{{multiple image | align = left | direction = horizontal | image1 = Mitsubishi GH Sigma Turbo.JPG | caption1 = Mitsubishi Sigma (GH) Turbo | image2 = 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma (GH) GLX Peter Wherrett sedan (2010-10-16) 05.jpg | caption2 = Interior, Mitsubishi Sigma (GH) GLX Peter Wherrett | width2 = 184 }}
Released to the market on 12 May, the GH series saw a considerable facelift on both front and rear ends.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110959529 |title=New Sigma handles better on less fuel |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=27 May 1980 |page=14 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> While it was only introduced to Australia in 1980, the facelift actually appeared on the Japanese home market Galant models and on New Zealand assembled Mitsubishi Sigma models in 1979.
The mechanical layout was as before except for addition of a five-speed manual for the 2.6-litre model (with automatic exiled to the options list).<ref name="New Sigma models unveiled at Victor">{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/186921144 |title=New Sigma models unveiled at Victor |newspaper=Victor Harbour Times |date=14 May 1980 |page=10 |access-date=29 August 2016}}</ref> The base model was now simply called "Sigma" instead of "Sigma Galant".
A GLX model was placed between GL and SE level and was advertised as a "sports pack". A limited run of 1,016 "Peter Wherrett" editions of the GLX were built (option A05), named after Australian motoring journalist [[Peter Wherrett]] who was given the task of improving the [[car handling|handling]] of the Sigma by MMAL after complaining about it. The improvements included 15-inch Globe "Montego" [[alloy wheel]]s fitted with [[Pirelli]] P6 tyres, [[Recaro]] seats, [[Momo (company)|Momo]] [[steering wheel]], Sonic extractors, as well as lowered [[coil springs]] and [[Bilstein Shock Absorbers|Bilstein shock absorber]]s.
Mitsubishi released a limited edition, GL-based Sigma Satellite in c. April 1981, adding two-tone paint (available in three combinations), unique hubcaps, a soft grip sports steering wheel, cloth upholstery, full [[window film|tinted glass]] including [[laminated glass|laminated windscreen]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126831198 |title=Advertisement: Limited edition Sigma. So rare, some people will do anything to get their hands on one |publisher=[[Mitsubishi Motors Australia]] |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=2 April 1981 |page=6 |access-date=9 September 2016}}</ref> In September 1981, in partnership with [[turbocharger]] specialists [[Garrett AiResearch|Normalair-Garrett]], Mitsubishi produced a limited run of 500 Sigma Turbos, the first Australian-built turbocharged production car. The forced-induction 2.0-litre ''Astron'' powerplant produced {{convert|116|kW|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|235|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}}. Mitsubishi discontinued the GH series in February 1982.
== {{anchor|second}} Second generation == === {{anchor|GJ}} GJ (1982–1984) === [[File:1982 Mitsubishi Sigma (GJ) GL Satellite sedan (28409960730).jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi Sigma (GJ) GL Satellite sedan]] [[File:1983 Mitsubishi Sigma (GJ) SE station wagon (2009-04-07).jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi Sigma (GJ) SE station wagon]]
The redesigned GJ Sigma was released in March 1982, based on the 1980 [[Japanese domestic market]] Mitsubishi Galant. While a complete redevelopment was done for the sedan models, the wagon models in fact were new only from the firewall forward—the rest of the bodyshell was still GH based. Engine and transmission offerings remained as before, but received power and torque boosts; the 2.0-litre now produced {{convert|70|kW|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|152|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} and the 2.6-litre {{convert|76|kW|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|192|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}}.
In February 1983, Mitsubishi launched a special edition Sigma GL Satellite.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116450693 |title=Advertisement: Sigma Satellite Limited Edition |publisher=[[Mitsubishi Motors Australia]] |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=17 February 1983 |page=8 |access-date=1 August 2016}}</ref> Priced $1,000 below the GL luxury level, the Satellite was built in sedan and wagon versions, with air conditioning, five-speed manual or automatic transmission all as options.<ref name="Latest Sigma the best yet">{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Pedr |date=8 March 1983 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116372589 |title=Latest Sigma the best yet |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=10 |access-date=1 August 2016}}</ref> However, two-tone paintwork, a laminated windscreen, AM/FM radio, adjustable steering column, intermittent windscreen wipers and a heated rear window were fitted as standard equipment.<ref name="Latest Sigma the best yet"/>
The SE model featured cut pile carpets, a [[tachometer]], overhead reading lamps, door step lamps, rear footwell lamps, four-speaker AM/FM/[[MPX filter|MPX]] stereo radio/cassette system, remote boot and fuel cap releases, adjustable lumbar support and tilt for the driver seat, and tinted side windows.<ref name="New Sigma Super Saloon">{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/186020490 |title=New Sigma 'Super Saloon' |newspaper=Victor Harbour Times |date=16 November 1983 |page=26 |access-date=1 August 2016}}</ref>
[[File:1982 Mitsubishi Sigma (GJ) GL sedan (2015-07-14) 02.jpg|thumb|left|Mitsubishi Sigma (GJ) GL sedan]]
A sporting model, the Sigma GSR, was also released with either 2.0 or 2.6-litre engines offered with either [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] or [[manual transmission]]s. Features included alloy wheels, four-wheel [[disc brake]]s, a sports steering wheel and blackouts, particularly on the window frames and doorhandles.
June 1983 saw the entry-level Sigma rebadged as the Sigma XL, to coincide with the trim level designations on MMAL's small car, the Colt.
October 1983 saw the release of the luxurious, Sigma Super Saloon.<ref name="Limited-edition luxury Sigma">{{cite news |last=Gover |first=Paul |date=1 November 1983 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116392928 |title=Limited-edition luxury Sigma |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=12 |access-date=1 August 2016}}</ref> Produced as a limited edition of 500 cars and placed above the SE trim level from which it derives, it came only with the 2.6-litre in either five-speed manual or three-speed automatic.<ref name="New Sigma Super Saloon"/> The five-speed manual fitted was of Japanese origin, rather than the [[Drivetrain Systems International|BorgWarner Australia]] unit previously fitted to Sigmas, and the suspension received a re-tune.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gover |first=Paul |date=3 January 1984 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116382520 |title=Improvements for Sigma |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=13 |access-date=1 August 2016}}</ref> The Super Saloon featured two-tone metallic paint and crushed velour upholstery for the interior.<ref name="New Sigma Super Saloon"/> Two paint and trim combinations were offered—blue upper body with silver lower body and blue interior—or dark brown/light brown exterior with a bronze interior.<ref name="New Sigma Super Saloon"/> The Super Saloon introduced standard [[power steering]], [[power window]]s and [[central locking]]—features that also became optional on Sigma GL, SE, and GSR trims.<ref name="Limited-edition luxury Sigma"/> The central floor console was also revised to accommodate the power window and central door locking switches.<ref name="New Sigma Super Saloon"/><ref name="Limited-edition luxury Sigma"/> Other equipment fitted to the Super Saloon included air conditioning, alloy wheels, and four-wheel [[disc brake]]s.<ref name="Limited-edition luxury Sigma"/>
The GJ series Sigma had the distinction of being the only Australian car during the 1980s to be exported to Europe (Chrysler previously did this with the Australian [[Chrysler Valiant|Valiant]]). The car was sold in the United Kingdom, in both sedan and wagon models, under the marque [[Lonsdale (car)|Lonsdale]]. {{clear}}
=== {{anchor|GK}} GK (1984–1985) === [[File:1984-1985 Mitsubishi Sigma (GK) GL sedan (2010-12-28) 02.jpg|thumb|left|Mitsubishi Sigma (GK) GL sedan]] [[File:1984 Mitsubishi Sigma (GK) Satellite sedan (2008-11-16) 01.jpg|thumb|right|Mitsubishi Sigma (GK) Satellite sedan]] [[File:1985 Mitsubishi Sigma (GK) SE station wagon (16347173648).jpg|thumb|left|Mitsubishi Sigma (GK) SE station wagon]] [[File:1984-1985 Mitsubishi Sigma (GK) SE sedan (2010-12-28) 01.jpg|thumb|right|Mitsubishi Sigma (GK) SE sedan]]
The GK Series was released in March 1984. It was a comprehensive facelift, both outside and in. Externally the GK was changed by having a new [[Hood (vehicle)|bonnet]] and a shallower [[Grille (car)|grille]], while at the rear new [[Automotive lighting#Rear position lights (tail lights)|taillight]] clusters (which had actually appeared in certain overseas markets in 1982) and rear valance were fitted, the [[Vehicle registration plate|registration plate]] being relocated below the [[Bumper (automobile)|bumper]]. Internally the specifications and trim of the models had changed. Seats were different in certain models, particularly the GL, and all models had the option of power windows (although rare), an option not available in most previous models.
The Sigma XL was the entry-level model of the range and came with either the 1.6 or 2.0-litre engines. In the SE, [[velour]] seats with lumbar control, adjustable [[head restraint|headrests]] and a fold-down rear seat armrest with [[Trunk (automobile)|boot]] access were fitted. Reading lights incorporated into the roof-mounted dome light and built into the rear pillars were now a stock feature on the SE model Sigma. Power assisted steering was also an option along with electric windows. The SE model Sigma had stock dual line striping around the car, with chrome bonnet indicators.
Chrome detailing (around gauges and air vents, which often had a tendency to peel off) was replaced by black painting, and the door trim was now two-tone in certain models. A few other slight changes were included in the GK Sigma, for example, the boot was fully lined with carpet and also featured a plastic protector for the lights. A painted boot with only base carpet was used in the GN Sigma, with no plastic light protector. Also, red courtesy lights were built into the bottom of the doors on the SE model.
As for the mechanics of the car, the GK was unchanged from the GJ, while the SE model featured rear disc brakes as standard. The GSR received a sportier front [[Spoiler (automotive)|air dam]], rear [[spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]] and 15-inch alloy wheels and was only available with the 2.6-litre engine and five-speed manual transmission. The GSR Sigma also had a sports steering wheel, black door frames and door handles and came standard with rear disc brakes.
In July 1984, Mitsubishi reintroduced the Super Saloon trim level, again based on the Sigma SE sedan and incorporating luxury items normally offered as options.<ref name="Top-line model introduced">{{cite news |last=Gover |first=Paul |date=3 July 1984 |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127211858 |title=Top-line model introduced |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=12 |access-date=1 August 2016}}</ref> The GK Super Saloon generally followed the GJ's structure, although changes included new [[corduroy]] trim and stereo system with [[Compact Cassette]] facility, AM/FM scan tuning, and digital display.<ref name="Top-line model introduced"/> Mitsubishi also introduced a limited edition GK Sigma Satellite in late 1984, based on the XL but with the 2.6-litre engine and five-speed manual (or automatic optional), side stripes with Satellite badge identification, cloth-trimmed upholstery, AM/FM/MPX radio with dual speakers, distinguished wheel trim, additional [[soundproofing|silencing]], tinted [[windscreen]], and [[defogger|heated rear window]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/201144948 |title=Advertisement: Launch yourself into a new Sigma Satellite and take off $1022 |newspaper=Victor Harbour Times |publisher=Southern Mitsubishi |date=24 October 1984 |page=9 |access-date=9 September 2016}}</ref> {{clear}}
=== {{anchor|GN}} GN (1985–1987) === [[File:1985 Mitsubishi Sigma (GN) GL 2.6 station wagon (2015-07-15).jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi Sigma (GN) GL wagon]] [[File:1985-1987 Mitsubishi Sigma (GN) GL 2.6 station wagon (22563531348).jpg|thumb|right|Mitsubishi Sigma (GN) GL wagon]] Released in July 1985, the GN was an update, but also a rationalization of the previous Sigma range due to only being offered in GL trim. The range was rationalized due to the April 1985 release of the [[Mitsubishi Magna]] [[front-wheel drive]] range, which was developed eventually to replace the Sigma in Australia.
[[File:1987 Mitsubishi Sigma (GN) GL 2.6 sedan (28671220015).jpg |thumb|left|Mitsubishi Sigma (GN) GL sedan]]
The GN range had a number of external trim changes over its predecessors, notably a black trim line around the base of the body, and the deletion of the wrap-round chrome strip seen on the previous model. The grille was remodelled, resembling the SE grille of the previous model, and new hubcaps were used with alloy wheels from the previous SE models optional. The largest change however, concerned the wagon models. To freshen the model before the impending release of the Magna wagon (which was being developed at that time, for a 1987 release), a new higher roof (dubbed "high roof") was developed for the car, which helped to improve the car's overall cabin space. It gave the wagon a unique appearance from its predecessors, particularly as it incorporated a roof-mounted spoiler.
Engine-wise, the GN Sigma was offered either with the ''Astron'' 2.0-litre ({{convert|70|kW|hp|abbr=on}} at 5600 rpm and {{convert|152|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} at 2400 rpm) or the ''Astron II'' 2.6-litre ({{convert|83|kW|hp|abbr=on}} at 5200 rpm and {{convert|200|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} at 2400 rpm) units. The ''Astron II'' had a few changes over the previous models, notably a newly designed head with [[hydraulic tappet]]s (replacing the manual [[tappet]]s in previous ''Astron''s) and flat-top [[piston]]s. The oil pressure switch was now located at the rear of the [[cylinder block]]. In December 1985, the 2.0-litre versions were dropped, as Mitsubishi did not believe it warranted the conversion to unleaded fuel. Unleaded was introduced in Australia in January 1986.
Mitsubishi launched GL Satellite limited editions of the GN series in c. October 1986, adding air conditioning, unique striping, headlamp protectors, front and rear [[mudflap]]s, tilt adjustable steering column, remote control tailgate (for wagons) and side mirrors.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/118268392 |title=Advertisement: Out of this world savings. Launch yourself into a Satellite |publisher=[[Mitsubishi Motors Australia]] |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=11 October 1986 |page=6 |access-date=9 September 2016}}</ref>
The "high roof" Sigma wagon was an export model for MMAL. During 1986–1987 station wagons were shipped to New Zealand, due to that market's demand for wagon models. Although they were of a previous generation to the front-wheel drive Mitsubishi Sigma sedan (which was similar, but of a narrower bodyshell to the Magna, and fitted with smaller engines) range being sold in New Zealand, they proved popular, particularly with [[fleet vehicle|fleets]].
This final generation of the Sigma ceased production in early 1987, due to the release of the Magna wagon models, completing the overall Magna range.
== References == {{reflist|30em}}{{Chrysler vehicles}}{{Mitsubishi Motors vehicles}}
[[Category:Chrysler vehicles|Sigma]] [[Category:Cars of Australia]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1977]] [[Category:Cars discontinued in 1987]] [[Category:1970s cars]] [[Category:1980s cars]] [[Category:Sedans]] [[Category:Station wagons]] [[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]