Many motorists who first saw on the road or in the service center of the car with the emblem of three red diamonds, are wondering about the origin of this symbol and the belonging of the vehicle to a particular manufacturer. This is a recognizable sign of a Japanese corporation. Mitsubishi MotorsFor more than a hundred years, it has been producing equipment known for its reliability and manufacturability. Realizing that the brand of three-rhombus cars is Mitsubishi is just the first step, often followed by an interest in the brand’s history, the features of its logo and the model range available in today’s market.
Visual brand identification is not accidental, as each element of the logo carries a deep historical meaning associated with the name of the founder of the company.
The three top diamonds represent the Iwasaki family, and the bottom three represent the corporate ethics that have been the foundation of the giant industrial conglomerate.
Today, this logo can be found on the hoods of crossovers, sedans and SUVs, each of which inherits engineering traditions laid down in the early XX century.
Historical origin of the logo and brand name
Name of company Mitsubishi It consists of two Japanese words: Mitsu, which means three, and Hishi, which translates as water chesttanan.
It is the shape of the leaves of this plant, resembling rhombus, used in heraldry, and over time they transformed into a geometrically perfect sign.
Founder of the company, Yataro IwasakiHe combined three leaves of water chestnut from his family coat of arms with three oak leaves from the coat of arms of the Tosa clan he served.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the original logo with fakes, where diamonds can be misaligned or have incorrect proportions, as this often indicates counterfeit products or substandard restyling.
The emblem evolved gradually, and it was not until the 1930s that it acquired its modern appearance, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols in the automotive industry.
The merger of the two family coats of arms has become a symbol of partnership and reliability, which the company has been broadcasting to its customers for almost a century.
Main model series and classification of cars
The range of three-rhombus vehicles covers almost all market segments, from compact urban hatchbacks to heavy frame SUVs.
In the category of crossovers, the most popular models Mitsubishi Outlander and ASXThey combine practicality and permeability.
For lovers of active recreation and serious off-road is a legendary Pajero (also known as Montero) with an advanced all-wheel drive system.
- 🚙 Outlander: mid-size crossover offering seven seats and hybrid powertrains.
- 🏎️ Lancer Evolution: a sports sedan, which became the icon of rally racing and tuning.
- 🚙 Pajero Sport: frame SUV, created on the basis of the pickup L200 for extreme conditions.
- ⚡ i-MiEV: one of the first mass-market electric vehicles to showcase the brand’s innovation.
Special attention deserves a line of pickups, where the model dominates. L200 Triton has proven itself as a reliable working tool.
The sports heritage of the brand is represented not only by rally cars, but also by civilian versions with turbocharged engines and a perfect transmission.
Technical features and systems of all-wheel drive
One of the main reasons for the popularity of the brand of cars with three diamonds is the advanced all-wheel drive system. Super Select 4WD.
This technology allows the driver to switch between driving modes on the rear axle and connecting the front axle, as well as using the locking of the center differential.
Unlike many competitors, the system Super Select Allows all-wheel drive on dry asphalt without the risk of damage to the transmission.
The Super Select 4WD modes are:1H - All-wheel drive, central differential unlocked.
2H - Only rear-wheel drive for fuel economy.
4H - All-wheel drive with center lock for slippery roads.
4LLc - Reduced gear for serious off-road.
Mitsubishi engines are also known for their durability, especially the series. MIVECwhich combine high power with moderate fuel consumption.
Modern power units are equipped with direct injection systems and turbocharging to reduce the environmental footprint.
Secrets of the S-AWC system
The S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system not only distributes torque, but also steers the internal wheels in a turn, creating the effect of "robbing" the car inside the trajectory, which makes its behavior more neutral and predictable at high speeds.
Common faults and maintenance problems
Despite the overall reliability, owners of three-rhombus vehicles may face a number of typical problems specific to certain models and years of production.
Often owners complain about the resource variators CVTwhich require strict adherence to oil change intervals and avoiding sharp starts.
It is also worth paying attention to the state of suspensionwhere the Silent blocks may require replacement before the stated term when operating on bad roads.
- 🔧 Corrosion: Some models of the past generation are prone to rust on arches and rapids.
- ⚙️ Transmission: jerks when changing gears in robotic AMT boxes.
- 🔋 Electrician.: failure of ABS sensors and generators at high runs.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used Mitsubishi, be sure to check the CVT service history, as it can cost up to 50% of the car’s cost.
Timely diagnosis allows you to identify at an early stage and avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Regular replacement of technical fluids is a key factor in the longevity of the power unit and transmission.
Comparative table of popular models
For a better understanding of the differences between the main models of the brand, it is convenient to use a comparative table of technical characteristics.
These parameters will help potential buyers to decide on the choice depending on their needs and budget.
| Model | Body type | Engine (hp) | Driver. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander | Crossover | 2.0 (150) / 2.4 (167) | Full/front |
| Pajero Sport | Off-roader | 2.4 Diesel (181) / 3.0 (249) | Full (frame) |
| L200 | Pickup | 2.4 Diesel (154/181) | Full (frame) |
| ASX | Compact crossover | 1.6 (117) / 2.0 (150) | Full/front |
As can be seen from the table, the brand offers a wide range of powertrains, including economical diesels and powerful gasoline engines.
The presence of a frame design in SUVs and pickups distinguishes them in the class of crooks.
☑️ Check before buying a used Mitsubishi
Development prospects and the electric future
In the context of the global transition to environmentally friendly fuel, the brand of cars with three diamonds is actively developing the direction of electric vehicles and hybrids.
Technology PHEV The plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle used in the Outlander is one of the best-selling vehicles in its class in Europe.
The company’s engineers continue to work on increasing the electric power reserve and reducing charging time.
Use Save mode in Mitsubishi hybrid cars to keep the battery powered for city driving where electric traction is most efficient and economical.
The company’s plans include the release of new all-electric models that will retain recognizable design and passability.
Investments in the development of new batteries and energy recovery systems allow the brand to remain competitive.
Mitsubishi is betting on hybrid technology and SUVs, combining environmental friendliness with proven over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the three-rhombus logo mean?
The three diamonds symbolize three principles of corporate responsibility: honesty in business, common success through responsibility and mutual understanding through progress. It is also a tribute to the company’s founders.
Which Mitsubishi model is the most reliable?
The most reliable are the Pajero series frame SUVs and L200 pickup trucks with diesel engines, thanks to their simple and proven design.
Where are three-rombus cars made?
The main plants are located in Japan, Thailand, China and Russia (the plant in Kaluga previously produced models for the local market).
Should I buy a Mitsubishi with a CVT?
It is worth buying if you plan a calm ride and will regularly change the oil in the transmission. For aggressive driving and heavy loads, it is better to prefer a classic automatic machine or mechanics.