Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Galant, introduced to Europe at the end of the 1960s, marked Mitsubishi’s first serious step into the European family-car market. Compact, conservatively styled and technically conventional, it appealed mainly through solid build quality and reliability. In countries such as the Netherlands, where Japanese cars were still a novelty, the Galant established Mitsubishi’s reputation for durability and value, even if it remained a relatively uncommon sight compared with established European brands.

The second generation, marketed in Europe as the Colt Galant, was introduced in the Netherlands in October 1971. With this model, Mitsubishi made a clear leap forward in size, refinement and market positioning. The Colt Galant offered more interior space, improved comfort and engines well suited to European driving conditions, particularly the popular 1.6-litre versions. Its clean, contemporary styling - initially characterised by quad round headlights - allowed it to blend naturally into the European mid-size segment, where it competed with cars such as the Ford Taunus and Opel Ascona. In the Netherlands, the Colt Galant gained a solid reputation as a dependable, well-equipped alternative that combined Japanese reliability with a distinctly European look and feel.

The third generation, sold in Europe as the Galant Sigma, was introduced in October 1976. Larger, more angular and clearly influenced by contemporary European styling trends, the Galant Sigma was aimed at the upper end of the family-car class. Improved ride comfort, more refined interiors and stronger engines made it well suited to long-distance motorway driving, an important consideration for European buyers. By this stage, Mitsubishi had largely shed its outsider status, with the Galant Sigma firmly established as a credible and competitive European-market saloon.

1977