Car Choice: 'What's hot and cool?'

Lee Knapp, 27, is from Essex. He wants to know more about the Mitsubishi FTO. He can't find details on the specifications, and wonders if it is the right car for him.

Just in case you wondered, FTO stands for Fresh Touring Origination - which is par for the course when it comes to Japanese car names and acronyms. FTO sounds cool and, thankfully, it is a very cool car. It was launched into the Japanese market in 1994 with a transverse front-wheel-drive engine layout, independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. In fact, it was so brilliant that the FTO was voted Japanese Car of the Year.

Although there is a 1.8 16-valve at the bottom of the range, the most popular model in the UK is a glorious twin cam V6. The Mivec engine, which stands for "Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control system", delivers 20bhp and more torque. Lee should join the UK FTO Owners' Club to get a newsletter, approved spare-part suppliers, merchandise, organised track days and rallies, a brand new owner's manual, discounts on products and full access to the Owners' Club website. It costs just £10 a year. Go to the website and download an application form. For more information, contact member-ship@fto.org or dial 0870 7650386.

A car for the head

The FTO delivers on so many levels: an adequate boot, decent visibility, the seats are supportive and comfy, and the trim is well screwed together with nice attention to detail. There are the usual roster of models and specs to choose from. GS is the entry level, with a basic spec of central locking, electric mirrors and windows, but steel wheels. More common in the UK is the V6 GR, though the GX has standard alloys, climate control and sports suspension. Incidentally, the Invecs auto gearbox had five forward ratios rather than four after '97. GPX means the 200bhp engine, plus there are the even more exciting, but rare, Version Rs.

Basic spec FTOs, though, will be rare, as most were specced up by their original Japanese owners. Even so, the FTO did eventually go legit. In 1999, after consistently opposing the grey market, FTOs were allowed in via performance arm RalliArt and, until recently, Mitsubishi was sourcing used cars for resale through its Red Zebra approved used scheme. FTO downsides are few. Insurance can be an issue, with the car being rated almost as highly as a DB7 or XJR - but at least there are plenty of enlightened specialist brokers to talk to.

A car for the heart

If Lee wants the ultimate FTO, there are two models he should seek out. The GPX is at the top of the standard FTO range, with the 200bhp V6 Mivec engine. It has 16in alloy wheels, bigger front disc brakes and calipers, some suspension differences and twin exhaust tailpipes. Inside there are high- back sports seats with a fully height adjustable driver's item, plus Mono steering wheel, and leather gear lever knob. Incidentally, the GPX is the heaviest model, weighing in at around 1,175kg-1,200kg.

Then there is the GP VersionR, which is regarded as Mitsubishi's answer to Honda's IntegraR type. It has sports suspension, with front and rear torsion bars and struts on the front and rear suspension bars. Limited slip differential is standard, along with high-discharge headlights and a large rear spoiler. It is a little lighter than the GPX; by around 50kg-75kg.

Finding these very special models won't be easy, but they are imported to the UK. It is a question of talking to the right people, such as owners groups at www.ftooc.org, www.mitsubishi-fto.org and some dealers such as Witherford Garage 0121-4770900, Niche Automobiles 01285-860865 and Wellington Garage 0161-4324790.