Now that we're talking audio, the steering wheel controls are in an awkward position at the bottom of the wheel and out of reach. Ironically I found it easier to reach over to the audio head unit and make adjustments from there.

The way the stereo integrates into the console comes across looking aftermarket, not up to the level of the majority of its competitors. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Also, while I really like the frameless doors, reminding me of my Mom's old 1969 Pontiac Parisienne coupe, closing the front passenger's required me to power the side window down an inch and then up to reseal it against wind. Without doing this it sounded as if the door was left ajar. This problem is probably just an anomaly specific to this car. I'd have to test more than one to be sure.

Of course I'm quibbling about little things in a car that overall is better than average. It offers a reasonable amount of interior room front and back, plus a fairly large trunk at 402-liters (14.2 cu ft).

Minor nitpicking aside, the interior of the Diamante is better than average and offers reasonable room. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Ironically its toughest competitor comes from within Mitsubishi's own showroom. Say what? Truly, the superb Galant, in top trim, might just be a better car than the Diamante. It doesn't seem any smaller than the Diamante, on the inside anyway, while its interior is at least as well executed. What's more it offers more power in 3.8-L V6 form than the Diamante's 3.5-L V6, at 230 hp compared to 205 in EX and LS guise, and 250 lb-ft of torque compared to 231. The top-line VR-X sports slightly more power at 210, while torque is enhanced to 240 lb-ft. That said it's a sportier sounding dual-overhead cam powerplant that revs nicely, delivering more refined power than the SOHC Galant V6. Both send power to the front wheels via a Sportronic 4-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Both cars handle well too, so I suppose it's a toss-up. Really the cars are probably too similar for Mitsubishi's good, what could be costly to the brand's bottom line. As a customer though, you get to choose between the two which is a good place to be.