2002 Mitsubishi Diamante A diamond in the rough. By Ted West, New Car Test Drive .com

The Mitsubishi Diamante is a rare gem, a comfortable, gracious sedan that delivers more than its price promises. With its sleek styling, roomy, first-class cabin and powerful V6 engine, the Diamante rivals luxury sedans costing thousands of dollars more.

A new hood, grille and decklid give the Diamante a more distinctive look for 2002.

Two models are available. The base-level ES ($25,387) features a high level of standard equipment, including automatic climate control, ABS with electronic brake distribution, a 10-way manually adjustable driver's seat, remote keyless entry with panic function, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, tilt steering and a six-speaker stereo and compact disc player. For 2002, the ES also comes with P215/60VR16 all-season tires on five-spoke alloy wheels.

The up-market LS ($28,447) adds leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls, woodgrain trim, and power and memory for the driver's seat. Also included are a premium Mitsubishi/Infinity stereo, fog lights and a power glass moonroof.

Both come with Mitsubishi's 3.5-liter V6, which develops 210 horsepower. It's mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The only available option is an all-weather package for the LS; at $720 it includes traction control plus heated seats and mirrors.