THE NEW DIAMANTE might have gotten lost in the growing crowd of sport sedans in the $20,000-to-$30,000 category, most of which come from carmakers that overpower Mitsubishi in sales volume. But it arrived at the party, figuratively speaking, with flashing neon socks and a propeller beanie.

Aesthetically and mechanically, the Diamante is an extrovert in a field of conservative entries. It's available with enough electronics - some of questionable value - to cross the eyes and addle the brain of the technologically inept, systems with names like TCL, Trace Control, Active ECS, EPS-II and ELC-M.

Its styling is aggressive, with its two-scoop chin spoiler, split grill, thick protective molding on its flanks, chrome window trim and styled wheels.

If the look is too much for you, you'll have to go elsewhere. But those who prefer a minimum of gadgetry can order a lower-tech Diamante whose base price is about $5,000 less than the $25,639 entry fee for the "LS" we drove and still have themselves a fine touring sedan.

The base car has a less-powerful V-6 than the LS' 24-valve, 202-horsepower unit. Active ECS, an electronic suspension, is an option on either version that is designed to control pitching and rolling motions by adjusting shock absorber damping; it didn't seem any better to us than a mechanical system. It gives you a choice of sport and regular suspension settings, whose differences are subtle.

Traction Control (that's the TCL), is another option; it helps eliminate wheelspin during acceleration, especially on slippery pavement. An associated feature, Trace Control, purportedly does the same thing when the car is simultaneously accelerating and cornering. We drove quite uneventfully in heavy rain with both systems shut off, but perhaps they're useful in snow.

The base car has four-wheel disc brakes, but an antilock system is $1,100 extra. The base model won't have EPS-II, or variable-assist power steering. Both are nice to have.

The base car lacks a system called ELC-M that adjusts the engine's ignition timing for smoother shifts of the automatic transmission. Our tester's transmission shifted smoothly through the forward speeds, but so do many without such a feature.

The basic car doesn't have leather upholstery or power seats, but its interior is very plush, with some imitation wood, a center console and power windows and locks. Controls are conventional; instrumentation lacks only an oil-pressure gauge.

Diamantes have a driver's side air bag. In high or low-tech version, they offer a lot for the money. But we'd like to suggest a few technological additions: all-wheel drive, a key chain transmitter to unlock doors and trunk lid, a heated windshield and an automatically darkening rear-view mirror.

1992 Mitsubishi Diamante Engine: 3-liter V-6, 175 horsepower Transmission: Four-speed automatic, front wheel drive Length: 190.2 inches Weight: 3,428 pounds Trunk Capacity: 13.6 cubic feet Base Price: $21,187, incl. destination charge EPA Mileage: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

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