I don't know colm_mcm if you're still researching these option codes, but I was on a web site called FINDJAPCARS.COM earlier and came across this.
http://www.findjapancars.com/catalog/index.php?page=1&brand=MITSUBISHI&model=FTODon't know if it'll be of help but when you click onthe
Model Code it gives you info on the Sales Start Year, Optional extras, etc.
eg, my code is HRGH(E) which it says is Sales year 1996.2, but the other decoder said 1995.
Anyway I just compared 2 codes to see what differences there were:
HNGH ----------------------------
HRGHstandard front spoiler-----------not an option
sub driver airbag ----------------optional
ABS--------------------------------optional
1997.2----------------------------1996.2
Might be of some use.