2007 Mitsubishi 380 Series III Sedan

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By Alborz Fallah | July 17th, 2007

Despite the early photo leak published in the Herald Sun, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) have today officially announced details of the Mitsubishi 380 Series III Sedan.

After a Series II release and a significant drop in pricing, Mitsubishi still found it hard to reiterate the 380.

So, it’s now time for the third coming of the Mitsubishi 380 – enter the Mitsubishi 380, Series III.

Although the 380 has not enjoyed the predicted sales figures since its 2005 launch, the 380 has proven itself as one of the better and more reliable family sedans available in Australia. With rumours of Mitsubishi closing shop long forgotten, the 380 is back for another round.

Manufactured at the Tonsley Plant in Adelaide, the new Series III sedan will go on-sale on 29th of July 2007. Despite previous rumours of a TMR 380, as we reported last week, Mitsubishi have so far put the project on hold while they concentrate on the new Evolution X.

The changes include a rework of the car’s interior appointments, multiple external styling updates, specification upgrades and most importantly a redo of model variants.

The 380 sedan has always been recognised as offering excellent driving comfort and style at a very attractive price, and the 380 Series III just takes that whole value proposition one step further.” Robert McEniry, President and CEO of MMAL said.

The 2007 380 Series III sedan line-up consists of four main variants:

The entry level ES
The highly specified SX
The sporty VRX
The fully equipped GT model

Optional GT-L variant

There is no change as far as the powerplant goes, the Series III sedan will continue to make use of the company’s 3.8-litre 24-valve SOHC MPI V6 engine.

With 175kW of power at 5250 rpm and 343Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, the 380 is behind its competitors as far as power goes (Toyota Aurion – 200kW, Holden Commodore Omega – 180kW, Ford Falcon XT – 190kW).

The engine is coupled to either a five-speed INVECS II “Smart Logic” automatic transmission with Sports mode or for the brave, a five-speed manual (ES and VRX variants only).

Mitsubishi have been known to offer more for less, the 380 has been a prime example and the Series III doesn’t dissapoint either. Standard features include:

Dual front and side SRS airbags,
ABS brake system with EBD,
automatic climate control air-conditioning,
power windows and mirrors,
remote central locking,
cruise control,
power adjustable driver’s seat
steering wheel audio controls as standard features.

Breakdown of the different variants and the special edition models:

Variant	Features
—	—
ES	Traction control 16” alloy wheels Sports front bumper Fog lamps Grey seat inserts Chrome rings to instrument cluster
SX	New alloy wheels Seat inserts Charcoal grille paint treatment Additional accessory socket
VRX	Enhanced visual package New front and rear bumper inserts Larger rear wing New alloy wheels Charcoal grille paint treatment New cloth seats with VRX logo
GT	New alloy wheels (machined and painted) Chrome finishing strip to deck lid Sports type instrument cluster
GTL	New option on GT Black/stone interior Chrome finishing strips to deck lid and tail lamps Luxury type instrument cluster Sunroof Silver painted wheels
LIMITED EDITIONS	ES Sports 17” alloy wheels Rear wing Sports suspension Sunroof Bluetooth connectivity
	VRX Fusion Burst Limited edition special paint colour Matching coloured seat insert Sunroof

Mitsubishi 380 Series III Sedan – ES – $28,990 (Man) – $30,990 (Auto)

As the entry model the ES starts from a record breaking $28,990 for the manual. The new Series III ES is blessed with a sports front bumper, fog lamps and alloy wheels from the outside, while new seat trim and chrome instrument cluster change the interior.

Mitsubishi have also responded to safety concerns by adding traction control as standard across the entire 380 range.

If you get in quick, there will be a limited edition ES Sports available from launch. It has all the features of the LS but also ads a rear wing, 17 inch alloy wheels, upgraded sports suspension, sunroof and Bluetooth phone connectivity, and best of all? it still costs the same!

Mitsubishi 380 Series III Sedan – SX - $34,990 (Auto)

The SX sits in the middle of the range. Series III updates include new design alloy wheels and new grille paint treatment for the exterior while revised silver seat trim finishes the interior.

Mitsubishi 380 Series III Sedan – VRX - $36,990 (Man) $38,990 (Auto)

The VRX variants gets a new front bumper insert, rear bumper insert and a large rear wing. Additionally, the VXR comes with new alloy wheels and charcoal grille paint treatment. The interior gets new luxury cloth seat trim with VRX logo and a restyled leather steering wheel.

There is also an optional Luxury Pack for the VRX model which includes full leather interior trim with contrast silver stitching and sunroof.

Mitsubishi 380 Series III Sedan – GT - $44,990 (Auto)

The range topping 380 GT gets a set of new restyled machined alloy wheels, chrome body detail and a sports type instrument cluster.

Mitsubishi are also offering an optional Luxury Pack called the GTL (superseding the LX variant). The GTL comes with leather interior, alternate rear deck lid and tail lamps, luxury instrument cluster, sunroof and silver painted alloy wheels.

In addition to the four attractive models of the Series III line-up, MMAL has announced the release of two Special Edition variants, and these models offers unrivalled value and style in the large vehicle segment.

Mitsubishi have tried hard to inject some fun into the new 380 and have thus released a limited edition, “380 Fusion Burst”. With flaming orange duco, striking matching seat trim and a large sunroof, the 380 Fusion Burst is not for everyone, but it will help improve the cars image.Although it’s true, the 380 offers fantastic value for money, safety features such as Traction Control simply don’t cut it anymore. Traction control simply limits a loss of traction while accelerating, there is no assistance when the car understeers, oversteers or loses control.

We look forward to driving the new Mitsubishi 380 and hope that it reignites the car in the Australian market.

Myke

The 380 is really good value for money. Shame ESP isn’t available and no mechanical changes have been made. It has a higher displacement than the Aurion and Commodore, both though have more power and roughly the same torque.
http://DB9 Damo

Yeah, and both the bomadore and Baurion are DOHC engines with VVT-i. The 6G74 engine is a SOHC with no VVt-i or Mivec. But just wait for mid next year, wehna real facelift, basically a new model is released, which will get ESP, curtain airbags, and completely different front and rear styling. Hopefully it will get a DOHC Mivec 6G74 engine, this will definetly make it more comparable to its competition as it will produce at least 195kw, and unlike the bomadore SV6, it will also have more torque rather than just kw. But in all seriousness, can you blame MMAL for leaving out many of the original planned components? The company might actually find their way into the black by the time the next finacial year comes around, which will be the first time in nearly six years. And for the strict budget they are on, the styling is much improved, and what you get for the price is definetly amazing. I mean seriously, it starts at 6k cheaper than the competiors, and the only feature it lacks is ESP, and compared to the Bomadore, it has not only a better gearbox, better safety, reliability, faster and more economical, and all the latter, can you blame them for leaving out ESP? All that MMAL want to do now is build up their customer base again, they have done it with all their imported vehciles, now they need to do it with the locally made vehicle. They have done it in the past, and all of the news stories regaarding the plants closure should finally be over, 8 years after the original rumour commenced. So basically, I think this update could cause a slight increase in sales. It just needs to be marketed well for its value, and needs safety ratings and fuel economy to be highlighted, as well as warranty. By the way, the Baurion thing was a joke incase I offended anybody. And even though this was a decent article, I knew about all the models jast week when wheels accidentally included them in an article about the 380 and then removed the pictures and models lineup. But I saved the webpage LOL.
Nick

It is an outstanding car. As you said it has a higher numerical value safety rating than the VE and Falcon. In an acneilsen survey it was at the top of the large car category for build quality, ve and fal bottomed it. In an RACV survey it has the best passenger security and anti theft rating of any large car local or imported, Holden and Ford were criticised for how poor there result was. It is more fuel efficient and emits fewer emissions than either. Was 2006 car of the year and 2nd this year. RACV list it as the cheapest to run and maintain in the large car category. Every review says it outhandles the aurion and is the equiv of the ve and fal and is a triumph of front wheel drive engineering. It has one of the best and smoothest 5peed gearboxes going round…the VE still only gets a 4 as standard. and has 4 airbags as standard, 2 on the omega. it is an outstanding car to drive and ride in. When we bought ours after being dsgusted by the cheap feeling VE (and our history of comm which included and VS and VT which spent more time off the road than on…everything from electrics to fittings were stuffed) the mitsu dealer didn’t even have to sell it to us, we loved it. Evidently they spent 5yrs designing the seats and it shows, so comfortable.
http://www.caradvice.com.au tony

The 380 is the most underrated family car in Australia. If you have driven the car, as I have, then you could not help agree that it is a far better car to drive than the standard Falcon and Commodore. The 3.8L has heaps of get up and go! and the six speed gearbox is as good, if not better, than the ZF in the Falcon.
http://DB9 Damo

Of course the 5 speed sequential would be just a good as a ZF. It was sourced from the Evo 7 GT-a, and uses upgraded ratios and multiplex wiring ect. So, if it is good enough for an Evo, it is more than good enough for any Aussie car.
Jim

A very good car.

I drive Falcons, Commodes and 380′s at work. No reliability issues at all with the 380, comfortable and punchy off the mark. Pitty its a front driver. Series 3 further improves value and Australian expertise. I heard ESP was coming in this model, but I guess it will be in the next. Well worth a test drive for anyone considering a large 4, 6 cyl veh. Resale is the only factor one should consider if buying on a lease.
Igor

From what I could see on the Rebook’s website the resale values are better than commodore/falcon 2005 models. Also no ever complained that the car is of inadequate quality in comparison to other Aussie large cars.

In my opinion the problems with 380 not selling as well is that large car buyers prefer rear wheel drives, as well as the image you get driving a 380 compared to driving a Commodore. You don’t get the same ‘look’ when driving your kids to footy training on the weekends. The case is not just with the 380, Aurion suffers from that image problems as well. Both cars scream ‘I couldn’t get a real thing, so I am driving a wannabe Commodore’.

I am not commodore/falcon fan at all, but as a magna owener I know the feelings I get from talking to other people. Come replacement time for my magna, be sure that 380 will be the next car, that is unless the same model falcon is 2-3K cheaper!
troy

i find most people now look at commodores and think…

gee…. another one.

yet the owners all still kid themselves that they are cool.
Lachlan

I totaly agree with what “troy said
July 18 2007 @ 6:30 pm”
people are so blind when it comes to buying a new car. they think that because holdens were the first built aus car that they are great, and that because peoples parents have had holdens that it it must be the way to go. Everyone buying a new car, should be opening there eyes and get themselves to a local mitsubishi dealership, because they are such a great car, they may have a little less power, but does that really matter??? is the average driver going to reving the engine that hard that they use all that power???
Nick

and they have more torque! Never under estimate how stupid and unifnformed the average person is. Need proof? 11 years of Howard. As a journo student we learn to aim at intelligent 12 yr olds.
Richo

people say “oh no the 380 only has 175kw vs 200kw of the aurion or 190kw of the falcon etc” but what any REAL car guy will tell you is that torque and drivability is more important then power any day of the week. I’ve driven the 380, a BA falcon, VE commodore and aurion and im here to tell you that despite what the spec sheets say, the 380 feels the quickest.

i have yet to meet a 380 driver who doesnt think the 380 is the best car ever made in australia! VE commodores on the other hand? 50% seem to love em, 50% seem to be indifferent towards them, ie “its just a commodore mate”
andre

I like the 380 for value, build quality, looks and the way it feels and drives though no ESP, no curtain airbags (like some of the other locals too) simpl rule it out. Not acceptable from my point of view.

Also, as I’ve had a few Magnas in the past with an AWD being the highlight of my Magna experiences, I think Mitsubishi could have overcome the FWD issue (from a marketing point of view, I’d rather a sorted FWD than a bad RWD) by working towards becoming an Aussie Subaru and utelising its awesome AWD heritage… who knows I could be so far of the mark but I think only making 380 AWDs, a few glamorous Highway Patrol versions, a wagon and….., any thoughts?

Mitsusbishi, I think, is only let down by their marketing and product planning department.. anyhow, makes for good bargains, I guess…
Nick

The 380 being FWD is great of my opinion, RWD feel a bit out of control. While the 380 lacks ESP and curtain airbags it still scored higher in safety than the falcon and VE. It is the best aussie car ever made. It is such a pleasure to drive. And god they love to be pushed! If you are a conservative driver they are great because they don’t get away from you but as soon as you put your foot down they seem to change to a sports car and just fly! And they grip the road so well it is just a joy. I have taken ours down the great ocean road a few times and it is just plain fun!
Greens TUF

380 styling is bland and uninspiring. Needs some work!!
Mitsubishi need to take some of the styling cues from the evo X to make it more appealing. Dunno what the drive is like as I have never driven one!
Greens TUF

If they made a rear wheel drive car like all real cars they might strike on the deal… Front wheel drive cars are just shopping trollies….
Memphis Raines

Greens, you are a deadset idiot.

The 380 is the only quality built car in Australia today and unlike the other locals, feels that way. Strong and solid, as proved by the outstanding crash test scores. The Holden and Ford products are slapped today and they fall apart just as quick. In addition they are powered by dog motors and crap gearboxes. They might have more power on paper but it doesn’t translate onto the road because they are inefficient and sound uninspiring. Anyway enough ranting, it makes no difference to one eyed bogan Aussies that Holden and Ford are shafting. You do realise that they are laughing all the way to the bank and it’s only because of the blind faith some bogan Aussies have in the crap they have been building for decades. I’m just happy that there is a company in Australia builing decent cars for the intelligent and non-ignorant few like myself.
jbot

So the Falcon has a dog motor and crap gearbox??? Obviously never driven one!! Sounds like you might be the deadset idiot on this forum Memphis Raines.
Rick

Here’s a thought. Just how hard or reckless do you have to drive to require an Electronic Stability Program? Front wheel drive is safer than rear wheel drive anyway. The only people that ‘require’ ESP are people that drive beyond the limits of the car and/or themselves or those that just want to drive like morons, in which case they will just disable the ESP anyway.
colin h

i have driven my sons gt 380. beautiful to drive plenty of power and looks good on the road, especially lowered with new wheels. i drive a ford, same year but the 380 seems more together, even just closing the doors you can feel the tightness and strength of the body. i think mitsibishi deserves support from the australian public for putting a great car out there at a better price than their competitors. i notice the q
lucas westwood

there is no convincig some people out there the 380 really is a great car!they say ignorance is bliss, wow whoever said that has never driven a 380. just for the record i have owned avt commodore and a vz!never again…… hence i have jusy put my hard earned down on a new 380 vrx, never thought i would own a mitsu,but i test drove one and could see for my self what a fantastic car it is compared to the commo and falcon.so stop the mitsu bashing and try one or just stay ignorant……… come on guys just open your minds!
andre

Rick – not of all of us are as skilled as you are in terms of vehicle control – there are ample of circumstances where ESP can come in handy – again, like ABS and Airbags all going well there should be no reason to ever use any of these safety options but they do help the inexperienced driver more often than the advanced (though that’s debatable) – anyhow – and love the entertainment the rear wheel drive school of thought craps on about – I’d rather a well sorted front wheel drive than a rear wheel drive car; or rather a well sorted rear wheel drive than a front wheel drive car….
Rick

Andre, I never said I was a skilled driver at all, and that’s half the point. Unless you drive beyond your limits, there should be no reason for these safety devices. I honestly believe there are more accidents on the road today due to people’s reliance on the perceived safety of the modern car. In general, people nowadays rely on their cars ability to get them out of trouble, rather than common sense ie. sitting far too close to the person in front of them, not slowing down in wet conditions etc. It’s the only explanation for the increasing road-related accidents and deaths – modern cars brake and corner better and are much easier to drive than cars from 20 years ago, and the speed limits have lowered, so why are people still having accidents? The modern car is making people lazy drivers, there is a lot less involvement in driving one. Put the average person into a car from the 60′s and I am willing to bet that after a very short time, they would be driving more alertly, leaving more space between them and the people in front, cornering slower etc. due to the cars lack of ability to avoid emergencies and the perceived lack of safety the car offers. Even a 2 and a half ton 4 wheel drive has better dynamics and performance now than the average family car built in the 1960′s.
Now I’m not saying we need to get rid of all these safety devices as they have proved beyond doubt that they make the car safer, but we need to put more emphasis on teaching the new drivers not to rely on them. Otherwise, I can see a point in the future where every new car will have ESP standard and the new driver will not know what it’s like to have a car without it. with an effective ESP, you can drive like an absolute maniac around corners and the car will prevent you from skidding into an accident. How is that teaching you that what you have just done was stupid? It doesn’t. A reckless driver will tend to push the limits of their car until they find the car’s or their own limit. If they never reach that limit because the electronic aids keep preventing it, they will keep pushing harder until the inevitable happens.
Anyway, this subject is completely off topic for this post so don’t read too much into it. I’ll finish off by saying that The Mitsubishi 380 is a terrific car and if it wasn’t for Wheels and Motor and their complete bias for anything made by Holden or Ford, it might stand a better chance as far as sales go. The fact that it has no electronic stability program should not deter people from buying the car. If you drive safely, you will never miss it.
Rick

Rick’s thought for the day:

Ever been on the highway, stuck behind that slow car or truck that just won’t do over 80? I mean, it’s a 100 zone for Christ sake, I want to get going!
Well, don’t stress out, don’t risk yours or someone else’s life just to get around them. Even if you have to wait behind them for 10km before you can SAFELY overtake, you’ve only wasted 90 seconds of your time. 90 SECONDS!! Think about it. You probably spent more time reading the writing on the toilet wall at the last rest stop!

Drive safely people!
andre

Rick – I’m impresses by your motivation to be up writing at 6am on a Saturday morning, though perhaps you haven’t gone to bed as yet –

The points you make are valid and I agree with most of them, practically all, though you must not forget that some accidents in bad weather or on dirt roads perhaps happen due not to too uch enjoyment behind the wheel but simply due to lack of experience and skill. Eg. Rainy day, car pulls out of a side road…. really that’s what ESP is there for, just like ABS – and, yes, you should never need to use it.

Except for training and experience purposes I haven’t had to use ESP and ABS, nor Airbags apart from having been a passenger a few unfortunate times.

From where I sit, yes the 380 is a fine car, but ESP and curtain airbags would strip it straight from my shopping list. I’d rather no metallic paint, power windows, MP3, rear parking sensors.

Yes there’ll be some fools who think ESP (who will take ESP to stand for “Enhanced Schumacher Performance”-pack but) will save them no matter what; but those fools aren’t the majority.

Anyhow, Rick, perhaps as you say this is another topic altogether – again, I like the 380, great car, comfortable and all but hey ESP and curtain airbags please.
Nick

At any rate, there is only so much ESP and the 5th and 6th airbags can do. The curtains are used in less than 1% of crashes anyway. But what does it say for the VE which has ESP and curtains as an option that it STILL scored significantly lower than the 380. It is saying the 380 is so safe that it compensates for those ommissions. Also when they add ESP and curtains mid next yr when it gets a major facelift it will make the 380 the only 5star rated car ever built in Aus. Which means it has better structural safety than the Aurion.

You are dead right too, the bias Wheels has against the 380 and Mitsubishi in general is positively sickening. They promote and defend the 2star tin can Barina for f*ck’s sake! Yet they bag out the safe colt. We have a colt and it is a great car…everyone who has one loves it to bits. Since seeing ours 6 people we know had to go out and buy one they were than impressed.

Our 380 (my parents) is the most sorted and dynamically sound car I have driven and I have driven a BMW series 1, Subaru Liberty, Camry, last gen Outlander, Colt, Jazz, 89 Corolla, VE, VT Calais and my 92 Mazda 626. Even when absolutely pushing it you never feel out of control. I am a P plater (and not a hoon) and it is an absolute joy.

Mitsubishi have finally started advertising it as they should have from the begining, putting all its awards and strengths out clearly in the ad. Hopefully the new Series 3 will send people down to their dealers for a drive. We always had the 380 at the top ouf our list, but we test drove the VE too and just hated it. The Falcon is awfull and has the worst build quality around so we didn’t even consider it.

I was disgusted by the comments of some motoring body official on a Today Tonght story about the build quality surveys. He was defending Holden and Ford saying that they rank lower because they are up against world’s best practices! What the f*ck! Why is that an excuse? Mitsu and Toyota more than manage. If Holden and Ford cannot or will not (I guess most ppl are so dumb they buy them anyway) make cars up to scratch then they shouldn’t be doing it at all.
Paul

QUOTE = At any rate, there is only so much ESP and the 5th and 6th airbags can do. The curtains are used in less than 1% of crashes anyway. But what does it say for the VE which has ESP and curtains as an option that it STILL scored significantly lower than the 380. It is saying the 380 is so safe that it compensates for those ommissions. Also when they add ESP and curtains mid next yr when it gets a major facelift it will make the 380 the only 5star rated car ever built in Aus. Which means it has better structural safety than the Aurion.

Someone stated a while back and they SOUNDED like they knew what they were talking about…. but they said manufacturers have to pay a sum of money to ANCAP for their cars to get side impact tested and that supposedly Toyota and Holden didnt get it done… so this would explain why a car witout side airbags etc could score better. Also a lack of ESP means the 380 can easily crash in circumstances where a car with ESP like the VE or Aurion would be relatviely unaffected.

In saying this I think the 380 is prity decent in many areas… but the looks for me are a let down, especially the rear.
Myke

“You are dead right too, the bias Wheels has against the 380 and Mitsubishi in general is positively sickening.”

I have never actually seen Wheels showning any bias against the 380, in fact in their recent large car test (May ’07) they rated the 380 higher than the Aurion.
Also when the 380 was released they devoted a large section of the magazine to the development and design of the car and the various specifications available.
Nick

They always omit the VE and Falcon’s obvious short comming and play up the 380s. When the VE was released they had a special mag, a poster, a calendar, a DVD and a frigging special on it on 9! And then devoted about the next 6 issues to it.
Andrew. M

yep i agree the 380 is the most under-rated car out there at the moment and is by far the best value for money.
with the image thing i thought they were sooo close to having that sorted with the last of the magnas because we were seeing magnas with aftermarket mags,exhausts etc meaning it wasnt uncool to own one. also at that time the magna actually had more power than the commy.

I myself drive the falcons and not because i am a bogan or one eyed its because they have always been good to me and you cant get a 380 ute. i have always said the mitsu would always be my second choice.

i dont know what people mean by better fit and finish though. i think all manufacturers do an alright job in this. well nothing real bad to make you really go eeewwww.

as for styling i dont think the 380 is that bad. and since paul is an aurion fan boy i dont see how he could be disappointed on the looks. if you ask me the aurion has stolen a bit of styling from the front of the 380 and the VE has taken cues from the boot.
and on styling maybe its ford and holdens styling that has been their winners cause those guys mostly get it right to ensure they dont have a bland looking car. well i suppose the VE is a little bland too and the AU well that wasnt bland that was just different and people got scared at the start. so i guess you could say the only people designing nice looking cars at the moment is ford.
yeah and who labled the ford as having a bad motor and box? well far from it….. i reckon it has the best motor and box.

anyway summing up ….yes the 380 is most underrated and best value vehicle
Nick

Our VS and VT commos had incredibly bad fit and finish. We did go ewww. You had to hold parts of the dash down on the VT to get them to stop moving! And bits would just fall off the VS all the time. The VT was an electrical nightmare too. fuses would blow if the traction control turned on at the same time as the headlights so you’d loose both! The air con smelled like dead fish ad periodically filled the cabin with white gas. The immobiliser would from time to time cut in while driving, first you’d loose the radio (we learned to try and pull over because the worst was on its way) then the power steering, power breaking and instraments would go then the engine. And this would and did happen in the thick of Sydney traffic where we lived at the time. And various warning lights from engine to SRS would take turns in just turning on at trandom intervals. And Holden told us not to go to certain shopping centres because the phone towers there would mean we could not start the car. Holden could not or would not fix any of these issues on either. The VT spent more time off the road than on. Throughout the life of these two cars and the TJ magna which followed, we had a 1990 Mitsu Nimbus that we bought new. Not once did it break down! Ever! And we did not keep up with services either. And our 2002 magna did 200,000ks in 4 years and never had one single issue electrical or otherwise and it averaged about 9L per 100ks! Our colt which replaced the Nimbus and the 380 which replaced the Magna are certainly shaping up to be as good.
Paul

QUOTE = as for styling i dont think the 380 is that bad. and since paul is an aurion fan boy i dont see how he could be disappointed on the looks. if you ask me the aurion has stolen a bit of styling from the front of the 380 and the VE has taken cues from the boot.

Lol always having to relate it to that. Mate the 380s rear is ordinary at best. The Aurion looks better. Here would be my choice in terms of looks from current models:

1. Aurion (Front is good, rear goes downhill but still good especially with dual exhausts on all models)
2. Falcon (Current one is outdated but it was ahead of its time when it came out)
3. 380 (Front is good but the rear lights are strange)
4. VE (Unless you get a HSV the rest look crap… lower range models look ridiculous with the flared arches and even the SS it just doesnt have a presence about it in terms of styling)
Rick

Here I am writing before work again (Yes Andre, us mechanics work on Saturday as well as the rest of the week.)

Quote: “I have never actually seen Wheels showing any bias against the 380, in fact in their recent large car test (May ‘07) they rated the 380 higher than the Aurion.
Also when the 380 was released they devoted a large section of the magazine to the development and design of the car and the various specifications available.”

Maybe Wheels and Motor are not so much anti – 380 but they are definitely PRO – Holden and Ford when it suits them. If one or the other looks like it might be beaten in a test, they change the test criteria to suit. Take that exact 4-car road test for an example. The VE Omega still won despite it being way behind the Aurion in every way possible, so they put the Aurion last, citing the test is more for people that want to drive their car hard. Rubbish, that’s what the XR’s and SV’s are for. Quote: “From a keen driver’s point of view, it’s the least satisfying.” The 380, well they didn’t like the look or quality of the interior. It is $5k cheaper than the Berlina though.
The Berlina was the slowest by a long shot (Normally a wheels auto-last place), had the only 4-speed auto, cost as much as the Aurion (Which has a 6-speed auto, full leather trim with power seats etc.), yet still won. Wheels hates being their car of the year being shown up.
Head over to wheels blog http://wheelsmag.com.au/Road_Tests/Wheels+Handling+Olympics+2007.html
Check out all the cars that have their own write-up from the ‘Handling Olympics’ and see which one they have conveniently left out. Hint – it came 11th. It looks like someone else has seen the error too.
Myke

The Aurion is the ugliest in the large car family. Though far better looking than the Camry it shares it’s ridiciously overdone and over fussy rear-end.

The only VE that looks underdone IMO is the Omega. In SS-V and Calais form it looks great. It’s easier reckonisable as a Commodore and no other car looks like it.

The Aurion has an almost anonymous design and on the road looks like every other front-wheel-drive medium/large sedan.
Nick

I have to agree, the Aurion is boring on wheels, as are most Toyotas. The VE is such a rip off of VWs, BMWs and looks it! And the back looks like a 380 but overdone. The omega so bland…cheap black plastic everywhere!
Lachlan

i agree too, the VE is bland and it doesnt apeal to me in any way, i think the VE copies so many styling ques from other cars it’s not funny. the front of the VE looks very similar to it’s own Astra (older version)like common, wheres the originality? the c pillar is 380 all over and i think the rear lights are very similar to the falcon. i cant see where the aurion comes into the whole situation but im sure ill see it one day.
380 overall= very good, i want one!!!
VE oveall= doesnt apeal to me, i would take it if it was given to me but wouldnt uy one, and same goes for the falcon and aurion.
Nick

and the problem with VEs and Falcons (and holdens and fords in general) is that they are put together by monkeys it would seem. Everything that could fall off my brother’s new Focus Zetec has, and surprise surprise Bay Ford and Ford Aus don’t wanna know about it.
Lachlan

Nick
that is very true what you said, when i did work experience about 4 years ago at a ford dealer, ive never seen such poorly built cars, and i asked alot of their mechanics about their opion on magnas. they were all agaisnt the car because of the magna of the early 90′s saying it was a lemon etc. it just shows that people are biased when it comes to holden and ford. what makes me laugh is that the ford mechanics love their own poorly built peices of crap. look at the previous gen magna and the 380 now, a brilliant piece of engeneering. when are people going to wake up?????
Robert

I bought one of the first series after the first round of price-cutting.

The interior build quality is pathetic and as Nick said, my dealer (John Hughes Perth) has been less than responsive in fixing things up.

As they say, first impressions last and when a company spends years and hundreds of millions of dollars on developing a vehicle, if the quality is crap buyers will remember.

So as for this release, looks nice and I see they have altered the interior but I’m not ready to forgive (a shame too because the engine and handling performance are impressive)
Nick

The 380s build quality is class leading! Outstripping all aussie rivals! And I said the Holden dealers were rubbish, our mitsu dealer (rex gorell geelong) is excellent
Matt

In response to Robert. I can understand what you mean about the interior quality. I think it looks a bit cheap myself. I have to say though, that the interior of my BA GT is pathetic and so are the VE Commodores at work. I think the Magna had the best interior.
Nick

The quality of the materials in the Magna’s interior were outstanding. It just looks so dated now. The quality of plastics being used in most cars is getting worse. Holdens are terrible and the Thai built Hondas leave some to be desired.
royce

after having such an excellent run out of the last 5 magna’s (yes i am biased!)i look forward to purchasing a 380. I never buy them new always around 12-18 months after the initial depreciation. they have been extremely reliable and have never had any dramas with any of them. after listening to many friends that have had holdens and fords I certainly wont be rushing out to buy a falcon or commodore.
Marty

Ive driven the 380 numerous times. i love the feel and comfort and put your foot down.. it goes. i own a TJ magna and i love the power they have. the 380 is awesome and i am looking at purchasing the new sports model how ever the new look lancer is coming soon so im guessing as they did with the first 380 next years 380 will have the looks somewhat of the new lancer?? if so i will hold off the purchace until then and also the ESP and curtin airbags. also be interesting to see what Limited Edition they will bring out with it ie sports or platinum… i cant wait for the 380 to boom. http://www.magnaclub.net is a forum im a member on and its very informative for magna/380 drivers. if your serious go to it. my name is martyn_wheatley in it so check it out. in the forum they currently discussing catless headers and cat back exhausts also air intake snorkle. 380 has some awesome potential and i will get my 380 when i hear about next years model!
Cliff

I took delivery of my 380 Series2 on 17 July, the day this article came out. It’s a manual platinum edition. I bought it as I was heading for a larger car and had driven one as a work car. I chose it over XR6 as being quieter and a better ride. I had FWD cars before and have no problem with handling, the cornering stability is quite excellent. A previous poster who said that the torque is more important than total power was spot on. I drive 2 450km trips a week across a range of highway/ secondary and rural roads and large regional cities and use about 10% more fuel than I did in a car with less than half the engine capacity. If there is a better value car than the 380 it must be truly out of the world. I trust this car gets the success it deserves and that Mitsubishi are still making them in 2-3 years time when i am looking to changeover.
Gary

Some interesting comments about the 380 here. Having driven only 1, being a Series 1 VRX i’d have to say it’s a great car. We hired it about 18 mths ago for a weekend trip to Albury from Sale in Vic.Drove up over Mt Hotham thru rain, snow, sleet and it was really sure footed even when giving it the berries on the way down the mountain chasing and blowing away a BMW 325. After doing 1400km for the weekend it averaged 8.2L/100km. We own a 2005 TL Magna bought new which is a great family car, but our next car will definately be a 380 of some description. To all Ford and Holden drivers, take a 380 for a spin with an open mind and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
woz

Yes Gary, the 380 is an underrated car and I would be a very happy owner if one was parked in my garage.
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http://fujifilm.com.au Peter

Thank you Mitsubishi Australia for a truly great car. The 380 will always be remembered by those that had the pleasure to drive her as simply fantastic.
The handling, steering, acceleration, braking and cabin comfort are regularly enjoyed in the 80,000 kms to date and looking forward to 80 more.

I have to admit the handling dynamics have saved my bacon a few times when I have not been driving to the conditions.
So much so that I wonder what it will take to make her step out of line? But surely only a fool would push it further and I don’t need to drive like that.

“Mine” is a series 1 fleet vehicle and in a company of around 200 sedans, I was the only one that could see past the magna image and Toyota’s 200 killa wasps to realise that the 380 is the best all round fleet car today.
Now that’s poor odds when it’s a make or break product.
Previously I had the VR commodore, a reasonable car for the times, a Falcon BA, nice step forward (apart from the brakes). So I had hesitations when the new “magna” was offered, but a day in a Hertz rental had me hooked.

Thank you again to all the management and staff at Tonsley Park factory and their associated suppliers for a fine piece of motoring machinery, one I’m sure will remain the pride of driving joy for many owners for many years yet!

Let it go down in history that the 380 was a great car in most every way, that simply could not be marketed to the close minded majority of Aussie big six drivers..

380 – Born 2005, Put to rest 2008.
Loved by all that drove her.
dan888

Memphis Raines:Suck a dick mitsubishi are gone holden and ford are still here ,the bottom line is australia has spoken they dont like the look of the car
Duck

Dan888, Good statement. The only person out of all of australia that liked the 380 was Nick, so no wonders they didnt sell enough! And what a stupid name…380…………..pathetic Mitsubishi and it was designed in America too!
Oz.

In Related Posts, go to “Herald Sun Leaks Embargoed Mitsubishi 380 Series III” I saw that Nick that reckons 308s are better than Holdens and Fords.

I agree, if Mitsubishi gave it a name (NOT A NUMBER) Maybe they would of sold better and Mitsubishi Australia wouldn’t of announced closure. 380 is just like “Leyland P76″ it was a stupid number.
Gary

What a shame now that Mitsubishi are no longer building cars here in Australia. Still strange to see the same people bagging the 380, obviously never having driven one. Our next car will be a 380, second hand of some VRX variant, most likely a Fusion Burst, maybe even a newie if we can find one. To all at Tonsley Park be proud of the vehicles you have built especially over the last 10 years.
LanceDickchops

I love my 380, and I do not put a lot of faith in wheels Magazine reviews & awards. The brown nose always wins with those guys.
Don’t believe me,, then read on

Who remembers the P76? Without a doubt one of the worst cars ever built,unless you wanted to carry a 44 gallon drum in the boot, then it would have probably suited you just right.It was, has and still is being panned & laughed at by every car magazine in the known Universe,, except that is for Wheels Magazine Australia

Question:
What year did the Leyland P76 win the Wheels Magazine Car of the Year?

ANSWER:
In January 1974, the P76 V8 was named the 1973 WHEELS Car Of The Year. …Nough said

The Mitsubishi 380 rules, and will always be remembered as the big one that the Australians let get away.

Thank God for Holden’s & Fords because at least you know where most of the Brainwashed D!ck Heads are.
Tim

I agree with LanceDickchops that it is a crying shame the 380 is no more. It was/is a wonderful car all round that has more going for it than most Holden or Ford drivers will ever know. It handles better, it’s roomier, quicker off the mark, more comfortable and has a better appointed interior than the Holden & is almost on a par with the much pricier Falcon.
Ask the NSW Police force what they think of the 380 as a patrol and pursuit vehicle and they will tell you that overall they are better than Ford or Holden & that they feel safer in them as well.

If nothing else the Mitsubishi 380 kept Ford & Holden honest, but that aspect is gone now and your Big Two will no longer have to try as hard to get your buck.

Because of blind ignorance & nothing else Aussies have killed a great car that did not deserve to die.
RIP 380 you will be remembered as the one that could/should have been.
petesfeet

Well Mr Dickchops any panel beater will tell you that the 380′s have some body parts fitted that are absolute rubbish.

Just wait a couple of years until you see their front bumpers lying on the side of the road all over the place reminiscent of the old Falcons. The crappy PP Plastic bumpers are as soft as butter & held on by 3 self tappers and a truckload of plastic clips.The bottom PP Plastic grills are purposely drilled out from behind so they will break if you hit anything larger than a Grasshopper.
It’s obvious that the robots & people who put the plastic bits on the cars did not give a damn. The screws are either too tight which splits the crappy soft plastic or they are too lose which causes the bits to move so much they break anyway.
If Mitsubishi hadn’t gone bust they would have started being paid out on for making rubbish soon enough. If you add a “t” to the name Mitsubishi it pretty much describes the 380 perfectly.
Good riddance
JamesHunt

Does this have, due to the light clutch?
Brett

After going on holidays in Tasmania with a rented 380 SX from Hertz rent a car, I sold the BA Falcon and headed to zupps mitsubishi and picked me up a Black SX 380 a little down on power than the falcon not by much, but 100kms more on a tank of fuel and handels like a euro sports car now its sitting on king spring super lows.
alex

lol – petesfeet’s comment was moronish. Have you ever driven one? It’s that ignorant attitude that killed the 380 and why the Falcon and Commadore will always sell. The 380 is one of the safest and most fuel efficient in the class, one of the quikest (I’ve had my SX timed 0-100 in 7.7s which is on par with figures from Mitsu) has the overall best handling, the best braking performance (easily best in the class but amazingly enough even better than most smaller, sports focus sedans like the Mazda 3 MPS and Civic Type-R), had the best warranty and was the cheapest to buy and own. What more could you want?
Tony

Hi all out there, I picked up my 380 Series 2 SX today, damn good car, have owned BA XR6 – GEN3 -SS Commodore and currently own a Nurenburg NISMO Spec Godzilla R32GTR, trust me when I tell you that the 380 is alot of car, and performance in all areas is nothing to be sneazed at, oh forgot to mention my WRX too……again well done to all those here in SA with the 380, and the looks is growing by the minute….beautiful!!!

Al Juraj

The 380 is a good car, but there are some things that led to its eventual demise. Firstly, why change the name from Magna, which sounds a lot better? There’s also no MIVEC unlike the US Galant. Finally, the Aurion is simply better, being faster, more efficient and with a better reputation on dependability.

I do agree it’s better than the Commodore with the exception of drive layout. However, it’s not the car’s potential that sells, but rather what people are made to believe. Most buyers revere a badge that claims to Australia’s own regardless of the truth or falsity behind it.

Ford Man

Falcon > 380.

It died because despite being a good car, it was still last place.

Tony

Ford Man says: “It died because despite being a good car, it was still in last place”…….this comment is hilarious Ford Man, if you actually were involved in the immediate testing / dyno testing of the 380 you would know that the engines, all 380′s were underated by 10%, also you may be interested in knowing that most 380′s left both holden and falcon in the weeds……I reiterate I own all of them, and the mitsi leaves the other 2 somewhat puffed out…..let us deal with fact only..please! and by the way, I own WRX, GTR Godzilla, XR6, SS Commodore and I am not Mitzi Man, just a realist!