Mitsu embraces LPG for 380

When even small cars are fielding economy options (hybrid, diesel), LPG is one way of breathing new life into large car sales. 

The high cost of fuel continues to be a road block for large car sales and though the strength of the Aussie dollar is helping to keep the price of fuel relatively low, there's no end in sight to the volatility of petrol pricing.

With the release of the Series III edition of the 380 large sedan (more here), Mitsubishi has jumped into the alternative fuel debate with both feet.

Unsure whether to offer such an option on previous models, the Adelaide manufacturer is now allowing buyers to specify dual fuel for their 380 purchases.

Mitsubishi had previously sold a Magna with a single-fuel LPG option, but the take-up wasn't great.

Rob McEniry, Mitsubishi's president and CEO said "The 380 engine has been LPG-adaptable, but we didn't have a conversion that had the full backing of the company. The new 380 Series III LPG system, however, is a fully endorsed and approved factory option for all automatic transmission models."

Unlike dual-fuel options from Holden and Ford, the 380's is covered by a 10-year warranty, as for the rest of the car.

The price of the option is $4050, which is partly offset by the federal government's $2000 rebate for private buyers.

There's no getting away from the greatest flaw in dual-fuel systems -- the gas tank in the boot -- but other than that, the 380 dual-fuel drives the same as the petrol-only model and switches between gas and petrol seamlessly when the system registers that the gas tank is empty.

The advantage for motorists choosing the dual-fuel 380 lies in the car's low purchase price and lower running costs. As a bonus, the owner can also take comfort in the knowledge that it's an environmentally responsible choice.

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