Mitsubishi does a 380

After much hype, here's the long-awaited launch of Mitsubishi's Magna replacement and new large car contender, the 380.

We're at last able to give you the rundown on the model widely acknowledged as Mitsubishi Australia's make-or-break car. If this car doesn't deliver sales in Australia's shrinking large car maket - and against the likes of local market leaders Commodore, Falcon and Camry - Mitsubishi's status as a local manufacturer will likely come to an end.

According to the latest, October issue of Wheels - nicely timed to hit the stands as the covers finally come off the 380 - in terms of the new car's fit and finish, equipment and, importantly, its on-road manners, it's all good news.

The 380 is said to be much changed from the US-market Galant on which it's based. And, in keeping with Mitsubishi's promised Australian-market refinements - especially in terms of its reworked engine and suspension package - Wheels says this car delivers on its promise.

More about that in a minute.

In the meantime, we can now tell you that all five 380 models pack the same mechanical package, although equipment levels differ, of course.

Even the base model 380 packs an impressive 175kW and 343Nm from its single-overhead camshaft, 60-degree 3.8-litre V6.(In case you didn't already know, the 380 name comes from the engine's cubic capacity measured in litres.)

Front suspension comprises struts with A-arms and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension uses multi-links, coil springs and, again, an anti-roll bar.

Brakes are ventilated discs, front and rear. Steering is power-assisted rack and pinion, with an 11.2-metre turning circle. All five 380 models come only with height-adjustable steering - rather than height- and reach adjustments - because that's the way it is in the US-market Galant on which it's based.

Transmission choice - on the base 380 and VRX, anyway - is five-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

Claimed average fuel efficiency to ADR 81/01 standards is: 11.4L/100km for the five-speed manual cars and 10.8L/100km for the five-speed autos.

Controversially, what we can't tell you is prices for this vital model. Word is, we'll all have to wait until the October 13 Sydney motor show official launch for those. And expect to hear more about that situation in the interim ...

Model by model
Following is an overview of the five 380 models. There's much more detail, including interviews with outgoing Mitsubishi Australia boss, Tom Phillips, R&D General Manager, Lee Kernich, colour and trim designer Chalisa Morrison and more in Wheels' October issue.

Wheels publishes an exhaustive, 24-page analysis of the new car, including first test drives - incorporating exclusive performance figures - of all 380 models, from entry level 380, through VRX, LS, LX and top-shelf 380 GT.

Mitsubishi 380
In keeping with its sink-or-swim brief, even the entry level 380 comes well equipped. Wheels are 16-inch steel rims, but from there up, there are features you probably wouldn't expect on a base model family or fleet six-cylinder large car. Those features include: 6-speaker, MP3-compatible, single-CD audio, power-adjustable driving seat and two-tone fabric trim. Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.

380 LS
The LS shares the base 380's mechanical package but comes only with five-speed automatic. It packs 16-inch alloys (17-inchers are optional), chromed grille and bootlid trim, and more upmarket interior fabrics and trim. However, standard equipment steps up, with traction control, electric driver's seat adjustment, premium 8-speaker/MP3-compatible, six-CD audio, auto-dim rear-view mirror and colour information screen. Transmission: 5-speed automatic.

380 LX
Next up the scale 380 LX also is automatic-only but gets a leather and woodgrain-highlighted interior, premium audio, sunroof and electric-adjust driver and front passenger seats. Like the next level VRX, the LX gets five-spoke 17-inch wheels and Dunlop SP Sport tyres. Transmission: 5-speed automatic.

380 VRX
The sportier VRX shares its mechanical package with the entry-level 380, LS and LX models. But it adds six-spoke alloy wheels with Dunlop SP Sport tyres and - like the base model 380 - it can be had with a five-speed gearbox. Like the LS and LX 380s, traction control is standard. Bootlid spoiler and clear tail-light covers. Inside, seats are sportier with more pronounced side bolsters. Instruments get dark silver faces, and the audio system's the premium package. Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.

380 GT
The top-of-the-tree, mesh-grille GT adds exclusive, eight-spoke 17-inch alloys, bigger-bore exhaust, boot-lid spoiler, body-side mouldings and GT-specific interior, including carbonfibre-look instruments and leather trim. Transmission: 5-speed automatic.