Mitsubishi Magna AWD 2003 Review

In the car-selling game, vehicles that deliver their power through all four wheels are big business. You only have to look at the number of four-wheel drives on the roads today, from heavy-duty off-roaders to compact 'soft-roaders' and all-wheel drive prestige sedans, to realise the appeal of four-paw transport.

It's little surprise then that Australia's car makers are getting in on the act in a major way, led by Mitsubishi which has introduced an all-wheel drive version of its Magna sedan.

The current front-wheel-drive Magna has been around since 1996 and, apart from the addition of a few sportier versions and styling upgrades, the basic shape and package has remained the same.

Although recognised as a competent performer and well-built four-door family sedan, buyers have tended to favour the rear-wheel drive platforms and optional V8 power of its Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore rivals.

Now Mitsubishi, the first local manufacturer to produce an all-wheel drive vehicle, has the jump on its major competitors - at least until Holden's all-wheel drive car arrives later this year, followed by Ford's version in 2004.

Until now, family car buyers seeking the perceived benefits of all-wheel drive - better handling, traction and increased safety - had to turn to Japanese makers like Subaru, or dig deeper for expensive European models from the likes of Audi and Volvo.

Starting at $37,490 for the base model, which we drove here, Mitsubishi is offering a locally-built, well-equipped and affordable alternative to imported models.

The four-paw Magna comes with a powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine and smooth five-speed, tiptronic-style, automatic transmission. New features include upgraded brakes, 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, rear stabiliser bar, passenger airbag, power windows, leather-covered steering wheel and gearshift lever.

Two other models complete the all-wheel drive range: a more powerful Sports, priced at $43,290, and luxurious Verada ($46,460), which are both similarly-equipped to their front-drive counterparts.

The full-time all-wheel drive system on the Magna was developed locally using parts from the Japanese rally-bred Lancer and Diamante sedans. Using a viscous coupling system and a rear limited-slip differential, it splits drive 50:50 to the front and rear under normal driving, but this can vary to suit conditions.

Those owners who like to advertise their new car arrivals to the neighbours will be disappointed with the styling of the all-wheel drive version. In fact, apart from some tiny badging, inside and out, it looks pretty much like the regular version.

For the real clues to its extra abilities you have to get behind the wheel. Stamp on the accelerator hard and, instead of the wheelspin inherent in the front-wheel drive version, it launches cleanly off the line with barely a tyre chirp or steering wheel tug.

The Magna's 3.5-litre V6 has always been a smooth, quiet and powerful performer but, hooked up to an all-wheel drive system, it now delivers the 154kW of power and 310Nm of torque to the ground more effectively via all four wheels.

The extra traction comes to the fore during cornering, especially on damp or loose surfaces. The soft and compliant suspension contributes to some bodyroll, but mostly it remains composed and glued to the road. Only when pushed hard will the front-end want to drift; a tendency quickly corrected by a slight lift off the throttle.

Bigger, anti-skid brakes, and fatter performance tyres also contribute to driver confidence and increase the extra margin for error on slippery surfaces.

You can forget about venturing too far off-road, though. Small potholes and undulations provide few hassles, but the limited ride height means your adventures will be restricted to relatively smooth dirt roads.

The new all-wheel drive system adds about 130kg to overall weight, which doesn't seem to dent performance, but trips to the fuel pump will cost more than in the front-drive version.

Inside, it's a similar story to the regular Magna, with a bright, airy but mostly grey interior, well-padded cloth seats that can be adjusted for a comfortable position, well laid-out dash and user-friendly controls, and whisper-quiet noise levels on the move, even at highway speeds.

There's plenty of room for front seat occupants, but not as much room in the back seats, or the boot, as you might expect from a fairly large, four-door sedan.

The Magna has always been an enjoyable to drive, if somewhat conservatively-styled, family sedan. The addition of an all-wheel drive version gives Mitsubishi's biggest-seller some much needed street-cred, as well as the more tangible benefits of improving road handling and driver confidence, particularly in less than ideal conditions.

Ultimately, it will be those who appreciate the better safety and surefootedness offered by all-wheel drive, who will be able to justify the $5000 premium over the two-wheel drive version. For our money the ask is too steep. How much is all-wheel drive worth to you?