1 Oct 2005
ByTHE GOAUTO TEAM
DEVELOPED as part of a $600 million new model and assembly plant upgrade program, the front-wheel drive, four-door, five-seater 380 sedan finally laid the 20-year old Magna nameplate to rest.
The 380 is the Adelaide-based company’s challenge to the fleet-favourite Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Toyota Camry and Avalon.
But it’s also in charge of channelling sales from the popular-with-novated leasing Honda Accord Euro, Mazda 6, Subaru Liberty and Nissan Maxima.
Motivated by a new, imported 3.8-litre single cam 24-valve V6 engine, the 380 produces 175kW of power and 343Nm of torque.
Mitsubishi has also prepared models engineered to run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG), especially aimed at fuel-conscious fleet buyers.
Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox.
All models – base, LE, LS, LX, VRX and GT – include twin front and side airbags, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows, trip computer, steering wheel audio controls, and the latest Bosch 8.0 anti-lock braking system.
However there will be no 380 wagon despite there being a Magna version, as such cars’ sales in recent years have fallen victim to the continuing popularity of light and medium SUVs.
