I was looking at the range of Mitsubishi vehicles available in Japan and the USA. I noticed that the current and upcoming Mitsubishi vehicles overseas included a very good audio system (being the Rockford Fosgate).

Though, when looking at the other options available I noticed the 650w premium audio system (being a Rockford Fosgate system) avialable on the Eclipse and the upcoming Outlander. If they could include this on the 380, heck, to include this in and Australian vehicle would give Mitsu a huge advantage in terms of a decent sound system when comparing to other 4-door sedans built in this country (and even imported ones). So would it be that hard for Mitsu to include this in their vehicles (380)? I mean this would be an awsome addition to the features list to the GT (and good options for entire 380 range and mitsu range) and they could add features (like this!) so they don't have to reduce the price as they have in the past (possibly mid-late next year). From what I have heard about this sound system it is actually meant to be class leading in every-respect. Also being an available in the 380 and being a feature you probably wouldn't expect from Mitsu it may pursway customers if they advertised these kinds of featres properly.

Also, when looking at the Galant I noticed that side airbags that appear in the front seats are embroided into the seat rather then how they appear on the Australian version (being the 380). I thought it was weird as to why they would change this and couldn't think of a reason; would anyone here know why?

Finally, does the 380 have a 'tire pressure monitor system'? I don't think it does, but I thought if it did it would allow owners to use run-flat tyres that are appearing in more and more vehicles. Just wanting to know as the Galant does and I don't see why they'd remove it ( only possible reason i can think of is because they included a full-size spare here and didn't see the need for the system?)

I highly doubt mitsu will upgrade their audio systems in the 380 to a brand such as RF... Especially with the situation they are currently in... It's just that the whole idea from mitsubishi at this time, and while they were designing the 380, is to make the best possible car as cheaply as possible (i.e. maximising profits whilst still satisfying the consumer)... And the audio systems on them currently are good, but I bet they are something like 3x or 4x cheaper than any rockford system... Which means more profits per sale for mitsu.

I mean, it would be nice, but I doubt they'll be going bigger and better in terms of their audio. Only if they get back into decent sales figures, will they have the luxury of toying around with the idea.

As for the airbags or tyre pressure reader - no clues here ;)

the magna's premium audio systems were always at the top of the competition, and if you've seen the premium option for the 380 you'll agree switching to RF would be a downgrade

The average aussie would much rather save $5,000 on buying the car brand new and then go and spen that $5000 on wheels and a decent stereo.. rather than just accepting the fact that the car they just purchased has all that stuff...

People love bargins, and thats that. If you can save 5k on your car, your laughing, then go and save another 1k on our wheels and stereo and it makes the car even more desirable!

I have no problem admitting the fact that the standard stereo's in Mitsu's are much better then in Holden's or Ford's. We have a KJ Xi Verada and it has a much better stereo then the VT Calais we used to own (clearer bass, better clarity treble). Though, the 380 does have a decent stereo I just thought if Mitsu had the Rockford Fosgate system available next year in the Galant it would therefore be able to fit in the 380. If the 380 had this system available it would crush the competition and I can't see a problem going 'Mercedes' style.

I also don't think it would cost much more either, for example; it is an option on the '06 Eclipse as part of the 'Sound & Style' pack which is only US$1,500. For the stereo alone surely it would only be US$800 or AU$999. And if Mitsu are getting these in there other vehicles they would be purchasing them in bulk and would most likely be making a profit on them for the price they charge consumers. I just thought it would be a good idea if they are includiing them in their other vehicles.

The sound stereo in all Holdens are terrible, including HSVs too. Just absolute crap. Can't really say much for other vehicles though, haven't really ever been in a 3rd gen or what not.

Yeah I know what you mean about Holden stereo's. Our previous car was a VT Calais and despite being bought brand-new and having a sound system including 10 speakers the bass wasn't clear and defined (as it is in the Verada) and the clarity of the treble just isn't up to scratch. Even at maximum settings on both the VT was just awful. The Verada is much better, despite having 8 speakers (2 speakers less) it sounds clearer and performs better at louder volumes.

I have no problem admitting the fact that the standard stereo's in Mitsu's are much better then in Holden's or Ford's..............

I wouldn't say that too loud if i were you...? have you heard the standard stereos in the flacons? even the au had a decent sounding system with defined bass. my friends mum has a ba mkII fairmont and the stereo in that thing is absolutly incredible!

Also remember the average family when you talk about RF will go:

"Rockford what?"

I dont think it would make much difference.

Car Companies , Such as Lexus, Subaru ,Mitsubishi and Mazda, Have all Discovered that Sound Systems appeal to the Consumer, if they are going to buy the Car they want the Stereo to sound Good..

Hyundai Started Selling MP3 Headunits in their Cars and their sales..

If Mistubishi have caught on, Like they did with the 3rd Gens and Sell cars with Decent Audio already in them .. it will help sales.. If they can offer a better stereo over their Competitors, younger Buyers will be more likey to purchase the car...


Toyota use the same Stereo from the Hiace to the Corrola, so they all look the same... as a Bonus though, you get a Damn good Sound system in a work Vehicle...

I am Yet to Preview the 380's Stereo but if they have get the same layout and Sizes as the 3rd Gen I shall be more then Impressed..

Keep offering 6 inch Fronts and 6x9's down Back Mitsubishi... Its a brilliant Combo...

Finally, does the 380 have a 'tire pressure monitor system'? I don't think it does, but I thought if it did it would allow owners to use run-flat tyres that are appearing in more and more vehicles. Just wanting to know as the Galant does and I don't see why they'd remove it ( only possible reason i can think of is because they included a full-size spare here and didn't see the need for the system?)


Run-flat tyres isn't the best technology to be used here in Australia. We have a vast area of population, which we tend to travel by car, especially in family cars such as the 380. Having a flat in between towns with a run-flat tyre can be disasterous, you're limited to a slower speed and theres only a certain distance you can drive before tyres completely dies.

Also remember the average family when you talk about RF will go:

"Rockford what?"

I dont think it would make much difference.


Exactly. My dad couldn't care less that the radio in his car is a Blaupunkt, just as long as it sounds good (which in reality it doesn't).

I am Yet to Preview the 380's Stereo but if they have get the same layout and Sizes as the 3rd Gen I shall be more then Impressed..

Keep offering 6 inch Fronts and 6x9's down Back Mitsubishi... Its a brilliant Combo...

as far as i know it is still the 6"/6x9" combo, does anyone have any pics of the optional top-end headunit? if you get GPS it comes with an awesome screen

Top end head unti (in the GT) is integrated into the centre console, you can't actually see the din areas... The buttons are just there along with A/C controls etc. if you know what I mean. Drove a 380LX, stereo sounded really good, would have been better if i had the opportunity to play with the bass, treble and fade. It really has to be good, because it would take alot of work to put an aftermarket HU in there with that type of set up...

Just do an aftermarket job. I still wouldn't trust the "factory upgraded" stereo as being really good.

Top end head unti (in the GT) is integrated into the centre console, you can't actually see the din areas... The buttons are just there along with A/C controls etc. if you know what I mean. Drove a 380LX, stereo sounded really good, would have been better if i had the opportunity to play with the bass, treble and fade. It really has to be good, because it would take alot of work to put an aftermarket HU in there with that type of set up...


I know that you cant change anything with the integrated setup on the falcons, so maybe the 380's the same. however, you can still change all the speakers, and even have them all amped to increase sound quality.... then put a couple of 12" subs in the boot and it will sound awesome. if you want an mp3 player... you might be able to add another headunit into the glovebox or something, maybe a dvd player.

I know that you cant change anything with the integrated setup on the falcons, so maybe the 380's the same. however, you can still change all the speakers, and even have them all amped to increase sound quality.... then put a couple of 12" subs in the boot and it will sound awesome. if you want an mp3 player... you might be able to add another headunit into the glovebox or something, maybe a dvd player.

True, new speakers would be good.

Don't need to upgrade to have an MP3 player... The stock unit plays mp3's, which is a very good move...

I know that you cant change anything with the integrated setup on the falcons, so maybe the 380's the same. however, you can still change all the speakers, and even have them all amped to increase sound quality.... then put a couple of 12" subs in the boot and it will sound awesome. if you want an mp3 player... you might be able to add another headunit into the glovebox or something, maybe a dvd player.

Spot on. I've massively improved the sound quality just by replacing the speakers (and adding tweeters) and adding an amp to the otherwise stock head unit. It does the job nicely, and security hasn't been comprimised, a big plus for me if you knew the sorts of areas I sometimes have to park in.