Just read the article in wheels comparing the-

Hyundai Sonata Elite ($34,715)
Toyota Camry Sportivo ($40,350)
Magna 380 ($37,790 -old price and YES THE BASE MODEL!!!!)
Holden Commodore Acclaim ($40,205)
Nissan Maxima ST-L ($40,230)
Ford Falcon Furtura ($40,595)

Basically they finished Falcon/Maxima equal first, Commodore 3rd, 380 4th, Camry 5th, Sonata 6th.

Fast losing respect for Wheels Magazine, which was once a great and informative read.
Just don't know how they organise these comparisions anymore, or what their motives are.
Once a comparison would mean base models versus base models, mid versus mid, sports versus sports, and luxury versus luxury..........
Now it just seems to be throw together whatever suits. Think they need an influx of emails to set them straight!!! Though sure they'd spin crap about models not being available, and not altering the final decision or something;)

Couple points:

They use a base model 380, but don't use base model Falcon XT, or Commodore Executive with their different appearence/equipment levels etc???
For the Camry they use a Sportivo????

Why wasn't a LS 380, or if it was a sports comparision (as per the Sportivo inclusion) the VRX used, which both even under old pricing easily fit into the price range used for this comparison. Why have 380 as the only base model??? (the Maxima is hardly a base model given its market positioning!) Even Hyundai with their 6th placing must wonder why the Grandeur wasn't used which meets this price range. I'm sure they see the Grandeur as more of a competitor for the Maxima, then the $6000 cheaper Sonata???
Surely fairer.........
I don't know, maybe someone can explain the fairness/reasoning behind their current testing........cause I can't understand it.

****
On a brighter note every review I have read has praised the 380's performance, ride/handling, roomy cabin, and strength of construction.
Would be very interesting with Mitsubishi's new prices.
Even the base model is now $7000 under the Sonata which finished 6th!!!!

Mitsubishi really has taken the fight up to every manufacturer with these new prices!

write in to wheels mag and ask them the exact same question..............

write in to wheels mag and ask them the exact same question..............


Yeah think I will, just thought others might like to too (especially 380 owners!!!).
Just found their email for letters to the editor: wheels@acpmagazines.com.au
Just seems a big departure from the way these tests are usually done by wheels, and definately far from the fairest testing. They even criticise the 380 as being plain, and needing $1500 of alloys (plus traction control) to match its rivals!!!!
Do the XT Falcon and Commodore Executive now come with alloys and traction control as standard????
See how many Magna club members can get their emails printed in the June edition.
(oh and Hyundai lovers..........if there are any:)
Cheers

I read most of this article too. I didn't read it all as I got frustrated with the drivvle in it. The new pricing of the 380 base model (assuming they used an auto version) means that it comes in $10 000 cheaper than the Commodore, Falcon and Maxima tested. It boggles me how they come to some of the conclusions they do, I mean what the hell were they thinking with this one? "Let's get a mid range falcon and commodore, a top of the line camry, maxima and sonata, and then put all those up against the base model mitsubishi 380 so we can proove how crap the 380 is! No one will notice!"

Couple points:

They use a base model 380, but don't use base model Falcon XT, or Commodore Executive with their different appearence/equipment levels etc???
For the Camry they use a Sportivo????

Why wasn't a LS 380, or if it was a sports comparision (as per the Sportivo inclusion) the VRX used, which both even under old pricing easily fit into the price range used for this comparison. Even Hyundai with their 6th placing must wonder why the Grandeur wasn't used which meets this price range. I'm sure they see the Grandeur as more of a competitor for the Maxima, then the $6000 cheaper Sonata???
Surely fairer.........
I don't know, maybe someone can explain the fairness/reasoning behind their current testing........cause I can't understand it.

Its more a comparison on what you get for the price. (40k) - imo...

The article was probably written way before mitsu introduced the bargain basement prices they have now..

I completely agree. The article was so biased, it isn't funny. The 380 and the Maxima were the only base models tested.

Oh, and Bain...the said they were testing the 30-40K price range. An auto Falcon XT and Commodore Exec both fall in that range (well normal RRP).

Its more a comparison on what you get for the price. (40k) - imo...

The article was probably written way before mitsu introduced the bargain basement prices they have now..


Yeah thats the whole point bain.....if its what you get for your 40K!
Both the 380 LS and VRX fall into this price under the old pricing which was in place when testing for this was done. They use a base model 380, and then specifically criticise it for being plain in comparison to the others, and for not having alloys and traction control standard? Have Falcon and Commmodore recently gained these as standard equipment on their base model XT and Executive???? What about base Camry? Would you consider Sportivo as a VRX competitor, or a base model 380 competitor on price and marketing position?

Why use a base model 380, and not a base model Falcon, Commodore, and Camry.....???
(hmmmm....$40,000 Sportivo Camry auto, $40,000 VRX auto- old pricing....hmmmm...wheels staff.....'no lets not use the VRX or LS, lets use a base 380 up against the Sportivo, thats fairier'.....
Makes sense to me :nuts: , I can see why these 2 are in the same comparison :nuts:
And a $40,000 Maxima up against a base 380....I can see the fairness there too :nuts:

As I said, everyone only wants fair comparison's like Wheels use to do so well.
Base models versus base, mid versus mid, luxury vs luxury, sports versus sports etc.
Isn't that only fair???

Thats the point....this comparison isn't fair. Unfortunately I have noticed this trend with some wheels comparison tests of late. They seems to be slipping.
And these are the reference's everyday people look at when deciding on new cars. Would they notice the unfair comparisons, most likely not having the same passions for cars as us???
Even the info you now get has fallen behind. They once use to provide interior sound levels at low and high speed, repair costs for minor accidents, heaps more photo's etc. Pull out a older copy of wheels if you still have one and take a look whats now missing.

All the new prices do is help the 380 in future comparisons.
I still hope people email wheels wheels@acpmagazines.com.au , enough emails and they might print a few, and explain their reasoning behind the new testing.

I completely agree. The article was so biased, it isn't funny. The 380 and the Maxima were the only base models tested.

Oh, and Bain...the said they were testing the 30-40K price range. An auto Falcon XT and Commodore Exec both fall in that range (well normal RRP).

Wheels Issue November 2005 did a direct comparo between the BF Falcon XR6, 380 VRX and Commodore SV6. In that issue the XR6 6 speed auto still whooped ass by getting a 4 1/2 star rating, VRX was second with 3 1/2 rating and the SV6 getting only 2 1/2 stars. All cars tested were auto's.

Comments were as follows:

XR6 Positives: BF Falcon clearly best local Ford ever - high class, fun, great value.
Negatives: Steering response could be more progressive, side airbags extra.

VRX Positives: Roomy and comfy cabin, great ride quality, refinement, handling, value
Negatives: Hard mis-matching plastics, bland styling, ugly tilt-only steering wheel

SV6 Positives: Fiesty engine/gearbox team, sharp turn-in, handsome styling, room
Negatives: Engine noise, steerin's on-centre vagueness, unrefined ride quality

Performance Figures:

XR6 - 0-100 = 7.4 sec
400m = 15.3@151km/h

VRX - 0-100 = 8.5 sec
400m = 16.2@142km/h

SV6 - 0-100 = 7.7 sec
400m = 15.6@149km/h

I dont know about anybody else that has driven the 380's but they sure do feel a lot quicker than the 8.5sec 0-100 that was stated. Perhaps the engine needed more km's under its belt and was not as yet loose enough.

Cheers.

Thats the point....this comparison isn't fair.

Agreed.

Most comparisons arent fair. Until they get up into the sports variants (where the only real differences is performance parts).. FPV and HSV etc etc.. - These already all have leather and every other little function added to their package.

[QUOTE=Veearex]Wheels Issue November 2005 did a direct comparo between the BF Falcon XR6, 380 VRX and Commodore SV6. In that issue the XR6 6 speed auto still whooped ass by getting a 4 1/2 star rating, VRX was second with 3 1/2 rating and the SV6 getting only 2 1/2 stars. All cars tested were auto's.

I dont know about anybody else that has driven the 380's but they sure do feel a lot quicker than the 8.5sec 0-100 that was stated. Perhaps the engine needed more km's under its belt and was not as yet loose enough.

Cheers. [QUOTE]

Yeah I read that one as well.
Have no problems with that review, atleast it was a sports orientated review, but would have thought Camry Sportvio would have been there as one of the big four. The 380 0-100 times in this review are by far the slowest of any review I have read yet, nearly a second off the pace....must have been a very tight new engine as they stated in the review.
Maybe the VRX should have been up against Falcon XT, Commodore Executive, and base Camry to make up for the latest May 2006 review, going on Wheels recent logic.
Question remains why in their May 2006 big 6 comparo that they have gone away from their normal fairer reviewing procedures.
Should always be-
base vs base
mid vs mid
sports vs sports
luxury vs luxury

On another note its seems that the 380's are very well put together. I think this will show with superior long term reliability. Most people seem to comment that this is where Mitsubishi OZ have spent the money, and now all they need to do it take care of a few equipment/presentation issues.

Lets hope October upgrade is all its promised to be.
Have read a lot of articles stating curtain airbags (and apparent 5 star safety to go with it), ESP, the small power upgrade for SX, VRX, GT, and interior improvements mainly the death of the ugly US spec galant steering wheel:) Fingers crossed, but as usual its all speculation at present.

Unfortunately articles like the recent Wheels one don't help Mitsubishi Australia's cause, with it finishing below a much older Commodore which is soon to be replaced.
If it was a spec versus spec comparison and it still finished below then I think thats the way it goes, but atleast give a chance by making as even and fair as possible Wheels!!!!!

I noted on this in an earlier post in another thread not that long ago. And considering the price of the models they compared it to I think that they should have atleast have used a SI 380LS or SI 380VRX if not a SII 380VRX (which in terms of what you get for the $$$$ would **** on them all!). It is an incorrect comparison as the 380 is the only base model car their, if they want to compare it they should use the model directly above base for all of them, if not, use the base model for all of them.

Load of crap really.

Regardless of the 380, I've stopped buying Wheels and Motor.
Every issue they somehow manage to put a Falcodore on the cover. Not bashing those cars but it's not like a new model is released every month. Just sick of the same old stuff.
Rather save my money, and I get all the news online anyway.

I have bought Wheels and Motor every month for the past 6 years and I desperately want to stop to save money too. But I keep seeing them gleaming on the newsagent shelf and I have to have it to add to my collection. I planned to stop buying them after the December 2005 issue and leave it at that, but now I think I will try and stop after December 2006, because of the new POCY regime that they have.

The thing I'm annoyed about is the fact that you will see the same cars tested in either issue (albeit different journos) in the one month. I used to buy Wheels for the 'average joe' cars and Motor for the 'way out of my price range' cars. But now it's too mixed and doubled up.

Anyways, that 380 review annoyed me for the same reasons already stated. But when questioned why they compared a base 380 with higher level competitors they will probably use the 'a higher model 380 wasn't available at the time of testing....' excuse.

I think motoring journalism in Australia is quite poor. You only have to compare what we get to a show like BBC's Top Gear to realise that Australian motoring journalists, are fairly lazy, biased and dry. Maybe it's because we have a smaller market for car magazines?

I think motoring journalism in Australia is quite poor. You only have to compare what we get to a show like BBC's Top Gear to realise that Australian motoring journalists, are fairly lazy, biased and dry. Maybe it's because we have a smaller market for car magazines?
Also the fact that if they bagged out a commodoore or falcon they'd lose sales...
The magazines probably assume that magna/380 owners aren't really interested in performance cars, so they dont care if they lose a couple of sales from biased reviews.

Also the fact that if they bagged out a commodoore or falcon they'd lose sales...
The magazines probably assume that magna/380 owners aren't really interested in performance cars, so they dont care if they lose a couple of sales from biased reviews.

Just about sums it up.

TOUCHDOWN :thumbsup:

The 380's biggest enemy is none other than Nathan Ponchard... Read anything that he has written about the 380 and it is less than glowing. :flame:

The 380's biggest enemy is none other than Nathan Ponchard... Read anything that he has written about the 380 and it is less than glowing. :flame:

Yeah its funny how he's name keeps popping up in regards to 380 negatives, despite all the positives from other car jurno's.
This was a car that was relatively recently voted best family car by the motoring organisations (prior to BF Falcon release of course), and it gets marked down as 4th in Wheels testing, behind 9 year old Commodore!!!!! Even if it was the base model 380 taking the mid spec models on.....
I love how they use the old line...'that appropriate model wasn't available'....if this is the case, and the cars can't be tested fairly, then don't test at all. Wait until the right models are available, it was always possible in the past. Otherwise car makers would only ever allow there best model available regardless of the test basis.....hmmm...might explain the Camry Sportivo being there:) Just annoys that they use the base model 380, and then make a point of criticising it for having to option up alloys and traction!!!!

I still hope plenty of 380 owners, and Mitsubishi fans/memebers of this site email the editor.
Only takes a couple minutes, and its the only way they will realise we aren't all naive, and can see the unfairness involved (plus shows there are plenty of Mitsu loyal Mitsu fans out there. Imagine if they had tested a Falcon XT, and Commodore Executive against a VRX....u can imagine the emails in the June edition......

The issue with Wheels is it's inconsistency above anything else.

In Nov 05 they give the 175kW VRX 3.5 stars, and the 190kW Commo SV6 2.5 stars.

In this latest nonsensical rubbish they've served up, the base 380 has more in common with the VRX (near identical mechanical package), than Commo Acclaim does with SV6 (upgraded engine, tranny etc), yet not-as-well-built older commondork beats it.

I've always been good at mathematics, was dux of the stuff in year 10 and all, but try as I might I cannot do the maths here!!!:confused:

We could even go back to Wheels' big Sep 05 review of 380, it's variants and behind the scenes. To quote: "standard 380 interior is quite classy." Followed in May 06 comparo describing the same car's interior as "...depressingly conservative..." Ooh, me have head pain, it much hurt:bash:

I just hope my letter gets published, or even lets them know about their many incompetent publishings over the last few months. The more letters/emails they get the better. It's a bloody disgrace.

I sent a letter off to them, hope they actually read it and maybe we might see some more fairness put into the reviews in future if everyone starts sending them email on this subject.

The issue with Wheels is it's inconsistency above anything else.

In Nov 05 they give the 175kW VRX 3.5 stars, and the 190kW Commo SV6 2.5 stars.

In this latest nonsensical rubbish they've served up, the base 380 has more in common with the VRX (near identical mechanical package), than Commo Acclaim does with SV6 (upgraded engine, tranny etc), yet not-as-well-built older commondork beats it.

I've always been good at mathematics, was dux of the stuff in year 10 and all, but try as I might I cannot do the maths here!!!:confused:

We could even go back to Wheels' big Sep 05 review of 380, it's variants and behind the scenes. To quote: "standard 380 interior is quite classy." Followed in May 06 comparo describing the same car's interior as "...depressingly conservative..." Ooh, me have head pain, it much hurt:bash:

I just hope my letter gets published, or even lets them know about their many incompetent publishings over the last few months. The more letters/emails they get the better. It's a bloody disgrace.


Mate. Everything you have said here is spot on but i doubt if you get a spot in the letters column. They dont like being showed up for bias and if what you wrote here is an indication of what your letter contains then they definately wont publish it! But we all know here that the big "6" test was biased beyond belief. As was said previously, how can a 9 year old design ( Commodore ) be put on a higher plane than the 380? Even though the Commodores underpinnings are VT origin they date back to the mid '80's. How can this even compete with the 380? I have driven 5 out of the 6 cars tested and while im not doubting the BF Falcons brilliance, the order would have been very different if i was running the show. By the way. I have an e-mail address of a wheels staffer if anyone wants to vent directly!

Guys

Notice how the Sonata had recieved glowing reviews every where, but got placed sixth behind a camry for crying out loud. Would choose the Sonata over the Camry anyday.

As for the 380, I think it is a great drive, but some interior aspects do dissappoint. Anybody notice the pieces of double sided tape/foam around where the Dashboard sides join the near front window pillars - and the Roof linining seems to be from the same material as the TR days. Interior could be better, particularly on the base model.

But having said that, a 380GT has more appeal than any Falcodore from my perspective.

But worried that Mitsu has been able to establish the model ahead of the new releases from Holden and Toyota.

Here is hoping the new prices will kick start it.

I sent a letter off to them, hope they actually read it and maybe we might see some more fairness put into the reviews in future if everyone starts sending them email on this subject.

good to see people emailing. Even if all don't get printed, it gives them the idea. Plus Wheels often print negatives letters to then try and justify. Would be interesting to hear their view on this one. Its funny isn't it that the VRX that beat the SV6 in wheels review last year, would have been easily within the 6 car review price bracket, even under its old pricing!!!!!
Why Camry Sportivo, but no VRX????

But its quiet easy really-

base model versus base
mid model versus mid
sports versus sports
Luxury versus luxury.

Fair and common sense approach, there will always be people unhappy with the end result, but atleast its a fair comparison!!!

Was always wheels recognised group testing, so what happen??? Why now mix and match???
As said earlier bet Hyundai is spewin too.....
For those who want to contribute the email once again is:

wheels@acpmagazines.com.au

And I agree they are totally inconsistent lately, all people ask for is consistency and fairness in these reviews, but this is severely lacking as this latest article shows.

Wheels use to be one of the better magazines for reviews, and their opinion could be valued. I'm not sure whats happen, but this doesn't seem to be the case anymore. As someone else stated wheels was always the good magazine for everyday cars, and Motor for the 'dream' about cars. (=$$$$$$$$$$$)
As mentioned lets hope everyone emails so they get some idea that readers aren't naive.
Will be interesting to hear their response..which is usually 'we stand by the placings regardless of the models used...' bit hard to sell this considering their review of commodore sv6, 380 vrx, and falcon xr6 last year!!!!!!

If it was the Falcon or Commodore that had been treated this way there would be a huge influx of emails to the editor............:rant:

I think motoring journalism in Australia is quite poor. You only have to compare what we get to a show like BBC's Top Gear to realise that Australian motoring journalists, are fairly lazy, biased and dry. Maybe it's because we have a smaller market for car magazines?

The reason for this is that all mainstream Australian Car magazines are published by www.acp.com.au (http://www.acp.com.au). When I was a teenager we had three magazines from three publishing companies offering three different perspectives: Wheels, Modern Motor & CAR Australia. I was a Modern Motor man as I liked their style (but not the editor Barry 'Holdens are always better' Lake). Nowdays to me they are all sh!t. But as there are no alternatives what can we do?

FF

I think motoring journalism in Australia is quite poor. You only have to compare what we get to a show like BBC's Top Gear to realise that Australian motoring journalists, are fairly lazy, biased and dry. Maybe it's because we have a smaller market for car magazines?
Smaller jurno's minds more like it - might explain why some (not all) are Holden biased. Take CarsGuide's Paul Gover for instance. Good bloke, but whenever there is a story on Holden, it never ceases to surprise me to see his name heading the article - it ALWAYS does. He's a little 10yo Holden fan inside.

Anyway the letter I sent to Wheels I wrote with as much caution as I felt appropriate, and tried delicately to balance my frustration at their (Nathan Ponchard's) bias whilst being calm and collected. I don't care if it's not published - so long as they read it and admit some serious squaring up is in order... any intelligent person would agree. Let's all hope to see some more appropriate material in the next issue...

Smaller jurno's minds more like it - might explain why some (not all) are Holden biased. Take CarsGuide's Paul Gover for instance. Good bloke, but whenever there is a story on Holden, it never ceases to surprise me to see his name heading the article - it ALWAYS does. He's a little 10yo Holden fan inside.

Anyway the letter I sent to Wheels I wrote with as much caution as I felt appropriate, and tried delicately to balance my frustration at their (Nathan Ponchard's) bias whilst being calm and collected. I don't care if it's not published - so long as they read it and admit some serious squaring up is in order... any intelligent person would agree. Let's all hope to see some more appropriate material in the next issue...


Yeah if they get enough emails/letters might just happen.
Here's hoping........

Mate. Everything you have said here is spot on but i doubt if you get a spot in the letters column. They dont like being showed up for bias and if what you wrote here is an indication of what your letter contains then they definately wont publish it! But we all know here that the big "6" test was biased beyond belief. As was said previously, how can a 9 year old design ( Commodore ) be put on a higher plane than the 380? Even though the Commodores underpinnings are VT origin they date back to the mid '80's. How can this even compete with the 380? I have driven 5 out of the 6 cars tested and while im not doubting the BF Falcons brilliance, the order would have been very different if i was running the show. By the way. I have an e-mail address of a wheels staffer if anyone wants to vent directly!

Whos the email staffer, and what email? Might be better then emailing the editor with all the other emails he/she gets.

the comparison was utter, nonsensical drivel.

wheels are obviously dissatisfied with the 380 (or at least that ponchard tossbag is) and all they care about is falcodores.

Wheels needs to be renamed Falcodore Monthly. I too have bought every issue for 3 years now, and id sure save myself a sh!tload of money just by visiting holden and fords website, because 99.5% of the magazines contents could be found there, for NOTHING.

And yeah, i started drafting a letter, but stopped in fear that id get too insultive and offensive towards their so called magazine.

disappointed Wheels.:doubt:

Bring back Peter Robinson... At least he had a clue unlike the biased tryhard upstart Ponchard.:headbange

wheels@acpmagazines.com.au

Out of interest how many members have emailed Wheels so far????

In Motor mag November 2005 issue David Morley actually gives the car some pretty good wraps, his final comment was

"One thing's for sure, if the 380 fails, it won't be because the car itself wasn't up to the job"

After owning one now for a few weeks I have come to the conclusion that we are battling peoples perceptions on the "Magna" replacement. Everybody I know who I have introduced to the 380 without fail have been amazed as to how well they ride, handle, perform and look, both from the outside and the inside (which has copped a constant hammering from wheels mag), these comments are from at least 20 people, some of which are LS1 formum members who I associated with when I had my LS1 Commie.

In Motor mag November 2005 issue David Morley actually gives the car some pretty good wraps, his final comment was

"One thing's for sure, if the 380 fails, it won't be because the car itself wasn't up to the job"

After owning one now for a few weeks I have come to the conclusion that we are battling peoples perceptions on the "Magna" replacement. Everybody I know who I have introduced to the 380 without fail have been amazed as to how well they ride, handle, perform and look, both from the outside and the inside (which has copped a constant hammering from wheels mag), these comments are from at least 20 people, some of which are LS1 formum members who I associated with when I had my LS1 Commie.


Well don't forget to email them with your impressions.
More people that email the better, might help them not undertake biased, and clearly unfair reviewing in the future

Out of interest how many members have emailed Wheels so far????
As soon as I read that wreched excuse for journalism I sent them an email the very next day... almost 3 pages in Word format! Though because I was pissed off at the time I probably would liked to have exluded/included/altered it a little - not least of all spelling errors!:redface:

That Ponchard is what you call the "Professional Bogan". This is a person who behaves in such a way they boast about their careers and their "alleged" wealth of auto knowledge, but also someone who believes FWD stands for "F*ck What's Dis!?":confused: They are so caught up in their own world, and are sadly encouraged by their peers who share similar interests (but know where the line is), that invariably they tend to lower their self-perceived professional stigma, and that of their professional peers - those faceless people of high influence.

As soon as I read that wreched excuse for journalism I sent them an email the very next day... almost 3 pages in Word format! Though because I was pissed off at the time I probably would liked to have exluded/included/altered it a little - not least of all spelling errors!:redface:

That Ponchard is what you call the "Professional Bogan". This is a person who behaves in such a way they boast about their careers and their "alleged" wealth of auto knowledge, but also someone who believes FWD stands for "F*ck What's Dis!?":confused: They are so caught up in their own world, and are sadly encouraged by their peers who share similar interests (but know where the line is), that invariably they tend to lower their self-perceived professional stigma, and that of their professional peers - those faceless people of high influence.

Exactly......

Ponchard has done nothing but bag the 380. He was probably responsible for the unfair way in which these cars were pitted against each other to begin with!!!!!!
Good on ya for emailing, hope plenty of other members/ mitsu fans do as well.
In the future they might make these camparo's fairer like they use to be!!!!!
This is one of the most biased, and unfair reviews I have read in any car mag yet!

another whinge session by the magna brigade.

another whinge session by the magna brigade.

Did you even read the original post??

[QUOTE=LouisK]Guys


Anybody notice the pieces of double sided tape/foam around where the Dashboard sides join the near front window pillars -




Just a note for 380 owners, Mitsi are replacing A pillar trims on all 380's showing this fault. Not a recall as such, just a warranty job, so make sure yours gets done when it's at the dealer next.

another whinge session by the magna brigade.
Don't reply to this guy. He's a class A troll.

I'm sorry i had to say it but it seems you guys are always whinging.

another whinge session by the magna brigade.

Thats right, Magna brigade. We are all talking about the 380, so not as if we are defending our own cars. lol

PS: That punchard fellow is probablly getting kick-backs from Holden and Ford to bash the 380 because they are scared of it's potential. (I have no idea if this is true :D)

I'm sorry i had to say it but it seems you guys are always whinging.

Then leave the forums.

wheels@acpmagazines.com.au[/email]

Anyone else emailed yet to say what they think of that comparison in latest wheels?
Still hoping plenty do.

R_31_Sedan needs to be barred. Obviously has no interest in Magna/380 or any Mitsubishi's, and only here to stir trouble. Amazes me that people can be bothered to enter a forum soley to do this......exciting lives I guess.

R31_Sedan needs to be barred. Obviously has no interest in Magna/380 or any Mitsubishi's, and only here to stir trouble. Amazes me that people can be bothered to enter a forum soley to do this......exciting lives I guess.

Apparently this fellow is looking for a VRX to buy.

Gotta wonder though..

Apparently this fellow is looking for a VRX to buy.

Gotta wonder though..

Well good then....might see him stop his Mitsubishi baggin:)
Thanks bain

I'm, not bagging mitsubishi i mean the magna and 380 are wonderful cars but use are whinging about what wheels have got to say, wheels is so falcon/commodore orientated. Don't worry about what they say as long as your driven it liked it over the other local sixes, thats all that matters.

I'm, not bagging mitsubishi i mean the magna and 380 are wonderful cars but use are whinging about what wheels have got to say, wheels is so falcon/commodore orientated. Don't worry about what they say as long as your driven it liked it over the other local sixes, thats all that matters.
No its not all that matters. Alot of wheels readers will now think "The 380 must be one sh!t heap" and the 380 will lose sales that it potentially deserved. It's obvious in the article (if you've read it) that they are biased against the 380. It wasn't a fair comparison and we here in the 380 forum are discussing it. Where's the problem with that?

No its not all that matters. Alot of wheels readers will now think "The 380 must be one sh!t heap" and the 380 will lose sales that it potentially deserved. It's obvious in the article (if you've read it) that they are biased against the 380. It wasn't a fair comparison and we here in the 380 forum are discussing it. Where's the problem with that?


Exactly!!!!!!!!!!! The discussion is to do with the clearly biased article. As pointed out they also contradict themselves quite a numer of times in this article. Its far from whinging, its pointing out a valid and correct issue.
This is a Mitsubishi (Magna/380) forum....would you expect anything less.

yep point taken and i am sincerly sorry about my comments.

But you have got to be happy with a base model 380 beating a Camry sportivo and Sonata!

yep point taken and i am sincerly sorry about my comments.

But you have got to be happy with a base model 380 beating a Camry sportivo and Sonata!

Yet Toyota seam to have no problem shifting Camryslol

i just dont know how they do it?????

i just dont know how they do it?????
Decades of solid, reliable cars i'd say ;).

and plus the 380 is fresh on the market and people just wanna give it a while to see how well they go. Also Toyota has a better advertising market ie they get NRL and AFL teams involved and that. Their ads are rather catchy!

and plus the 380 is fresh on the market and people just wanna give it a while to see how well they go. Also Toyota has a better advertising market ie they get NRL and AFL teams involved and that. Their ads are rather catchy!
True, i dont want to turn this into a 380 bashing thread, but they're advertising is nothing short of ridiculous. If i didn't own a magna, and wasn't part of this club, i probably wouldn't even know 1 existed :redface: .

Yet Toyota seam to have no problem shifting Camryslol
Someone may correct me on this if need be, but since the 380 was released it has outsold the V6 Camry almost every month bar I think Dec/Jan. I guess that if people have a choice between a 380 and a V6 Camry, they'd logically go 380 - better in every way. That is, unless you live in Melbourne's western suburbs and eat no #69 lemon chicken. The amount of 4 cyl Sportivos you see around there borders on comical.lol

i mean i asked my sister (shes bout 30) what car would she like (cause they were looking get a new car). And she replied a camry sportivo, holden ss and mazda6. And i asked her get a 380 and she turned around and looked at me as if i was talking a different language and sed wtf are they!

Another aspect of the problem is that with the 380 being touted as the "all new" model people are a bit reluctant to jump straight in and purchase. Many people with new model runs, regardless of manufacturer will wait till series 2 models which have all the bugs ironed out.

From what I can see there aint been too many bugs found in the 380, apart from the tacky piece of foam near the front door pilar on the dash.

Someone may correct me on this if need be, but since the 380 was released it has outsold the V6 Camry almost every month bar I think Dec/Jan. I guess that if people have a choice between a 380 and a V6 Camry, they'd logically go 380 - better in every way. That is, unless you live in Melbourne's western suburbs and eat no #69 lemon chicken. The amount of 4 cyl Sportivos you see around there borders on comical.lol

Yeah think those figure are right as far as I have read, its the four cylinder model propping Camry sale up at present with the current fuel price driven buying patterns. Though makes you wonder how much less fuel a big four cylinder engine uses in a big car, especially when loaded with passangers and luggage, compared to the 6cylinder option???? I guess alot of buyers don't ponder this though. Toyota's reputation obviously helps their sales too, they are not number one car manufacturer for nothing.
Makes you wonder how long until we see the 2.4 mivec in the 380 (as has been discussed previously, and Mitsubishi oz have hinted at as well).
Though not sure how this will go with it already being in the Lancer. Pity a fuel efficient Mitsu2.6 isn't around for Mitsubishi OZ to use.....wouldn't that be a case of 'everything old is new again':)

Back to topic....get those emails in to wheels!!!!

wheels@acpmagazines.com.au

won't matter what Mitsubishi oz do if this sort of biased, blatantly unfair wheels magazine comparison's continue!!!

wheels have always done unfair comparisons/comments about cars

wheels have always done unfair comparisons/comments about cars


As stated earlier, atleast they use to test using the standard-
base model on base
mid on mid
sports on sports
luxury on luxury.

Now its just throw anything that suits together, which is the whole point of this thread, not only unfair to 380, but also to Hyundai....sure they see the grandeur as more of a competitor for Maxima then the thousands cheaper Sonata.
(see earlier posts from everyone!!)

Motives??? Well thats open to your own theories:)

Decades of solid, reliable cars i'd say ;).
Mediocrity sells...

A big reason toyotas sell is re-sale value, look at the cost of a 5sfe, 2.2l camry from the early 90s, cost as much as a KE EI verada, it's a self fulfilling prophecy, exact opposite of the magna/380 situation. I laugh when I see the looks on peoples faces when they see the parts costs of their toyota tho :P

Matthius

True, i dont want to turn this into a 380 bashing thread, but they're advertising is nothing short of ridiculous. If i didn't own a magna, and wasn't part of this club, i probably wouldn't even know 1 existed :redface: .

It's funny though, since I bought my wife her Mitsubishi outlander ( 4 weeks ago ), we tend to notice them every where. But since I have had my 380 VRX, I have only seen two others and probably 4 or 5 standard 380's driving around, and I do around 1000km a week (perth). I know the outlander has been out longer, but everyone who I have also shown my VRX to has commented that they have never seen them on the road.

It's funny though, since I bought my wife her Mitsubishi outlander ( 4 weeks ago ), we tend to notice them every where. But since I have had my 380 VRX, I have only seen two others and probably 4 or 5 standard 380's driving around, and I do around 1000km a week (perth). I know the outlander has been out longer, but everyone who I have also shown my VRX to has commented that they have never seen them on the road.

WOW 1,000km a week! I'm lucky to do that in a month in my car (i'm a student). The Outlander's are pretty common in places, some days I see none, some days I see quite alot; nice SUV's. In Adelaide there is probably a higher % ration of Mitsubishi's then other states, hence for example today I (in mum's Verada - buying her flowers) had three in view (two of which were next to each other at the lights - they actually had a little drag off thing) all of VRX/GT formation. Very nice car's and they looking bloody awsome too.

If you ever want to sell it in a few years let me know :D

I'm, not bagging mitsubishi i mean the magna and 380 are wonderful cars but use are whinging about what wheels have got to say, wheels is so falcon/commodore orientated. Don't worry about what they say as long as your driven it liked it over the other local sixes, thats all that matters.

I believe in freedom of speech and I don't agree with calls for R31_Sedan to be banned because of his Magna/380 criticism. However I do think he/she should be banned because of their complete lack of spelling, grammer and general knowledge of constructing basic sentences. It is a waste of our time having to decipher these child-like posts. In future I think if members continue to demonstrate an inability to post legible sentences, then they should be banned until a time when they can prove otherwise. (Don't take it personally mate).

However I do agree with our intellectually challenged friend that perhaps we do give too much respect to the Wheels journalists.

I believe in freedom of speech and I don't agree with calls for R31_Sedan to be banned because of his Magna/380 criticism. However I do think he/she should be banned because of their complete lack of spelling, grammer and general knowledge of constructing basic sentences. It is a waste of our time having to decipher these child-like posts. In future I think if members continue to demonstrate an inability to post legible sentences, then they should be banned until a time when they can prove otherwise. (Don't take it personally mate).

However I do agree with our intellectually challenged friend that perhaps we do give too much respect to the Wheels journalists.
Totally agree with you there mate. Whilst Wheels do have the reputation for being the most credible and respected high-circulation motoring publication in this land, the flip side is that doesn't mean s**t when you look at their competitors.

However there are some on this forum who care a great deal about all things Mitsubishi - those who do take an interest in what so-called motoring 'critics' have to say about our favourite cars. I am in this group, and should something blatantly and unnecessarily unfavourable be written about our fine specimens of the Earth, we'll proudly wear the triple diamond on our sleeve.

Sorry to be cliche'd, but at the end of the day many people in the market for a new car do read these magazines, and take what is written in them on face value. Sadly, this is where public perception of any product stems from - the bloody media. These critics do have a say (albeit minimal) on the end of month/year sales results.

It's the ever-eternal fight for what is fair and just.

Yeah you're dead right. If Wheels say a car is a POS then a lot of would be buyers stay away from it. It p*sses me off! It's a bit like Top Gear, the English car show, Jeremy Clarkson slags off certain cars because he thinks he's being 'controversial' (a la Derren Hinch) and promotes cars that everyone else is bagging. For example one episode they did a comparison of the 350Z, the Audi TT & the Chrysler Crossfire. You will not find one single positive review of the Crossfire on the internet (well maybe on Chryslers website) yet old JC was bigging it up! Sheesh.