Taken from mitsubishi website, i know some of it is already covered, but thought you might like a read:


Yesterday the 380 was hailed as having recorded the best ever result for an Australian built passenger car in the latest round of ANCAP crash testing. Today it was considered the least expensive of all of the family cars to run.

In the ANCAP testing results announced yesterday the Mitsubishi 380 scored a solid four-star rating. It scored 15.69 out of a possible 16.0 in the side impact test, and a maximum 4.0 out of 4.0 points in three of the four tests conducted for this result (head, chest and pelvis).

The judges made mention the 'the passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test', and this is designed into the car through Mitsubishi's RISE (Realised Innovative Safety Evolution) body construction. At the same time the judges praised the 380 for its seatbelt reminders that are fitted as standard.

Today the motoring clubs released their running costs, which showed that the 380 cost virtually the same to run as a Toyota Prius hybrid (72.55 cents/ km compared to 71.87 cents/km), was cheaper to run that a Falcon or Commodore LPG (72.55 cents / km compared to 77.32 cents / km and 80.05 cents / km) respectively, and was less expensive to run than any other large family car (72.55 cents /km compared to 75.00 for Camry V6, 79.70 for Falcon and 80.25 for Commodore). Additionally it depreciated less, used less fuel, and cost less for servicing and repairs than any of the other Australian family cars.

The judges commented: 'Of the local family cars, Australia's Best Cars winner, the Mitsubishi 380, was the cheapest to run at $209.28 (per week), with this lower cost of ownership given a kick along by the recent price cut.'

'We set out to design a fundamentally excellent family car, and spent a lot of time developing the body shell and engine management systems locally, so that we knew 380 would be an internationally competitive car,' Mitsubishi's CEO, Mr Robert McEniry said.

'The ANCAP results show that the strong and rigid RISE body construction, side intrusion bars, the brake pedal that folds forward in the event of an accident, the four front and side air bags that are standard, and little touches like the standard seatbelt reminder have all contributed to this great result.

'The announcement of running costs today shows that 380 is an economical large car to operate compared to some vehicles that would be considered to be very 'green', while it also gives owners the benefits of a sporty and agile ride, a spacious interior, and a host of standard desirable features. And, it further justifies the release of the new Series 2 range with its exceptional value for money,' Mr McEniry said.

Things to note out of the aussie large cars:
-Cheapest car to run
-Best resale value - a first for mits lol!
-Safest
-Cheapest
-Car of the year for 2005
-most fuel efficient

Just a damn shame the public dont realise what a good car this is. I think it will become more popular if mitsubishi use all of the above in a great advertisement. Really show people WHY they should buy one.

Dicuss :).

This should be good for the 380. It needs this kind of review to help bring up sales! If i had the money i would deff buy one. As u said Leigh, they need to bring alot of this info into their advertising. I'm sure it would boost sales! especially if it runs almost the same as the prius (cost wise) and i'm sure you wouldn't have to pay as much as you do for the Prius! (Prius starting at $37,000!!)

Still FWD. As long as its FWD the younger people (25 - 40) will continue to choose a Commodore or Falcon because they don't care about running costs and safety. They care about fun and power.

Although it is the best car in terms of EVERYTHING out there i would still buy the BF XR6 over a VRX. However if it had 180Kw+ and rear wheel drive there's no way i would be thinking about a Commy or Falcon.


Can't want for the Toyota Aurion though. Gonna be a killer with 190kw and mayber AWD/RWD.

Still FWD. As long as its FWD the younger people (25 - 40) will continue to choose a Commodore or Falcon because they don't care about running costs and safety. They care about fun and power.

Although it is the best car in terms of EVERYTHING out there i would still buy the BF XR6 over a VRX. However if it had 180Kw+ and rear wheel drive there's no way i would be thinking about a Commy or Falcon.


Can't want for the Toyota Aurion though. Gonna be a killer with 190kw and mayber AWD/RWD.

WTF are you on about? We are in a state of time where petrol prices have hit their hit their highest levels ever recorded in this country and some predict may rise in the future and you've turned it into a RWD vs. FWD issue again. Honestly, people give more bias towards economy and running costs then RWD or FWD drivetrains; especially when considering the prive of petrol.

Although you may by a BF XR6, that is your personal choice, and going by looks, yes the Falcon is bland, but beacuse it has RWD and a decent engine (Commodores engine sucks!) you are jumping for it. The 380's engine is atleast on par if not better then Ford's engine, but due to the fact it is FWD you won't go near it. Difference is, as the 380 improves (interior and exterior wise) people will look past the fact it is FWD (and I'm sure it isn't an issue at the moment; as you know their are pleanty of issues surround MMAL and large cars) and buy it for value, running costs, fuel economy, looks and warranty before they even look at the fact it is FWD/RWD.

Aurion isn't going to be a RWD. It is going to be FWD, but, an AWD version maybe available in the future (the Aurion Sportivo should be AWD; fingers crossed).

I know you, and a lot of people have a dislike to FWD for your own reasons, but, as I don't know how you drive I really can't say that a RWD would or wouldn't benefit you. Let's just say if MMAL continue making a profit and 380 sales surge beyong 2,000+ a month and they release a MIVEC AWD version next year, do you honestly think that every young (25-40) person who was looking to buy a Falcon/Commodore would buy it? I think not.

When fuel prices are going up, an AWD wouldn't be the best option. BUT! If MMAL does rocket with its sales a driver selectable 'Active' 2WD/4WD/LOCK system as in the Outlander would do the car well and would allow the driver to select as to whether they wanted economy or additional traction. LOL.. you can only dream!

Out of curiousity, what is everyone's obsession with RWD's? I've owned all types, and can honestly not fathom why you would want a RWD car if the FWD car can handle to the same ability if not better. Alot safer too imo. Dont tell me its the burnout attraction :doubt: I seriosuly doubt people who strictly want a RWD make up a large segment of the prospective purchaser market. In my books, the 380 is playing catch up due to its looks and clash of fanboy culture in the family 6's market.

While the 380 is leading in some areas over the other large cars like safety and running costs, its not by much. The falcon/commodore pair offer a lot more models and have a bit of appeal to them. The 380 in comparison looks very bland.

As for the FWD/RWD argument, I personally dont care either way but RWD does have its advantages. Better weight distribution, less wear on front brakes and tyres, cheaper repairs, better traction, no torque steer etc.

WTF are you on about? We are in a state of time where petrol prices have hit their hit their highest levels ever recorded in this country and some predict may rise in the future and you've turned it into a RWD vs. FWD issue again. Honestly, people give more bias towards economy and running costs then RWD or FWD drivetrains; especially when considering the prive of petrol.

Although you may by a BF XR6, that is your personal choice, and going by looks, yes the Falcon is bland, but beacuse it has RWD and a decent engine (Commodores engine sucks!) you are jumping for it. The 380's engine is atleast on par if not better then Ford's engine, but due to the fact it is FWD you won't go near it. Difference is, as the 380 improves (interior and exterior wise) people will look past the fact it is FWD (and I'm sure it isn't an issue at the moment; as you know their are pleanty of issues surround MMAL and large cars) and buy it for value, running costs, fuel economy, looks and warranty before they even look at the fact it is FWD/RWD.

Aurion isn't going to be a RWD. It is going to be FWD, but, an AWD version maybe available in the future (the Aurion Sportivo should be AWD; fingers crossed).

I know you, and a lot of people have a dislike to FWD for your own reasons, but, as I don't know how you drive I really can't say that a RWD would or wouldn't benefit you. Let's just say if MMAL continue making a profit and 380 sales surge beyong 2,000+ a month and they release a MIVEC AWD version next year, do you honestly think that every young (25-40) person who was looking to buy a Falcon/Commodore would buy it? I think not.

When fuel prices are going up, an AWD wouldn't be the best option. BUT! If MMAL does rocket with its sales a driver selectable 'Active' 2WD/4WD/LOCK system as in the Outlander would do the car well and would allow the driver to select as to whether they wanted economy or additional traction. LOL.. you can only dream!


Yes people are concerned with petrol prices but that does not stop them buying Falcons and commodores and even camry does it?

Out of curiousity, what is everyone's obsession with RWD's? I've owned all types, and can honestly not fathom why you would want a RWD car if the FWD car can handle to the same ability if not better. Alot safer too imo. Dont tell me its the burnout attraction :doubt: I seriosuly doubt people who strictly want a RWD make up a large segment of the prospective purchaser market. In my books, the 380 is playing catch up due to its looks and clash of fanboy culture in the family 6's market.


well you NEED a rwd car so you can go drifting. you know everyone that has a ford or holden loves drifting. i mean im sure my dad goes drifting on the way to work. :bowrofl: :bowrofl:

just a small amount of people think its better

The main points i'm seeing out of RWD lovers is :
Does cool burnouts bro
can handle 200kw+
Good skids bro.
Which makes up what, 5% of car buyers, if that.
I do think the 380 needs to make it's image better, it needs to tell people that its better in those aspects than its competitors (even if its marginally, its still better).

Out of curiousity, what is everyone's obsession with RWD's? I've owned all types, and can honestly not fathom why you would want a RWD car if the FWD car can handle to the same ability if not better. Alot safer too imo. Dont tell me its the burnout attraction :doubt: I seriosuly doubt people who strictly want a RWD make up a large segment of the prospective purchaser market. In my books, the 380 is playing catch up due to its looks and clash of fanboy culture in the family 6's market.

In the dry there is not much difference between the RWD and FWD (unless you are going through corners at ten 10ths).

In the wet there is a BIG difference. One can't steer the rear of a FWD car with the throttle pedal.

FF

In the dry there is not much difference between the RWD and FWD (unless you are going through corners at ten 10ths).

In the wet there is a BIG difference. One can't steer the rear of a FWD car with the throttle pedal.

FF

Hadn't seen you here in a while FF. I hope your signature is not the sign of things to come :cry: Have you got some news?

FF What is your signature about man?? Hopefully everything's alright for ya, havn't seen ya on here in ages so I just hope your ok.

I'd rather steer a front driver through a wet corner. I'm just careful on approach but once I'm past the apex I feed the power in and it's sweet as. Personal preference though of course and also depends on the FWD car.

As for the FWD/RWD argument, I personally dont care either way but RWD does have its advantages. Better weight distribution, less wear on front brakes and tyres, cheaper repairs, better traction, no torque steer etc.


Thats what RWD is about. Not about drifting. Talk about better towing power from falcon and commodores. I was not about drifting.

Thats what RWD is about. Not about drifting. Talk about better towing power from falcon and commodores. I was not about drifting.
So your argument is, that just because the 380 is;

- Cheapest family car to run
- Best resale value
- Safest
- Cheapest
- Car of the year for 2005
- Most fuel efficient
- Best warranty

The RWD Falcodores are better because they can tow better? You're insulting everyones intelligence with your narrowminded opinions. Sure, they are better at towing, but the 380 is better at everything else. Small minded opinions like "RWD falcodores are better because they're RWD" is exactly why the 380 doesn't sell the volumes it should, and exactly the kinda mentality and idiocy that stop it being a successful car in this country. You are hurting yourself and degrading your own intelligence by being so naive and narrowminded.

Ok, enough of that. This isn't another RWD v FWD thread, so let's just not mention that again in this thread. This thread is about the Mitsubishi 380's latest accolades. My dad is hell bent on getting a Toyota Prius cause it gets 4.6L/100. I showed him these recent studies showing the 380 is as cheap to run as the Prius and he was dumbfounded saying "How the hell could that be?" Keep up the good work Mitsubishi. Makers of the best unknown car in Australia today.

I forgot to add to the list, it has the best factory backed warranty.
Disciple i agree with what you're saying, how people can say, it cant tow as good as a falcon so it must be crap, is a pretty silly argument.

I forgot to add to the list, it has the best factory backed warranty.
Disciple i agree with what you're saying, how people can say, it cant tow as good as a falcon so it must be crap, is a pretty silly argument.
I added the warranty part to my post. :)

So with a VX sitting up my **** coming into a round about, I flatten the pedal half way through then throw the auto back into 1st manually and leave the VX spinning sideways up Broadhurst Ave Resevior as I start slowing down for the next roundabout and I do it again. I stop at the lights cause they are red at the Lakeside Drv intersection to turn right and he then pulls in beside me to turn left well after I have pulled up.

The VX Driver see's it's a girl in a Magna 3.5 that just showed him the way. He can't look and turns left with the arrow spinning his wheels as he goes.

FWD Vs RWD... if you don't know how to drive a FWD. LEARN!

haha FWD owns RWD through roundabouts!

Ok, enough of that. This isn't another RWD v FWD thread, so let's just not mention that again in this thread. This thread is about the Mitsubishi 380's latest accolades. My dad is hell bent on getting a Toyota Prius cause it gets 4.6L/100. I showed him these recent studies showing the 380 is as cheap to run as the Prius and he was dumbfounded saying "How the hell could that be?" Keep up the good work Mitsubishi. Makers of the best unknown car in Australia today.

There was an article in Thursday's Mercury that compared the running cost per week of cars based on owning them for 5 year period. The costs included petrol usuage, depreciation on prchase price, registration, insurance, tyres and servicing. The 380 was slightly worse at $209 a week compared to the prius at $207. The 380 was the cheapest of the large car section, besting even the V6 camry at $216 a week.

Yes people are concerned with petrol prices but that does not stop them buying Falcons and commodores and even camry does it?

Camry's FWD...you just shot your theory in the foot.

I'd also like to ask why are you even on this site if this is your opinion? People like you should just leave.

There was an article in Thursday's Mercury that compared the running cost per week of cars based on owning them for 5 year period. The costs included petrol usuage, depreciation on prchase price, registration, insurance, tyres and servicing. The 380 was slightly worse at $209 a week compared to the prius at $207. The 380 was the cheapest of the large car section, besting even the V6 camry at $216 a week.
Yes, thank you. This is the article I was basing my statement on, so thank you for that. As you can all see, the 380 is fantastic value for money. It's hard to believe it's almost as cheap to run as a Prius!

Ah how grateful I am to see the last few posts on this thread display a higher level of intelligence and ON TOPIC banter than previous posts.

Funny isn't it - with running costs and all - how many people out there would be surprised that 380 costs a miniscule $2 more to run per week than Prius? Answer: EVERYONE.

Yes, let us all save PETROL money by getting SMALLER 4 cyl cars with LESS performance and LESS space coz I HATE spending money at the fuel bowser, but I LOVE spending money at the counter when I get spare parts for my car and servicing etc.:roll:

This is time for MMAL to act, dammit! New advertising and marketing campaign showing that for the cost of an extra cup of coffee a week our multi award winning 380 gets you:

1) MORE space
2) MORE performance
3) BETTER handling
4) an AUSSIE car
4) BETTER resale value - OMG this means you SAVE MONEY - no way! You're sh!ting me!
5) MORE FUN! Err, YAY!!!:dancin:

Let's get a 380 honey, after all why should we ultimately spend more for less?

Even though the 380 has done well in all these awards, it really could have done better at a minimal cost to MMAL.

1. It should have curtain airbags as standard, all the research has been done for the US Galants, why haven't MMAL used this and integrated them. Having the curtain airbags would (from what I've read from ANCAP and various independent sources) have given the 380 a 5 star rating.

2. MIVEC 3.8 at least on the upper models. This head has been developed, again why aren't MMAL using it :rant: ! A MIVEC head would not only give more power but better emmisions and lower consumption. At the moment people seem overly worried about fuel consumption. 1 or 2 less litres per 100km really isn't saving you that much money people:nuts:

If MMAL were to do these 2 things and do some decent advertising I really couldn't see why they wouldn't have a fair sales increase.

Camry's FWD...you just shot your theory in the foot.

I'd also like to ask why are you even on this site if this is your opinion? People like you should just leave.



:gtfo:

:gtfo:

Alright then...

Alright then...
Check mate KB :bowrofl: :bowrofl: :bowrofl:

Yes people are concerned with petrol prices but that does not stop them buying Falcons and commodores and even camry does it?


er yes it does.

The large-car segment slipped by 17.6 per cent in May compared with the same month last year. However, some individual models showed larger declines, the Toyota Camry V6 fell by 26 per cent, Ford Falcon by 25.4 per cent and the Holden Commodore by 16 per cent.

Why do u think that has happened?

I wish I could afford a 380, or even convince mum or dad to buy one so I get to drive it on weekends!

For sales to really take of mitsu needs to get a better reputation, the whole "ricer" and "fully sick evo bro" image isn't doing them any good! A stronger advertising campain couldn't hurt either!

er yes it does.

The large-car segment slipped by 17.6 per cent in May compared with the same month last year. However, some individual models showed larger declines, the Toyota Camry V6 fell by 26 per cent, Ford Falcon by 25.4 per cent and the Holden Commodore by 16 per cent.

Why do u think that has happened?
He's been banned now, so he can't reply obviously. I see your point tho man, he really had no idea from what I could gather. It's true tho, the trend is heading away from larger 6 cyl family cars to smaller 4 cyl cars so people can save their $5 a week on petrol.

He's been banned now, so he can't reply obviously. I see your point tho man, he really had no idea from what I could gather. It's true tho, the trend is heading away from larger 6 cyl family cars to smaller 4 cyl cars so people can save their $5 a week on petrol.

so true.....then they blow it on smokes or booze:doubt:

']so true.....then they blow it on smokes or booze:doubt:
Haha, yeah. I mean take for example the 380 vs a Toyota Rav 4 (I use the Rav 4 because a lady at my missus' work just traded in a Lancer on one, and also her mum wants to get one) Anyway, according to redbook, the 380 uses 11.4l/100 combined cycle, and the Rav 4 uses 9.1L/100 combined cycle.

Say you're averaging 500kms per week, and petrol is $1.30/L. Then you can do the math...

380: 11.4 x 5 = 57 x 1.3 = $74.10

Rav 4: 9.1 x 5 = 45.5 x 1.3 = $59.15

Saving of $14.95 per week, or $777.40 per year.

This is purely only fuel costs. As was seen in the recent study the 380 is a very cheap car to run and maintain. Not to mention the 380 is $4k cheaper to buy to start with. Take that $4k and divide it by $777.40, and it'll take you more than 5 years to start getting ahead. By then the 380 is already payed off.

One thing that these results havn't really acknologed is out of warranty repairs. The test were based on a 5-year-ownership of each of the vehicles and they don't acknologe the fact that the Falcon, Commodore or Camry don't have this.

The researcher's of this article should look into the average figure of out of warranty repair costs for the 4th and 5th year of owner ship and add this to the weekly cost of owning each vehicle. Because the 380 would be in warranty for these whole 5 years the 380's result wouldn't change and would probably make it even cheaper in comparison with competitors cars.

Bloody good news about this data as well is that if people are sooo concerned about fuel costs (hence the switch to more economical/smaller vehicles), if MMAL used this data and all the other data/results/awards given to the 380 and put it in an advertisement then they could really influence the public on purchasing descisions.

Good news for MMAL about oposing cars fuel consumption is that the all new VE commodore (bottom of range) Omega is still only gonna have non-tiptronic 4 speed auto, hence, fuel consumption won't be too much better then VZ and considering the fact that the test of fuel consumption is usually represented by the volume selling model (which is the base model) the 380 will have an edge over the all new VE when its released.

Even though the 380 has done well in all these awards, it really could have done better at a minimal cost to MMAL.

1. It should have curtain airbags as standard, all the research has been done for the US Galants, why haven't MMAL used this and integrated them. Having the curtain airbags would (from what I've read from ANCAP and various independent sources) have given the 380 a 5 star rating.

2. MIVEC 3.8 at least on the upper models. This head has been developed, again why aren't MMAL using it :rant: ! A MIVEC head would not only give more power but better emmisions and lower consumption. At the moment people seem overly worried about fuel consumption. 1 or 2 less litres per 100km really isn't saving you that much money people:nuts:

If MMAL were to do these 2 things and do some decent advertising I really couldn't see why they wouldn't have a fair sales increase.
They'd have done all this had they had the necessary funds and resources. Because MMAL no longer build engines at Lonsdale (:rant:) they source their engines from Japan, so they more or less have to wait (to put it simply). There will be a 190kW or thereabouts engine in sports models from early-mid next year (barring the unforeseen) but even that I don't think will be a MIVEC.

But MMAL certainly are responsible for the advertising and marketing of 380 (or significant lack thereof to date:rant:).

er yes it does.

The large-car segment slipped by 17.6 per cent in May compared with the same month last year. However, some individual models showed larger declines, the Toyota Camry V6 fell by 26 per cent, Ford Falcon by 25.4 per cent and the Holden Commodore by 16 per cent.

Why do u think that has happened?
And didn't the 380 actually GAIN sales in the same month?

They'd have done all this had they had the necessary funds and resources. Because MMAL no longer build engines at Lonsdale (:rant:) they source their engines from Japan, so they more or less have to wait (to put it simply). There will be a 190kW or thereabouts engine in sports models from early-mid next year (barring the unforeseen) but even that I don't think will be a MIVEC.

But MMAL certainly are responsible for the advertising and marketing of 380 (or significant lack thereof to date:rant:).
Yeah it's a pity though that the initial design didn't use the MIVEC head on it, are there any current MMC cars that are using the 3.8 MIVEC? At least the power is going to be upped on the sports models. About bloody time!

I understand that they are having money issues at MMAL, but it just frustrates me that they could have an awesome car that could easily dominate the aussie market and could easily be sold in the euro RHD countries. All it needs is integration of technology that MMC already has. GRRRR. If only MMC would see that it could use the SA plant to produce a large sedan, not just for the OZ market but also for the RHD euro market. :disgusted

Yeah it's a pity though that the initial design didn't use the MIVEC head on it, are there any current MMC cars that are using the 3.8 MIVEC? At least the power is going to be upped on the sports models. About bloody time!

I understand that they are having money issues at MMAL, but it just frustrates me that they could have an awesome car that could easily dominate the aussie market and could easily be sold in the euro RHD countries. All it needs is integration of technology that MMC already has. GRRRR. If only MMC would see that it could use the SA plant to produce a large sedan, not just for the OZ market but also for the RHD euro market. :disgusted
The American Mitsubishi Ralliart Galant comes with the 3.8L MIVEC which produces 258BHP standard (193kW) I agree with everything you say too. Who knows, maybe next year. MMAL needs to get an AWD platform going ASAP. Couple AWD with the 3.8L MIVEC, do some work to the MIVEC and you could easily have a NA 220kW AWD Ralliart.

The American Mitsubishi Ralliart Galant comes with the 3.8L MIVEC which produces 258BHP standard (193kW) I agree with everything you say too. Who knows, maybe next year. MMAL needs to get an AWD platform going ASAP. Couple AWD with the 3.8L MIVEC, do some work to the MIVEC and you could easily have a NA 220kW AWD Ralliart.

Fk. Now that'd be one fine car. What annoys me is that (as you have noted) MMC have these resources available to them, but make it hard for MMAL to get access to them. If they could eventually get an AWD platform on the 380 (let's just say the next Gen 380) with the newer version of the MIVEC3.8, 6 Speed Auto & 6 Speed manual available, 19" Stock Rims, decent rear wing, LED taillights, Bi-Xenon Headlights, better dash, better bodkit, 220kw, Driver Selectable AWD system, ESP+Curtain Airbags and price it at $55k, it'd be one car that would truely have a competitve edge on any other Australian branded car.

For now know MMAL need to make more profit. They have made one dividend payment from operating profit in May, now lets just hope these payments continue and MMAL always makes profit in the future and that the amount of profit earned dramatically increases; then maybe, some of these awsome possiblity's with the 380 may become reality.

I think you'll find the higher performance stuff will filter into the 380 production lines given time. At the moment they will be just trying to recoup development costs, and concentrate on building a good reliable car, which we all know they can do.
Changing heads may seem simple, but there's the whole rigmarole of getting emissions approval etc on that, not just a simple head and computer swap.
Besides, if they introduce these things one at a time over a few years, it gives them things to advertise, to keep the 380 name fresh.
I loved that whole FWD argument..I used to think like that when I was young and dumb. Now I know how to actually drive a car, it's not an issue. Anyone "steering" a car in the wet with throttle is eventually asking for trouble anyway. How many Magnas/380's you seen with damaged quarter panels, due to hitting a pole compared to Falcodores? The only time I ever need RWD is for serious towing, and who does that? Less than 5% of the population with family cars. I still can't believe there is a market for large V8 cehicles, when these smaller sixes are so competitive, and fuel is so damn expensive. I look at the bogans up here in hotted up V8 Commies and just shake my head. Surely they are paying $150 a week for fuel the way they drive! Don't get me wrong, I love V8's, but I got out of them when fuel hit 90c a litre.......
Let the simple bogans keep their inefficient barges, it keeps used Magnas nice and affordable!
Used Magnas, twice the car at half the price.

Regards, Andrew.

:stoopid:
Exactly, nearly everyone i speak to who owns a magna and nearly everyone i know who i've told i only paid $12k for my 2002, with 50k kms was just like :shock:. They couldn't believe that such a great car is so cheap. But hey, i dont mind, cheap and reliable cars for us = :D.

Everyone who is criticsing MMAL for not pushing the 380 harder, or putting a more powerful engine in it, or AWD'ng it...

Forgets one thing.

MMAL have no money.

Yeah I think the next person (ie bogan) who has a winge about 380 not having AWD, not being RWD, not having a Boeing wing tip, not having this or that, should be BANNED! Bloody go back to 20 years ago when arguing the RWD vs FWD debate actually had merrit.

Hah! The only reason I haven't bought a 380 or 2 (or 3 or 4 etc) is coz I cant afford it (yet). It's a 2WD car that has handling characteristics of AWD.

I like 380's.:)


Edit: yay 250th post!

Yeah I think the next person (ie bogan) who has a winge about 380 not having AWD, not being RWD, not having a Boeing wing tip, not having this or that, should be BANNED! Bloody go back to 20 years ago when arguing the RWD vs FWD debate actually had merrit.

Hah! The only reason I haven't bought a 380 or 2 (or 3 or 4 etc) is coz I cant afford it (yet). It's a 2WD car that has handling characteristics of AWD.

I like 380's.


Edit: yay 250th post!

I agree. I am sick of the whole OMG it's FWD so it sucks; RWD is better argument. FWD sedans have appeard in Australia in large quantities since 1985 and have only improved over time. What gets to me is when someone not having a clue about FWD/RWD is going to buy a 380/Magna/Camry and they get told by a mate "Don't get FWD they suck, use more fuel and you can't do burnouts get a Holden instead" honestly wtf? It's not the issue of it being FWD, it's the brand that bothers people. It really annoys me because Mitsubishi now produce products which are superior to other brands products. If Holden's VE was FWD, yeah people would whinge about it on forums, but fleets/private sales would generally not be affected as more and more people who buy the cars would realise it really makes no difference (if its RWD or FWD).

Good to see (like me) you also have the intentions of one day buying a 380. I agree in saying its handling characteristics are good and it's a very valid point that it handles like an AWD.

Congrats on your 250th post VeradaBoy!!! :D :dancin: :D

Everyone who is criticsing MMAL for not pushing the 380 harder, or putting a more powerful engine in it, or AWD'ng it...

Forgets one thing.

MMAL have no money.

I think the fact that they don't market it WELL is more the criticism everyone makes.

I think the fact that they don't market it WELL is more the criticism everyone makes.

i think its a case of not showing all ur cars right away ... mitsu have openly admitted the engine has much more potential that what its current engine power rating is ...

i think they are gauging the popularity of the 380 and taking it from there ...i think sooner or later there will be a quite powerfull ralliart version of the 380 in store .. i mean didnt they cvlaim if u change up the zorst system it break 190 at the fly easily ? ... and they also said the engine has been designed to it can be facotry turbo'd in the future ... so who knows really ?> .... lol i sure dont

^^^Errrrm yeeeeaaah :confused:
Anyhow, the main issue is probably the poor marketing that mitsu is using. Has anyone else seen the new ad for it? Like one of those games where you move squares into a blank space to make a picture. It's one of the most blandest ads ever! :rant:

Also the problem is that MMC, as well as most of the japanese car manufacturers, don't think globally. The 380 should be mitsu's global large car. The SA plant should be producing all of the RHD variants and the US should be producing all of the LHD variants(galant). Also an AWD model could be possible using an AWD platform and drivetrain imported from the states. It just ****s me that MMAL could have a car that is even better than the 380. It ****s me more though that all they need is a decent advertising campaign:rant:

It wouldn't suprise me if they have a long term contract with a marketing firm, and this is as good as it gets for Mitsubishi at the moment.

Meanwhile the new 380 ad which people are making comments on is straight down to the point - the features that the car has, and the advantages the car has over the other current three.

Sure it's got no soul, but as can be seen, "driving for the soul" ads can be a hit and miss. The ad for the BA Falcon when released of a BA driving through the Queenstown wilderness in NZ to New Order's Slow Jam song worked.

The MMAL copy of the BA concept ad with the smiling git driving the GT around the Victorian wilderness and the SA desert, while construction workers laid road didn't.

But then again, Mitsubishi's marketing has taken the focused cost leader direction with the 380, akin to JB Hifi - to be the cheapest large car on the Australian market without compromising the options list.

It wouldn't suprise me if they have a long term contract with a marketing firm, and this is as good as it gets for Mitsubishi at the moment.

Meanwhile the new 380 ad which people are making comments on is straight down to the point - the features that the car has, and the advantages the car has over the other current three.

Sure it's got no soul, but as can be seen, "driving for the soul" ads can be a hit and miss. The ad for the BA Falcon when released of a BA driving through the Queenstown wilderness in NZ to New Order's Slow Jam song worked.

The MMAL copy of the BA concept ad with the smiling git driving the GT around the Victorian wilderness and the SA desert, while construction workers laid road didn't.

But then again, Mitsubishi's marketing has taken the focused cost leader direction with the 380, akin to JB Hifi - to be the cheapest large car on the Australian market without compromising the options list.

And that has worked well for Mitsubishi in the past, so why would they do otherwise?
It's not really aimed at cars with soul, it's a family sedan, built to appeal to as many people as possible, and do as many things for as many different people as possible. If you want soul in this sort of car, you have to bolt it on or pay the factory another $10 K to do it.
I am disappointed there is no wagon though, many industry people are saying wagons are dead, but I wonder if they are dead, or if the industry are kiling them off? Sure, at the moment 4wds are being bought when people want a wagon, but that is changing at this moment as fuel prices bite hard.
None of this is personal attack, just discussion!

Regards, Andrew.

The only problem with the initial "love the road" campaign was that they showed too much bloody road. I've got a 380 promotional DVD and watched it again last night - made me cringe. 380 GT looks great in it from limited air time, but one could be forgiven for thinking the ad was for VicRoads. New ads aren't great, but yeah straight to the point.

But as for some other points discussed:

> MMAL have conceded that the current FWD chassis cannot handle much more than 200kW without comproming handling and the overall dynamic supremacy the current 380 has, and the current auto transmission cannot handle much more than 220kW (again without compromise), although a 6sp auto is in the pipeline...
> AWD won't happen any time soon barring the unforeseeable future... (but we all should pray :pray:)
> According to my sources MMAL have their own inhouse "marketing team". Employed by MMAL, most members of this "team" have other significant roles within the company, from WRC PR work to engineering. Translation? No money :(

And that has worked well for Mitsubishi in the past, so why would they do otherwise? They have slipped from number 4 to 5-6 in yearly sales in recent years. I don't think it's the cars. I think it's the marketing, collapse of distribution channels (how many mitsubishi dealers remain as compaired to a decade ago?), poor after sales experience (might be backed by warranty, but you still have to fight an abnoxious service advisor), poor resale across the range (okay the cars, but what causes poor resale = perceptions and value).


It's not really aimed at cars with soul, it's a family sedan, built to appeal to as many people as possible, and do as many things for as many different people as possible. If you want soul in this sort of car, you have to bolt it on or pay the factory another $10 K to do it. IMHO Mazda 6 and Mazda 3 have soul, Accord Euro has soul, Golf has soul, quite a few of the family car's have soul. I hesitate at saying the Maxima has soul, but it has an awesome interior. What I mean by soul is a car that inspires emotions in the market, not just another large car (or another xyz) for the sake of being a large car (or xyz).


None of this is personal attack, just discussion! Thats fine.

and the current auto transmission cannot handle much more than 220kW (again without compromise), although a 6sp auto is in the pipeline... I was 99% certain that the 5sp auto Invecs II is the same gearbox as the auto gearbox in the Evolution 7/8/9 GTA in Japan, hence shouldnt have such a problem.

I was 99% certain that the 5sp auto Invecs II is the same gearbox as the auto gearbox in the Evolution 7/8/9 GTA in Japan, hence shouldnt have such a problem.
haha that's exactly what I thought until I spoke to a RalliArt bloke at this year's melbourne int motor show. When asking about the 380's PS41 platform's AWD and output potential, he said, to my amusement (amongst other things), that whilst it shares parts with the Evo (I didn't know the Jap Evo 8/9 GTA had an auto???:confused: ), it is a different design with different ratios etc. I then explained that Sprintex have acheived just under 240kW on an example with the Invecs II, to which he replies "that's why it's not covered by Mitsu's factory warranty" etc :roll:

Strange, but I took his word for it.

IMHO Mazda 6 and Mazda 3 have soul
Yeah the ads for these cars, especially the 6's are very good. You will remember the ad. Mitsu really need to do something drastic I reakon. They need to do an ad that will be 'shocking' and get pulled off the air in a matter of a week or so. Cause some controversy. Like the 'Where the bloody hell are ya?' ad campaign. That was extremely succesful due to the amount of free coverage it got from tv, radio, papers, internet etc. Or something like the very first magna ad with a magna smashing through a big plate of glass. They need to lose the conservative feel.:rant:

edit: yeah the evo 7/8/9 came out with the INVECS II box in europe and possibly the states

forget it, mist did a lemon, no one gives a flying **** about the 380, they choose a bad option to go with a big six, sure there will always be a need for em, but if the crappy corolla is out selling everything, then that should of sent alarm bells ringing about the way the market is shifting

forget it, mist did a lemon, no one gives a flying **** about the 380, they choose a bad option to go with a big six, sure there will always be a need for em, but if the crappy corolla is out selling everything, then that should of sent alarm bells ringing about the way the market is shifting
Which is ****ing stupid if you ask me, corollas dont really use THAT much less fuel than a large car (maybe 1-2L/100km less MAX).
Corollas are pretty heavy aren't they? My mums corolla weighs 1.5 tonne, more than my TR did.

i know, the 380 leaves the corolla for dead, i don't like small cars, but its the way the market is heading, my mum is gonna buy a 380 when she has had enough of her car now ( magna tf, solar edition)

forget it, mist did a lemon, no one gives a flying **** about the 380, they choose a bad option to go with a big six, sure there will always be a need for em, but if the crappy corolla is out selling everything, then that should of sent alarm bells ringing about the way the market is shifting
Mate I know it's just your opinion but that's a pretty negative statement there. Besides, Corolla (agreed it is ordinary compared to others in its class) only started outselling the falcodores last year.

The 380, as well as the VE Commo, were signed of YEARS before the rise and rise of petrol prices and the surge in sales of smaller fuel sipping cramped little buzzboxes; and at the time (in 2002) building a large 6 cylinder sedan range was the logical option, for both MMAL AND Holden.

Obviously now, within the deepest of caverns at MMAL, there are plans to introduce a 4 cylinder option for 380, due by 2008... Why? Because they NOW have the foresight and market knowledge to proceed with such a development. Also Holden have reacted to the current crisis by being heavily in development of a diesel engine for Commo, due in the not-too-distant future.

So too the next-gen Falcon, also due in 2008, will no doubt consist of more than just 6- and 8-cylinder petrol engines. If not then hybrid and cylinder deactivation technology would also come under consideration for all manufacturers.

Mate 380 ain't no lemon. All critics unanimously agree it's a fantastically engineered vehicle, and along with the BF Falcon is the best driving range of Aussie built cars in history. Over the next couple of months though we'll see how VE Commo and Aurion fare. 380's problem has nothing to do with it's engineering prowess, or how it drives. There are 3 main reasons, 1 of which has already been sorted:

1) Pricing (fixed)
2) Styling (yet to be fixed)
3) Brand image (yet to be fixed)

Styling is no issue and can be sorted in the very near future - and won't cost a bundle either. Brand image, including the permanent cloud of doubt the public has over its future will be much harder to shake.

MMAL have made only one mistake with the 380, and that was lucklustre advertising and marketing. All other issues with the 380, from pricing, styling (excluding VRX/GT), funding, brand image, and a lack of more powerful engines, has stemmed from those incompetent fools running MMC in Japan. That is really disappointing and must frustrate the hell out of MMAL.

It'll be hard, but I have faith that if things improve, and MMAL keep pushing, we'll see the 380 succeed (at the very least to the extent that it will last it's entire model span to 2011 and possibly beyond). All they have to do is believe, and repeat a profound 10 X 2-letter word sentence (refer to sig), and anything could happen... :)

hmmm, yea, i understand what your saying

but they should of fixed the styling before it went off the production line, and the brand image problem can't be fixed over night,

all well, i don't think the new holden posses much threat really

hmmm, yea, i understand what your saying

but they should of fixed the styling before it went off the production line,

Jeez, I just don't understand the fuss about the styling. The GT/VRX has a very Euro flavour which is completely different from the previous series. They look great; even better when lowered. I agree that the base 380 is very bland.
My current drive is a KE Verada in dark blue. It looks a lot more agressive on the road to a 380 but also is showing it's age in the slab sided heavy looking styling.
The 380 GT/VRX styling is lighter which goes with how it drives. It's handling is a revelation compared to the old series.
I'm really surprised a lot of members haven't warmed to the car. It has heaps of potential.
Maybe MM really does need to do a cooker limited exterior pak to fire people up.

To me, it doesn't worry me that it won't intimidate an Xr6 or SS; they'll be that more surprised when I drive around them on the outside lane through a tight set.

To me, it doesn't worry me that it won't intimidate an Xr6 or SS; they'll be that more surprised when I drive around them on the outside lane through a tight set.

Couldnt have said it better myself. Just ask the bloke in the late model LS1 powered Stato the day after I purchased the 380.....LOVE the Canberra roundabouts...:bowrofl: