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By
EWAN KENNEDY
16 July 2007
Mitsubishi has upgraded its 380 family car to Series III
format, with a mild facelift and higher levels of equipment.
A new model, the Mitsubishi 380 GTL, is based on the normal GT,
but with luxury appointments such as a sunroof and a black/stone
interior, as well as chromed details on the bootlid and
tail-lights. The alloy wheels are finished in silver paint. These
changes give the 380 GTL a sports-luxury look and this model is
aimed at the driver who is less interested in the full-on sports
effect of the GT and more in the finer things in life. The 380 GTL’s
price is $44,990, the same as that for the standard 380 GT.
There are also a couple of special 380 models, one of which,
the Fusion Burst has a radical colour scheme both inside and out.
Mitsubishi 380 Fusion Burst is done in a flaming orange paint,
with trim that’s equally startling in its looks. Definitely a
car for the extroverts as the semi-sporting 380 styling really
benefits from this standout treatment.
The Fusion Burst is based on the 380 VRX and as well as the hot
colour treatment also has a standard sunroof. It is priced at a
pretty reasonable $38,990, which is the same as the standard VRX
with automatic transmission. For some odd reason, this gaudiest of
all Mitsubishi 380 models isn’t offered with the manual gearbox.
Mitsubishi 380 in its Series II iteration was voted the
"most affordable family car" by Australia's motoring
associations in both 2006 and 2007, and the new Series III looks
all-but certain to retain that handy title, thanks to an even
greater number of standard features that come in with minimal
price rises.
The entry level 380 ES now has the safety of traction control
as standard, there's a new design of front bumper, foglamps are
standard, revised alloy wheels look good and there are sporty
looking chromed rims on the instrument dials. Yet the Mitsubishi
380 ES sells for only $28,990 with a manual gearbox, and $30,990
with a high-tech five-speed automatic transmission.
Even better news is the limited edition Mitsubishi 380 ES
Sports. It has a rear wing, 17-inch alloy wheels, firmer
suspension, a sunroof and is wired for Bluetooth connectivity. All
this for no extra charge over the normal 380 ES as listed above.
Fitting traction control to the ES means it’s now on all
models in the 380 range. However, full ESP (electronic stability
program) won’t be installed until the next update of the model.
Timing is yet to be announced, but we expect that car will arrive
early to mid 2008.
Mechanically, the Mitsubishi 380 Series III is unchanged, still
having the same highly-regarded 3.8-litre V6 engine that develops
175 kW and 343 Nm. The engine is one of the smoothest in the
business and existing owners say they are happy with its
performance. However, we wouldn’t mind seeing a bit more grunt
from the engine fitted to the sportier versions in the range.
All Mitsubishi 380 engines mated to automatic transmissions are
now LPG compatible the system being covered by the factory
warranty when fitted by the company.
The new Mitsubishi 380 goes on sale on July 29th and comes with
what is arguably the most impressive warranty in the car business.
The complete vehicle is covered for five years or 130,000 km, and
the powertrain is warranted for 10 years or 160,000 km. Conditions
apply as to the transfer of the warranty to subsequent owners, but
these are reasonably generous. Contact your Mitsubishi dealer or
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/ for details.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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