Mitsubishi 380 LS; Review

 

The pressure must really be on Mitsubishi Motors Australia.

They've long been on the knife edge in terms of survival, and their existence largely depends on the success of their new large car, the Mitsubishi 380, effectively the Diamante replacement.

Thankfully, the 380 is shaping up to be MMA's saviour, it is a class act and the range is becoming well accepted.

The 380 looks sleek with its swept-up coupe-style rear, and bold, clean front with plenty of angles and creases. It also has engineering brilliance in terms of drivetrain and chassis sophistication making it the comfortable large car we have come to expect from the Australian automotive industry.

The 380 arrives here in five variants with two engine output options, albeit only marginally distant. The entry level model with five-speed manual gearbox lists at $38,900, the range-topping GT priced at $50,990.

The test car was the $43,990 LS version and it sits roughly mid-range and is an impressive car. I'm not convinced the light beige fabric interior is a good thing, it was already showing signs of being marked, but the series has other trim packages.

One of most notable aspects of the 380 is the attention to detail, the fit and finish of trim materials is high quality and general layout of the interior is not only cosseting but pleasant to look at.

A wide woodgrain strip extends across the width of the facia blending well with extensive brushed alloy garnish, the latter most notable around the fully integrated audio head and air conditioning controls.

The LS variant has a high level of specification, it gets climate control, fully electric operating systems including driver's seat adjustment, remote central locking with alarm and immobiliser, variable intermittent wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel on tilt-adjustable column, high quality six-disc CD player and trip computer. There's also a central multi-function display which indicates time, temperature, audio and air conditioning status.

Fitted for safety are dual air bags, five full overshoulder seats and ABS which works aligned to a traction control system. The latter is not overly invasive, wet roads on the day I picked up the 380 meant a heavy throttle would induce wheelspin on take-off, but TCL eventually contained it.

Powering the 380 is 3.8-litre V6 engine, pretty much a Diamante carry-over. However, the power outputs are structured so that the LS variant gets 175kW (5250rpm) and a hefty 343Nm of torque available at 40000rpm. GT and VRX variants have 180kW, the other figures remaining the same.

In LS form the single-camshaft per bank, 24-valve unit is an extraordinary example of flexibility and honesty along with a high level of refinement. It is smooth and silent and working alongside a five-speed automatic gearbox it feels lively and urgent.

However, the engine and gearbox management protocols are biased towards low engine revolutions, hauling in gears early so that the engine doesn't race towards the inefficient part of the rev band. Yes, it will howl to the 6000rpm red line easily, sending the 380 from a standstill to 100kmh in 7.8sec, but realistically, the 380 is a car that benefits from moderate accelerator request and it relishes given that opportunity.

It will also scamper to 120kmh from 80kmh in 5.5sec, making that highway overtake swiftly. The 380 is powerful and strong, easily coping with its 1600kg tow rating.

I spent a large part of the Christmas build-up faced with slow speed traffic, the 380 was equally as happy under those conditions, it also has good vision and manoeuvrability into tight car parks.

However, the highway is where it likes to travel and it glides through air unfussed with just a gentle humm off the 215/55 x 16in Good Year tyres. It is just as well cruise control is fitted for the 380 will creep over the speed limit unnoticeably, such is the easy way it operates. Another 380 attribute is its composure on the road.

The fully independent front strut/rear multiple link suspension is well located, providing a brilliant ride as well as purposeful handling manners. In LS form the spring and damper rates are only moderately firmed, the ride biased towards comfort and as a result there is a bit of body lean in a corner; however, the suspension is isn't bothered by the weight transfer it dictates steerage and keeps the tyres in good contact with the road.

When I picked up the car from the local dealer I was asked where I was going to take it, I was unsure, so Akaroa was suggested. On that recommendation I did, extending the drive over the Summit Rd, looping across the tops of the Peninsula bays. It relished in the twists and turns of that tricky hill road, a road that presents every type of corner imaginable.

Even when challenged at speed, steerage was remarkably accurate while directional control both up and downhill gives the driver huge confidence, and that from a car which isn't seen to be a sporty model.

A special mention must be made of the brakes, I had them quite hot, but that was after pushing at unrealistic speeds, yet the pedal never faded, slowing 1660kg is quite a task, but the 380's engineering is sound.

I really enjoyed the 380 LS. I hope that Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand will put me into either the VRX or GT, their sport specification tyres and extra power appeals to me immensely. As a total all round package the 380 will make quite an impact on downunder roads, it has real presence in all aspects.

The only negative factor standing in the way of its success will be the fickle trend of rising fuel prices.

However, the test car's trip computer offered amazing instantaneous fuel usage read outs of eight litres per 100km at 100kmh in fifth (engine speed just 1700rpm) and a test average of 9.5l/100km which equate to 35mpg and 30mpg.

In my opinion they are excellent for an engine of this size, and the benefits that big engine has in other areas often outweighs any disadvantages.

Specifications:

# Price: Mitsubishi 380 LS, $43,990.

# Dimensions: Length, 4837mm; width, 1840mm; height, 1480mm.

# Configuration: V6 transverse, front-wheel-drive, 3828cc, 175kW/5250rpm, 343Nm/4000rpm, five-speed automatic.

# Performance: 0-100kmh, 7.8sec.