Mitsubishi 380 VRX - Test Drive
"My 360 on the 380"
By Paddy McCann
Mitsubishi holds a funny position in my internal 'car space'. Somewhere above Hyundai and Suzuki but definitely under Toyota, Ford or Holden. What do I drive now? Lexus IS200. Why am I writing this review? Mitsubishi asked me to re-consider.
I have to tell you, I have seen the better build, better backed ad campaign. I liked the guy talking but I am going to have to start seeing a few less smokey 5 year old Magnas on the road before I buy fully into the concept - and I do want to believe, I just don't.
The problem as I see it is that the 380 replaced Magna and right or wrong, the Magna has a couple of negatives in my mind. Firstly re-sale is terrible and secondly the afore mentioned 'smokey' exhaust on relatively young looking cars. It may well be that these smokey specimens have had a hard PLUS 200,000Klm life with irregular servicing- who knows. Anyway, with that off my chest, this is a review of the 380 - so let's all leave our Magna prejudice at the door.
First Impressions
The Mitsubishi 380 is actually quite an impressive car to look at. The unique styling of the VRX has a mildly aggressive look that is reminiscent of BMW. It may just be me but Falcon, Commodore and Aurion are all looking very similar these days - the 380 certainly stands apart on styling so if you like to be different, that is one big point to Mitsubishi.
Instrumentation
The instrumentation on the 380 is big, easy to read and use, bold and impressive - when you turn the ignition, there is an LCD display in the centre of the dash board which shows a dynamic looking graphic of the car that then displays radio station, volume and other information. Some may find the dash a little plain in daylight however once the lights come on, it looks sensational. Knowing that makes all the difference.
Like
- Dashboard uncomplicated and easy to read
- The preset channel has a background light on it
- Nice chrome finishes
- Lights up incandescent blue - big bold buttons, easy to see and easy to use.
- Display information on engine management, radio etc is quite vivid and and it is an excellent size for easy viewing
Dislike
- The display in center of the dash looks like it should be touch screen, but it is not. It fooled me once but never again
Interior
The interior of the VRX 380 is quite a step up from the base model and there is an increased level of quality and attention to detail - The mock carbon fiber trim fits the theme of performance however I would have liked a more subtle finish. That said, I am reminded that this is a VRX and subtle is not a word that fits.
The highlight of the VRX interior is a beautifully put together sunroof which coupled with the styling of the 380 gives a very European feel to the car - I swear the design team have taken inspiration from the BMW 5 series. This is not a bad thing.
I also liked the firm comfortable seats, generous interior lighting and genuine leather stitched steering wheel which ads a good deal of luxury to the feel of the car.
Performance
I like the fact that the tachometer is the first thing that you see when you get into the drivers seat and there is no doubt that the VRX looks, feels, and drives like a sports car. The 380 is definitely sporty and very, very smooth. The transmission and engine work beautifully to even out even the most aggressive acceleration. Power is one smooth impressive surge that has so much in reserve I suspect you would require a race track to explore its limits.
There is a feeling about the car that makes you want to press hard on the accelerator depending on what kind of person you are (I am the bad kind when it comes to driving). Fortunately the refined power and excellent feel of road through suspension and steering makes it very easy to keep all this power under control and the car firmly on the road. A 'not too annoying' speed alert can be set to keep you out of trouble or if you happen to like trouble, it can be turned off.
Handling
There is an impressive amount of space about the 380 and no matter where you look, big clear mirrors greet your eyes to give you a good lay of the land outside. Despite my personal predisposition for smaller cars I had no trouble maneuvering the 380 around Sydney traffic and even traversing a very tight ramped underground car park, there were no grazed bumpers. On the freeway the car is a first class tourer - not too firm, not too soft. I could well imagine driving the coast road to Melbourne in this car.
Unseen but very appreciated are the vehicles smart systems and reporting including average litres per hundred consumed, speed alert, etc, help to maintain a link to the real world of speed cameras and pedestrians (however tenuous) and the excellent reverse sensors make parking a breeze.
Resale
Mitsubishi have learned from their experience with Magna. I have it on reasonably good authority that Mitsubishi is moving away from doing the kinds of huge governmental fleet deals that wash the used car market with a swathe of vehicles and undermine both new and used value. Time will tell if this strategy works - but logic dictates it is a smart step forward
The Bottom Line
I am surprised to find myself saying this but if you are in the market for a larger car and are looking at Commodore, Falcon and Aurion, you would be remiss not to test drive the Mitsubishi 380 while you are at it. The VRX stacks up well against the S Pack Commodore and XR Falcon and the up front cost saving is compelling. Couple this with the excellent warranty package which supports the Mitsubishi 380 (5 year Diamond advantage etc) and I can easily imagine many people making the switch.
If you like lots of extras and plenty of bang for your buck, the impressive performance, sub Falcon and Commodore pricing coupled with BMW inspired styling makes the 380 very compelling and a car worth considering. I give the 380 the thumbs up.
Want to test drive the 380 VRX today? Call Karen Croft from Sydney City Mitsubishi for Diamond level service and a warm no pressure chat.
CALL US NOW ON 1300 856 516
*Drive Away price includes 12months Registration, CTP Insurance, Stamp Duty and Dealer Delivery. Plus pearlescent/metallic paint $350. While stocks last. Mitsubishi Motors Australia reserves the right to extend or modify these offers. Offers available on new vehicles ordered and delivered between 1 February and 29 February 2008 Private buyers only. Business, Fleet sales by special arrangement. Excludes rental and Government purchases. See Sydney City Mitsubishi for details.
View entire 380 range
Address: 1 Link Road, Rosebery, NSW 2017, Australia
Phone: 1300 856 516
Fax: +61 2 9697 0107
|
|