380

[crisis]

THe press in Adelaide have made all the right noises about this but, while admitting it aint my kinda thing, I cant see much that inspires. Is then the problem for manufacturers of family sedans that it is too finer line between different and too much?

[crisis]

And will it ever matter what Mitsubishi produce to traditional owners of Fords and Commodores?

[2ndclasscitizen]

the back of it in the first photo kinda reminds me of the Caddy CTS. Not bad, the fronts a lot better

[IBrake4Rainbows]

They've made the front better than the US version, but it's still pretty plain.

SO much for the great white hope. More like the Great Whitegood hope......

[clutch-monkey]

its just a... car.. its not distinctive in any way, if anything they've moved closer to the camry

[charged]

Looks better than the model it replaces, its meant to ride and handle on the sporty side, will Aussies buy a big FWD in the same numbers that they buy Falcadores ?

[SlickHolden]

I remember some of the old lancers having a simliar front like this. Have they gone back to go forward a little?.
It's not bad but it looks like that yank one still. Got a touch of the old car in it still.
But front is better now the rear is ugly. But on the ad they had a red one it was ok.

[denisvn93]

It's looks like the Galant from Mitsu,too
But nice anyway

[s-d]

It reminds me of a Kia...

[danno]

it looks too bland :(

[clutch-monkey]

Looks better than the model it replaces, its meant to ride and handle on the sporty side, will Aussies buy a big FWD in the same numbers that they buy Falcadores ?
if i was gonna buy a fwd family car it'd be a honda accord for sure....

[spi-ti-tout]

Bring back the Magna damnit...

[motorsportnerd]

Had a chance to pour over the article on the new 380 in Wheels and the info on carpoint.com now and can say that on first impressions it sounds likes it will be a good thing. "Sounds like"? Well, it certainly doesn't look like - the exterior is too bland. Inoffensive, clean, certainly not ugly - but just not distinctive enough.
The interior on the other hand looks impressive. Love the styling of the new dashboard. And even in the photos the materials used look top class.
Also, from what I've read so far, it sounds like it is going to be an excellent drive, top value for money, very refined, well built and well equiped. Looks like it will be better than the BF Falcon and VZ Commodore and Camry won't even be in the same ballpark.
We'll await the comparisons - and I'll hope to get a drive a some point. But on first impressions I'd have to say that it has the goods - except for the bland styling.
Will people buy it in preference to a Falcon or Commodore? Not if they're Ford or Holden fans or believe that the rear wheels must drive. Even if the 380 is the better car. But then Mitsubishi has admitted they won't get those buyers.
Rather they're after Camry buyers, Accord V6 buyers and maybe even entice a few Mazda6, Honda Accord Euro or Subaru Liberty buyers away. And I reckon the 380 will get sales from such buyers.
Also, the fleets will buy it - they don't care what badge the car has as long as the economics stack up.
Would I buy it? Well, I've no plans to spend $30-$40K on a car in the near future, but if I was in the market in that price range, the base model 380 looks damed fine value for money at around $31K and I would certainly consider the base 380 in preference to a Falcon BF XT (and I'm a Ford fan - just not died in the wool) or a Commodore Executive. However, if I was spending closer $40K I wouldn't look at the VRX - it is just too bland for a large sporty sedan. The Falcon BF XR6 would definitely get my money at closer to $40K.
And I wouldn't even consider the top of the range 380 - again - too bland.
So, my summary - great car, pity its so bland. The base model would definitely be my pick of the range as a result.

[SlickHolden]

We were told this was Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi. What we got was a galant touch up:D
I watched the series of the resturant on foxtel and rocco would drive this galant all the time. It's very much that car reminds me of a VT to VZ type thing with the galant to 380.
The red one on the ad the VRX or GT model looked good but base models look ......... ....... ....... ......

[Blue Supra]

I love its arse. Its BIG :)

the interior looks comfy too. It is a bit boring to look at but remember mitsu were never and arent aiming for the sporty 4 door area of cars (except for the EVO of course.) Slap a kit on it and some nice 18's and itll be good :)

MSnerd is right in that its cheap at 31k and the fleets will buy. I dont know if id buy one (yet) ill wait on more information and reviews.

[Revolution]

The back is just beautiful. The front of the sports models looks great, my pick is a VR-x, black, with leather interior, lowered with 18-inch wheels.

[SlickHolden]

Check these picks out.

[adrenaline]

380 looks nice...too plain for me though. They need a V8 and RWD.

[Blitz_]

looks like they've taken the safe way and gone for something boring and uninspiring. Well it will work for some, but not for me. I've always been a rwd, and v8 fan, so Ford will always be my first prefrence. Saying that, it sounds like it has the balls to take the fight to the Camry, good luck, i hate that grandma car.

[adrenaline]

Mitsu claims the 380 is faster than BOTH the Falcon and Commodore (V6) in 0 - 100 and the quarter mile.

[SlickHolden]

Might be close but as always the guys that test them always over claim:D

By the way did anyone notice the pics above i posted are the Galant not the 380?

[adrenaline]

Yea i saw the 3rd one ages ago it was when people were speculaing what the Aussie 'galant' would look like. Does anyone prefer the looks of the Galant over the 380?

[SlickHolden]

I think it's almost the same car all 3 pics are the galant.

[motorsportnerd]

Though the third pic of the Ralliart Galant shows potential.

[crisis]

if i was gonna buy a fwd family car it'd be a honda accord for sure....
For me I would have a Camry. Boring as bat sh!t but economical and reliable and cheap.

[crisis]

Check these picks out.
Ralliart one looks good.

[SlickHolden]

Ralliart one looks good.
True even the red one on the ad they brought out looks allright.
From side on i like it but rear i don't very much. they got a better front that's for sure:)

[Blue Supra]

the red one looks hawt :)

[adrenaline]

Mitsu needs a 380 variant that can directly compete with XR6/SV6...VRX is too soft/ needs to stand out more...needs RWD!!

[Blitz_]

hahaha good luck killing the x6r/turbo, lol that'll never happen any time soon me thinks. they need something bolder, like an actauly body kit, thats umm actually aggresive, wats all this one molded piece bullshit, go risky and actaully go for bolt on side skirts, rear and front, big air intakes, bonnet scoops, and one big mofo rear spoiler. Atm, Holden and Ford kill them.

[syko]

hahaha good luck killing the x6r/turbo, lol that'll never happen any time soon me thinks. they need something bolder, like an actauly body kit, thats umm actually aggresive, wats all this one molded piece bullshit, go risky and actaully go for bolt on side skirts, rear and front, big air intakes, bonnet scoops, and one big mofo rear spoiler. Atm, Holden and Ford kill them.

they tried that with the magna ralliart and was way over done so i guess they gave up on making a real sports sedan, as they should let the xr6 rule the world or at least Australia

[Spastik_Roach]

Boring as shit...but probably a great car. Enough said really. Might look good in a hotted up VRX Ralliart, etc model..

[Blue Supra]

Mitsu have admitted they cant compete directly with the commodore/falcon in the sports area at least. Theyre trying to nick sales off the camry and avalon.

[crisis]

Mitsu have admitted they cant compete directly with the commodore/falcon in the sports area at least. Theyre trying to nick sales off the camry and avalon.
They may pick up one or two there. Apparently the three guys who bought one are willing to give the 380 a go.
:D

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Mitsu should have always competed with Avalon and Camry. Simple.

heres hoping it's actually decent enough to compete. Although the Camry does not offer much competition, mitsu would have been smarter to stick a four in the 380 as a base model.

[Blue Supra]

its too big to have a 4 though. the TH magna (1996 - 1999) was the last you could get a 4 in and it was gutless.

lol@avalon :D

[charged]

Stop bagging Avalon's, what are the purple hair set going to drive to lawn bowls.:D

[2ndclasscitizen]

i saw a truck load of these at the big servo at yass this arvo, they didn't look to bad in the metal from what i could see

[syko]

i just noticed the rear of the vrx looks incredibly simular to the current vectra

[motorsportnerd]

Latest issue of Wheels (November 2005) has a comparison between the 380 VRX, Falcon XR6 six speed auto and Commodore SV6.
End result? 1st Falcon 4 1/2 stars (out of a possible 5), 2nd 380 3 1/2 stars, 3rd Commodore 2 1/2 stars.
Said the Falcon was worthy of comparison with much more expensive sports sedans (think BMW 530) and six speed auto is brilliant. The 380 was praised for dynamics, handling, build quality and refinement, but was let down by bland looks and poor interior quality. And the Commodore was judged a good looking car that is at least a generation out of date.
Must say I expected the 380 to win - the six speed auto must do wonders for the Falcon. Good as the Falcon is (and I've driven 3000+ km in the BA), I expected the 380 as the newer design to be the better car.
I'll wait till I get a chance to drive the 380 beside I make my own conclusion though.

[syko]

Latest issue of Wheels (November 2005) has a comparison between the 380 VRX, Falcon XR6 six speed auto and Commodore SV6.


was it the bf falcon used in the comparison because that would explain the sudden jump to 4 1/2 stars
interesting that the commie only got 2 1/2 thats lower than the last time they rated it

[TVR IS KING]

i only reade the first post. so dont complain that this isnt what your talking about now.lol
im not sure i like the back, its a bit square..and i dont like the squareness in association with the sloping coupe style roof.

[SlickHolden]

Latest issue of Wheels (November 2005) has a comparison between the 380 VRX, Falcon XR6 six speed auto and Commodore SV6.
End result? 1st Falcon 4 1/2 stars (out of a possible 5), 2nd 380 3 1/2 stars, 3rd Commodore 2 1/2 stars.
Said the Falcon was worthy of comparison with much more expensive sports sedans (think BMW 530) and six speed auto is brilliant. The 380 was praised for dynamics, handling, build quality and refinement, but was let down by bland looks and poor interior quality. And the Commodore was judged a good looking car that is at least a generation out of date.
Must say I expected the 380 to win - the six speed auto must do wonders for the Falcon. Good as the Falcon is (and I've driven 3000+ km in the BA), I expected the 380 as the newer design to be the better car.
I'll wait till I get a chance to drive the 380 beside I make my own conclusion though.
Good that Holden is getting the 6 speed also;).

I think ratings on Looks shouldnt lose you votes as much, The AU as ugly as it was and still is it wasnt to bad a drive at times.

[motorsportnerd]

Agreed on looks - subjective matter and some ugly cars actually drive pretty well.
Yes, the Falcon was the BF - but I'm still surprised that it beat the 380. The improvements to the BF make it better, but it still an older design than the 380. Its based on a 1998 design (AU) that was significantly updated in 2002 (BA) whereas the 380 is a comparative clean sheet (based on a 2002 Galant). From the article, the Wheels editors decided that looks and interior quality were the 380's downfall, not engineering or design paramaters.

[SlickHolden]

Agreed on looks - subjective matter and some ugly cars actually drive pretty well.
Yes, the Falcon was the BF - but I'm still surprised that it beat the 380. The improvements to the BF make it better, but it still an older design than the 380. Its based on a 1998 design (AU) that was significantly updated in 2002 (BA) whereas the 380 is a comparative clean sheet (based on a 2002 Galant). From the article, the Wheels editors decided that looks and interior quality were the 380's downfall, not engineering or design paramaters.
That might be the thing that hurst it to the Galant. It does no good with me i have seen the galamt heaps of times and cant pick to much between them.
What do they think we are dum it's a Opel VB Made to order for the Aussie conditions Stronger longer lasting etc. Engine tranny change thats about all dizzy up the inside bla bla and you got 1000 differnt changes if you count them by bolts:p


But what it's worth the more i look at it i dont mind it at all the VRX looks best front on:D

[Waatz]

I went to one of the first training sessions for the 380 in NZ yesterday and i have to say i quite impressed with it's styling compared to the previous modles I only saw the VRX model. Some interesting things about it, they have gone to a Bosch engine management and ABS/TCL system, only time will tell if that was the right idea. If you buy a model with 16 inch wheels dont put 17's on it. it only produces 175kw and 180kw depending on model and it's 300cc bigger than the diamante/magna in which the Ralliart was 185kw. I think it will do well in the market, maybe pull a few transient ford/holden owners, but I think the Diamante drives better than an XR6 turbo.

[Sailor]

hahaha good luck killing the x6r/turbo, lol that'll never happen any time soon me thinks. they need something bolder, like an actauly body kit, thats umm actually aggresive, wats all this one molded piece bullshit, go risky and actaully go for bolt on side skirts, rear and front, big air intakes, bonnet scoops, and one big mofo rear spoiler. Atm, Holden and Ford kill them.


Oh yeah, and some 9" 12 slot chromies......:rolleyes:

[Waatz]

anyone driven one yet? Ive driven the GT and I think it's a pretty nice car. alot better than the previous models.

[Blitz_]

Oh yeah, and some 9" 12 slot chromies......:rolleyes:

heeeyy, lol u signed up just to say that?

hahahahahaaha.

[blerg]

I was looking at a 380GT, but it's just to...muh...so I think i'll get an XR6 Turbo, unless the 380 Ralliart is an absolute killer...

We'll see...

[SlickHolden]

Speaking of spied cars i seen a full ready registered 300c in the Servo Saturday, I had to go back and see it RHD Vic plates all that i didn't think they were out right now?.,
Anyway a dude about 45-50 came out and got in it and went off, And i think that is there market 40+ almost retirement age.

[Mr. Jinx]

I saw one at the dealership the other day. I expected it to look cooler. But meh, if it goes, and has a nice interior, I'm not complaining

[SlickHolden]

Today when going to set-up my 2006 bulldogs memberships i seen a VRX 380 out front when driving into the ground.
First thought very nice front is hot side is nice but them rear lights dont fit in.
But again i thought it looked small not like a huge big car something like the vectra size to me.

[Revolution]

I like the rear lights a lot, especially with the integrated lip spoiler.
PS I agree, it looks alot smaller from the outside than it actually is.

[SlickHolden]

They fit in with silver and maybe red but the black is a little funny they should have different colours for the models leave the clears for the sporty ones.

[Revolution]

Dad brought one home last night, check it out!
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1130/380109ac.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=380109ac.jpg) http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9007/38097sz.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=38097sz.jpg) http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9273/38084ex.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=38084ex.jpg) http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/6493/38078hd.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=38078hd.jpg) http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/8501/38067pb.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=38067pb.jpg) http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/6697/38052yq.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=38052yq.jpg) http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9929/38041ak.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=38041ak.jpg) http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/3408/38036aq.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=38036aq.jpg) http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/35/38023xw.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=38023xw.jpg) http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1883/38015wg.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=38015wg.jpg)

[SlickHolden]

The lights look like a trophy in a cabinet:D
Up close it looks worse the taillights.

[Mr. Jinx]

mmm, its not that bad...
cept i hate the carry-over HVAC controls, the steering wheel, and the oval/circular gearshift surround.

[SlickHolden]

them tailights hurt my eyes:p
But my brother wants to hire me a car for Xmas i want a VYII Calais but they only have the VZ Calais V6.(MewantV8) I wouldnt take it back if i had it so i was telling him the VRX380 is at EruoCar now i could get that for 2 days:D.
Or a Vectra:). Was hoping they had the SV6 SV8:p.