Mitsu 380 Series 3 July 2007

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Mitsubishi makeover for 380

06 April 2007

Neil McDonald

Mitsubishi's done a cosmetic job on its Series III.

Television reality shows do not have a monopoly on extreme makeovers -- car companies are renowned for the odd nip-and-tuck to keep a model fresh in car buyers' eyes.

But Mitsubishi's freshen-up of its 380 sedan may fall into the category of modest makeover.

The Series III update goes on sale in July but do not expect huge changes.

Mitsubishi spokeswoman Lenore Fletcher describes the changes the range as cosmetic and largely restricted to new wheels, paint colours and some trim upgrades.

The car's V6 engine specifications will remain the same, meaning the 3.8-litre V6 will still churn out 175kW at 5250 revs and 343Nm at 4000 revs.

Mitsubishi is expected to realign some models in an effort to streamline the line-up but Fletcher would not say whether any models would be dropped.

The 380 line-up consists of ES, SX, VRX, LX and range-topping GT. Mitsubishi, like all local carmakers, is under pressure to streamline models to avoid excessive build costs associated with too many variants.


However, a special Platinum-edition 380 with $4000 of extra equipment has been a minor success for the company and could be a more frequent offering.

Fletcher confirmed the 380 Series III pricing would remain at $27,990 for the entry model.

When the 380 was launched in late 2005 it had a starting price of $34,490, but the company was forced to reduce prices in an effort to drive sales.

Mitsubishi had hoped to show a VRX prototype at this week's Adelaide Motor Show, but the car was unavailable.

The Series III upgrade is the second freshen-up in the 380's 18-month life. Last April it received a Series I upgrade in an effort to bolster slow sales.

According to VFACTS sales figures, the 380 consistently sells about 1000 a month,

a figure the company says is viable.

Despite the 380's valiant sales struggle, Mitsubishi's imports continue to be responsible for the lion's share of company revenues.

Strong Lancer, Outlander and Pajero sales bolster its bottom line. The Lancer is the company's best seller.

Mitsubishi is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next-generation 113kW 2.0-litre and 130kW 2.4-litre Lancer about October.

However, performance buyers will have to wait until next year for the turbocharged 2.0-litre Evo X.

Though few details are known, the Evo X's power output is expected to grow from 206kW to about 220kW and its all-wheel-drive system and safety systems have been upgraded.

The Evo X is expected to offer a Volkswagen Golf-style six-speed manual direct-shift gearbox.

My opinion..Take it down the back paddock, put it out of its misery....

[Franky]

Sounds like Mitsubishi have hired some Ford designers, the 380 needs more than a few colour changes but I guess when you have limited cash your ideas are also limited.

[Dave_au]

VRX is going to 18 inchers apparently. Some of the people on AMC who have seen the car have said there is quite an improvement in looks - especially the removal of the built in spoiler around the tail lights on the VRX/GT models has gone now if the sources are correct.

Suprisingly the 380 has also actually increased resale value according to wheels/redbook when the car was first launched too - sitting on 53% 3 year resale.