2007 Mitsubishi 380 SX review from Australia and New Zealand

Drivers power window failed.

Uses a tad bit of oil between services.. but that's to be expected.

What a car! Stepping from my VZ Commodore to this, I was expecting much of the same with a different badge on the bonnet. Of course the poor reception from the public did my opinion no good, but I decided to give the 380 a go purely on value, and I am extremely glad I did.

Mine being the Series 3 SX variant, means it gets all the suspension, tyre package and strut brace from the VRX, with a slightly more subtle body kit, in the very lovely Electro blue colour.

Inside it gets everything a GT does with the exception of a sunroof and leather.

The 3.8 sounds sweet as, and has plenty of power anywhere in the rev range (outpowers the VE SV6 I drove below 4000rpm, and it's easily as competent as the Aurion till 3500-4000rpm) and the 5 speed auto is quite a sweet thing, if not a bit docile on dropping down a few cogs... I have heard from various sources these motors actually produce 195kw or thereabouts, Mitsubishi only underestimate the power output so people don't think it's a fuel guzzler, feel free to comment on that, I'm keen on knowing as I have given my mates MANUAL VE SV6 ute a good run for its money.

Handling wise I am completely astounded by how it turns in as willingly, if not more so than my Commodore (which is fitted with FE2 suspension and wider tyres). Under steer is evident of course, but not like FWD cars of old, this ones a pearler in the corners. I recall Wheels magazine saying the rear end is even willing to step out if provoked enough, and I can confirm, yes, it will.

The quality of the whole car is undoubtedly Australian, but one of the finest examples, I think on par with that of the Aurion (which I believe aren't all that well put together for a Toyota).

Overall I am just so disappointed that this car isn't being built any more, if it had a Holden or Ford badge, it would have sold in massive numbers. Feel free to comment!