Mitsubishi 380

3.8-litre, five-speed auto
Four-door sedan
Price: $35,990

Best features

• Running and repair costs
• Warranty
• Ride
• Handling

Mitsubishi’s future as a local manufacturer is all about numbers. If an investment of more than $600 million in the new 380 sedans doesn’t produce about 32,000 sales a year and 14% of the large car market, the outlook could be grim.

However, Mitsubishi finally has a winning hand after years of spruiking tired models. It asserts the 380 is high on quality and agility. Both claims are largely true. The 380’s overall build is a match for any rival but the interior finish and ergonomics are not as convincing.

On-road it has plenty to offer. The 380 is the smoothest, quietest Australian-made car. It also features beaut bump absorption and dutiful damping, although Ford’s Falcon is just as faithful. The radically revamped 3.8-litre V6 pulls strongly, while changes from the five-speed sequential transmission are clean and timely. The only performance niggle is a braked towing capacity of 1600kg where rear-wheel-drive rivals stretch beyond 2000kg.

The 380 is a front-wheel-drive car with a sporty bent. Its grip and stability are highly attuned, steering is precise and mid-corner bumps rarely corrupt cornering. Traction control is not standard though. Class-leading security and lower emissions lift 380’s design scores, although a minimal level of active safety aids hampers its safety score.

Despite a swooping rear roofl ine, there’s ample room inside for three adults to occupy the rear seat.

Seating in front and back is comfortable and supportive. Mitsubishi’s vault in value includes a mighty warranty, while its maintenance, repair and insurance outlays are low. There are, however, dramas with its depreciation costs.

Hyundai’s impressive V6 Sonata almost stole the show. Another long warranty, swags of features and a strong performance in design signal the Korean brand’s intents. Sonata is safe, comfortable, well built and spacious. On the road it scores well, though its international suspension, tune and handling characteristics are not as assured as some local brands.

Ford’s BA II Falcon, not the BF which contends in 2006, is untroubled by its rivals for dynamic qualities, but slips in crucial categories such as safety and running and repair costs.

*Some mid-sized cars are now suitable for families and offer similar space and features as larger cars.