Mitsubishi is back in business with an improved 380 range.

In recent years, the Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd plant at Tonsley Park has shed some workers as it scaled back to better fit the reduced demand for large cars powered by six cylinder engines.

But such cars, like the very good Mitsubishi 380 V6, continue to be a main player in new-car sales. Every job that is now retained at Tonsley Park, and the component manufacturers that supply to it, is worthwhile.

MMAL president Robert McEniry says the company took a few hits financially over the past few years, so now its modest production level of the only car the company builds at Tonsley Park, the 380 sedan, is a sustainable business operation.

That 380, a little less than two years since it was launched, has been unveiled in its Series III guise. And if its vice-free handling and ride package, very good fuel economy, cabin space, good brakes and impressive "intelligent" five-speed automatic attached to an engine delivering 175kW of power doesn't win you over, then the asking price, from $28,990, could clinch the deal.

Having largely swallowed the financial pain of developing the 380 sedan, Mitsubishi can now build and sell them at a cost that has rivals scratching their heads.

If there was one criticism of the 380 until now it was more emotional and subjective rather than tangible and objective; it was tempting to say the car lacked excitement, certainly in the looks department.

That has been addressed in this new 380 Series III that went on sale this week.

Even the entry-level model now gets dress-up (and useful) gear of fog lamps, new sporty front bumper and alloy wheels.

The car retains dual front and side airbags, ABS brakes, automatic climate control airconditioning, power windows, cruise control, power-adjustable driver seat plus steering-wheel controls for the audio system.

All this at $28,990 for the fivespeed manual and $30,990 for the five-speed automatic with a sequential shift sports mode, it is very impressive for a car with a 3.8-litre V6 engine.

To really push home the deal, Mitsubishi is offering a 380 ES Sports version, adding rear wing, 17 inch-diameter alloy wheels, upgraded sports suspension, sunroof and Bluetooth phone connectivity, at no increase to the above prices.

Stability control is conspicuously missing from the 380 spec sheet but anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard on all versions.

Next step up is the 380 SX, only as an automatic at $34,990, with a freshened interior, a few exterior highlights, new-design alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector plus other touches.

The VRX is the 'look-at-me version' at $36,990 manual and $38,990 automatic. It gets a larger rear wing, distinctive 17 inch wheels and a special seat fabric.

A Fusion Burst model with bright orange paint and large sunroof is a limited-edition offer based on the VRX yet at the same VRX price.

The 380 GT stands out with its new wheels, sports instrument cluster and chrome touches.

Its equipment ranges from automatic dimming mirror and power front passenger seat to leather trim at $44,990 (automatic only).

Again as a deal clincher, Mitsubishi is offering the GTL, adding in sunroof, different leather trim, more chrome and luxury touches at no change to the GT price.

The 3.8-litre engine gives 175kW power and 343Nm of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 10.8 litres/100km in automatic form. They weigh 1625-1685kg and will tow up to 1600kg with trailer brakes.

Model looks

Mitsubishi 380 Series III ES: $28,990 (man), $30,990 (auto).

Features: Traction control, 16in alloy wheels, sports bumpers, fog lamps.

ES Sports: $28,990 (man), $30,990 (auto).

Features: 17in alloy, rear wing, sports suspension, sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity.

SX: $34,990 auto only.

Features: Alloys, seat inserts, charcoal grille paint, accessory sockets.

VRX: $36,990 (man), $38,990 (auto).

Features: New front and rear bumper inserts, larger rear wing, alloys, charcoal grille paint, new cloth seats with logo.

VRX Fusion Burst: $36,990 (man), $38,990 (auto).

Features: Orange duco, coloured seat inserts, sunroof.

GT: $44,990 auto only.

Features: Machined and painted alloys, chrome finishing strip to deck lid, sports-type instrument cluster.

GT-L: Price $44,990.

Features: Black/stone interior, chrome deck lid finishing strips and tail-lamps, luxurytype instrument cluster, sunroof, silver painted wheels.