Mitsubishi 380 2007 News

Unleaded petrol costs have risen 5.6 per cent since this time last year, but hidden costs are the main culprits responsible for pumping up motoring budgets, the survey found.The RACV 2007 Vehicle Operating Costs survey said hidden costs such as servicing, insurance and loan interest rates on average rose up to 7 per cent compared to last year's survey.At the same time, depreciation figures show vehicles' value falling faster.After examining the 37 top-selling vehicles across 10 categories, the survey found the cheapest car to own and run was the Hyundai Getz at $116.54 a week.This was $5.34 more than last year's cheapest vehicle, the Kia Rio.The most expensive was still the Toyota Landcruiser GXL turbo-diesel, at $357.51.The Mitsubishi 380 ES was the most affordable family car at $200.44 a week, a weekly increase of $4.46.Meanwhile, lower price and service costs helped Ford Falcon outperform its rival Holden Commodore, costing $229.13 a week compared with $233.40.RACV Chief Engineer of vehicles Michael Case said the Federal Government's $1000 grant to LPG car purchases helped ease the overall running costs of these models.Although eight vehicles across the 10 categories managed to retain last year's rank as cheapest in their class, there were still some significant cost increases.For example, the Kia Carnival rose 14.7 per cent to $216.68, while the Honda CR-V cost $203.86 a week, a 7.4 per cent jump from last year's survey results.Mr Case said the survey showed the cost benefits of diesel and hybrid vehicles, which more motorists were considering investing in as fuel prices continued to skyrocket."A diesel Volkswagen Golf will save you around $2.95 a week - nearly $770 over five years," he said.""That's also a saving of around 11kg of greenhouse gas each week," he said."The Honda Civic hybrid meanwhile, provides a fuel saving of $9.46 a week and can save 17.9kg of greenhouse emissions."The survey data was collected in March and April.RACV calculations are over a five-year ownership period and are based on the average operating conditions for the private motorist, including travel of 15,000 km a year.

The most secure new cars available on the Australian market have been rated by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.Executive director Ray Carroll said yesterday about 200 cars had been assessed as part of Secure by Design, a new campaign highlighting the importance of vehicle security features.Cars had been judged on entry systems, theft resistance systems and vehicle identification, he said.The best performers included the Volkswagen Polo, Mitsubishi 380 and Audi A8.Mr Carroll said the compulsory introduction of immobilisers in all new cars since 2001 had helped reduce motor vehicle theft in South Australia by 41 per cent between 2000 and 2006. However, RAA technical services manager Mark Borlace said while after-market immobilisers could be bought for less than $200, many car owners chose not to make the investment.“Some people think: `This is what I have insurance for', but they need to factor in the personal inconvenience and trauma the loss of their car or the return of their car in a dirty and damaged state may cause to them,” he said.Cars with immobilisers were also being stolen in SA.“People are leaving their keys in the ignition at service stations, for example,” Mr Borlace said.“Or when thieves are breaking into houses they are stealing car keys which have been left by the front door.”The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon were the cars most commonly targeted by thieves.MOST SECURE VEHICLESSMALL CARSVolkswagen Polo (five-door hatch) and Citroen C2 (three-door hatch)MEDIUM CARSubaru Liberty 2.0RLARGE CARMitsubishi 380 SedanLUXURY CARAudi A8COMPACT SUVBMW X3, 3.0i (five-door wagon)LARGE SUVAudi Q7 (five-door wagon)PEOPLE MOVERVolkswagen MultivanCOMMERCIAL Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Van 

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.

"We are looking at the variants and the specifications of the model range," says Mitsubishi communications manager Lenore Fletcher. "What we are looking at is the most effective and efficient way to streamline the model line-up."Mitsubishi has five 380 specification levels on sale — not counting the limited-edition Platinum model — three of which offer both manual and automatic gearboxes.That is a model-rich mix for a car which in January sold 1041 units, an increase of 235 over the December sales and an improvement of almost 30 per cent over January last year.Even with the improvement in numbers, the 380 is still selling at little over one third of the volume Mitsubishi had predicted for its most expensive Australian-developed model.Fletcher says there will be some "minor" cosmetic changes to the overall look of the cars but the facelift will concentrate on the interiors and review of the specification levels.Also under the microscope is the supercharged 380 TMR showcar, at least a variant of which is being seriously considered for a production future."An exciting performance variant of that type would be a great halo car for the 380 but of course it has to make economic sense," Fletcher says. "We are working through a few options and while nothing is confirmed it is certainly not off the radar."The TMR, first shown at the Sydney motor show last year, is production-ready but needs to have a business plan approved by head office in Japan. Just as important, the 380 TMR project needs to be integrated into a bigger strategic plan to give Mitsubishi a full-scale special vehicles division, bringing it up to speed against Ford, GM Holden and, from later this year, Toyota.The 380 TMR was built by Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, under the direction of rally team boss Alan Heaphy, with a Sprintex supercharged engine producing 230kW and a range of upgraded components, including brakes taken from the Lancer Evo and lowered suspension.

The supercharged TMR 380, built to star at last year's Sydney Motor Show, is almost ready for the road, but still needs the green light from Adelaide. Mitsubishi Motors Australia is keen to push the TMR into production, but needs to ensure it can be certified and profitable before a final decision. Budgets also need to be approved from Japan. And the 380 project needs to be integrated into a bigger strategic plan to give Mitsubishi a full-scale special vehicles division, bringing it up to speed against Ford, GM Holden and, from later this year, Toyota. "We want to build the car. We are working on the plan to make it happen," Mitsubishi Motors Australia managing director Rob McEniry says. "I would like to have a decision by Easter. Originally, I wanted to have an announcement at the Melbourne Motor Show in March but we've run into a few snags. I would still rate it as better than a 50:50 chance — no, much better than 50:50. "That car, plus some other vehicles we would like to bring to the full range, adds an emotional value and an aspiration value to the brand. We've had that before, but only in very limited appeal with the Lancer Evo. "There has been no opportunity for people to step back to another car at Mitsubishi. If you look at Ford or Holden, they have the HSV and FPV cars, but you can also step back to an XR Falcon or SS Commodore. We also need to have that ability." The 380 show car was built by Team Mitsubishi Ralliart under the direction of rally team boss Alan Heaphy, with a Sprintex supercharged engine producing 230kW and a range of upgraded mechanical components, including the brakes taken from the Lancer Evo. It also has a bodykit, vented bonnet and lowered suspension. McEniry is aware of the overall need to move into special vehicles at Mitsubishi, not just a single car like the TMR 380. "This is an important part of trying to change the perception of the brand. We don't want to be a grey-cardigan company," he says. "We need to appeal to more than just fleet buyers, which has been the traditional situation at Mitsubishi. I think today we need to appeal to youth. "One of the reasons we brought out the Ralliart Colt and the Cabriolet was to appeal to a younger, broader and more emotionally based consumer group." McEniry's special-vehicle plan is still being assessed and includes such basics as whether it will be run by an outside company or from inside MMAL in Adelaide. But he is keen to get the TMR 380 moving and believes it should be in showrooms in the second half of the year. "Because it is off-the-shelf parts and we've continued to refine and develop those parts, it will probably be ready by the third or fourth quarter this year," he says. "It's not a signed-off project yet, but our plan is to move towards approving it and getting it into production as soon as we can."

From baby beep-beep hatches through to luxury supercars, the millions of dollars worth of metal on display is guaranteed to thrill and delight. But there are always some that stand above the crowd. Our 10 show stars were:H3 HummerOnly a distant relative of the behemoth that raced through the Gulf in Desert Storm, but it still has the aura. The Hummer is known for its size - particularly its wide girth. However, in reality it's not much bigger than your average family SUV but - for better or worse - is designed to make you think in supersize.Ferrari 599 GTBAs slick and stylish as the Hummer is clunky. A beautiful piece of Italian design wrapped around F1 engineering. You may never own one but don't miss the chance to see it up close and personal.Audi R8With this race-bred beauty Audi steps up to the supercar plate and hits a home run. Refined over a year on the motor show circuit, the production model is one to desire.Mitsubishi TRM 380 ConceptPoints for bravery on this one. Some exterior flash, some shiny new rims and performance rubber, racing shocks and a Sprintex supercharger bolted to the 380. The result is a special that is definitely worth a look.Volvo C30What will be the baby of Volvo's fleet when it arrives in 2007 should once and for all put paid to any suggestion the Swedes can't style a car. The little coupe should be a must-have for cashed-up youngsters - and safe to boot.Saab Aero X conceptWith a nod to its aeronautical beginnings, the Saab design team has come up with an absolute cracker. The ethanol-powered performance car was named best concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Bentley Continental GTCAnother from the dream end of the market. The drop-top Bentley is proof that large cars - very large cars - can still look stylish ... and there is no substitute for that special attention to detail for which Bentley is known.Suzuki SX4 WRC ConceptWith its war paint on, the car that is going to take a resurgent Suzuki back to world rallying is an absolutely awesome sight. Even better: try to imagine this corker in civvies and you will have a pretty good idea of just what a grand Swift GTi this would make.Honda Sports 4 ConceptA glimpse into Honda's future with regard to their sports lines - particularly the Accord. The four-seat coupe is both sleek and menacing.Aurion Sports ConceptClose to the TRD Aurion scheduled to be revealed as a production car in early 2007, the Aurion Sports Concept is still a front-driver. The sports concept promises a substantial lift of the base car's 200kW thanks to a force-fed engine lifting torque above 400Nm.And a couple of extras that deserve a special mention with our top 10 favourites:Mazda Kabura ConceptThose crazy Japanese. Named for the sound of a howling arrow, the Kabura is a three-seater with a token effort at a fourth behind the driver. Styling and packaging is guaranteed to turn heads but don't be too quick to dismiss it out of hand. Mazda don't do things by accident.Hyundai Arnejs ConceptKorean design has been taking giant steps and the Arnejs Concept is one of the most stylish studies to come out of the Hyundai studios. Unveiled in Paris last month, the Arnejs points clearly towards the Euro-hatch derivative of the company's new Elantra.

And the company has hinted it may end up in production, depending on customer reaction. The TMR 380 has been tricked up by Mitsubishi rally team Ralliart. They have plonked a 220kW supercharged engine under the bonnet and added a range of suspension improvements for better handling. Cosmetic improvements include fitting larger wheels and tyres and adding an edgy body kit that includes side skirts, grilles and a bonnet scoop. The interior is modified by the addition of some Lancer Evolution items. Adding the Sprintex supercharger to the normal 3.8-litre engine has Mitsubishi boasting 31 per cent more power and 29 per cent more torque. It is claiming the car will go from 0-100km/h in six seconds and 0-400m in 14 seconds. It has a five-speed manual gearbox. "The car is shown to test reaction with show-goers with a view to possible introduction in the future," a Mitsubishi spokesman says.

Read related storyPatrick Loved the yellow Hummer, I just want one !Grant The Subaru Tribeca seems an awesome car. Look at its list of standard features for $53000 - leaves an X5 or Territory for dead. OK, the front grille takes a bit of getting used to, power could be up a bit for its weight, but you do get all the usual Subie delights, 5 star safety and quality. Definitely worth a test drive on November 25!Mark Mercedes e280cdei definatly the bestDan The absolute standout was the new BMW 3 series coupe. Can't believe no one else has mentioned it. What a sexy car! Looks much better in the metal than in photos...David Rome The Mazda CX7 is very fresh and the new BT-50 ute looks the goods to take some salesMichael Volvo C70 What a Glamour!!the engineer Mitsubishi TRM 380- bring it on in AWD! Would sell double current! Should have been the original 380 GT.Audi R8 ;-)Captiva <8>-(French Body Art 8-)Bob Rona Gotta Be the Lexus RX 350 Sports Luxury!!Jay The Saab Aero X concept car looks extraordinary. I was pretty impressed with the XR5 Turbo Ford Focus - hopefully if they bring it out in diesel, there would be a lot more interest and salesDavid Lunn Mazda CX7John The Mitsui 380 supercharged - grabbed allot of attention (so did the girls in the red dresses); I also like the new Outlander V6 & Astra convertible (or at least my wife did).Lex Biggar Audi R8william yates dark 4 door mitsi I believe it's a Tommy Mac serise and also shannon's stand the rest well............Kim I must agree with Bob MX-S ROADSTER COUPE The best by far!Jim Until I hit the Mitsubishi stand the show was a let down for me. Thank you to the Mitsubishi Girls for making the show worthwhile.Julie Definetely the Honda Legend & the Audi RX8.aaron need this so i could have this to have it better then i wont be a laughting stockNick Definitely the Mitsubishi TRM 380 - because I might be able to afford it and it looks great. Can't wait to test drive it.David Lyons Peugeot 207Stephen HSV GTS is my current realistic dream carROBERT DAWSON MX-S ROADSTER COUPEKris Audi R8 looked absolutely brilliant, that will be a real winner when it lands here. The Audi TT also looked really neat.Other cars to impress were the Volvo C30 and Suzuki SX4 WRC prototype.wazza smith nonesasha The Convertible Ford Focus. I simply love it. The new Fairmont Ghia was nice too.I did not like the Camry V6 sorry Avalon, sorry again, Aurion.Now I have gone and twisted my tongue. Anyone know a good tongue doctor <8>-). .... At least I can still type.The Volvo C30 was nice too as was the Land Rover Discovery.The Holden Commodores looked pretty decent although the Captiva did not captivate.Its too tall and skinny. I saw one in a shopping centre car park right next to a Territory and boy did it look like it needed some widening.I was also quite impressed with the Audi R8.The Hummer reminded me too much of the war in Iraq (I am against senseless wars). I also thought the Citroens were cool.Sean Hickey HSV GTS a true sports car at third of the price.I enjoyed the show,love to dream but quite a few people could get a GTS

Mr Macfarlane said he spoke to Mitsubishi president and chief executive officer Rob McEniry yesterday and was told the company was not considering any such plan."He assured me that Mitsubishi was not considering a plan to close the plant in Adelaide," the minister said on ABC radio."That assurance has been given to me on several occasions as we have spoken to Mitsubishi over the past 12 months."Now that's cut and dried as far as I'm concerned."His comments follow a report on ABC television last night which said a leaked draft document titled "Project Phoenix" existed which detailed plans to close the Tonsley Park vehicle assembly operations.The draft document, which was stamped confidential and dated September 6 this year, listed Mitsubishi Australia's chief executive as the leader of Project Phoenix, the ABC reported.It set out three possible dates for closure: February or October 2007 or March 2008.It also said an announcement would be made just four months before the closure date, and the company would create the illusion of business as usual by continuing to place small orders for stock until one month before closure was announced.Mr Macfarlane said he could not say if the document existed."But what I can say is that Mitsubishi, as late as 5pm yesterday afternoon, confirmed with me that they were not considering a plan to close their plant in Adelaide," he said.Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) state secretary John Camillo said he had also been told this morning there were no plans to close the plant.But he said the company needed to reassure its workers that their jobs were safe.Those workers had been on an emotional rollercoaster in recent years over persistent rumours and reports the company would shut down, Mr Camillo said.Mr McEniry was unavailable for comment but is due to speak to motoring journalists at a media preview to the Sydney Motor Show tomorrow.Mitsubishi employs about 1600 workers at Tonsley Park which is its only local manufacturing plant following the closure of its engine production facility, also in Adelaide, last year.AAP

AMWU South Australian state secretary John Camillo said tonight he had been told a leaked draft document titled "Project Pheonix" was not a policy of the car maker. The report, outlining a secret plan for closing Mitsubishi's operations in Australia, was made public tonight on ABC Television's 7.30 Report. Mr Camillo said he first became aware of the leaked document when contacted by an ABC journalist several weeks ago, and this led him to contact senior management at Mitsubishi. "The senior executive of Mitsubishi made it quite clear to us that, while they've done quite a few projects, there is no decision to close the Mitsubishi operation," Mr Camillo said. The car maker has 1,600 workers at its assembly plant, in Tonsley Park, in Adelaide's South, and Mr Camillo said these workers had received recent assurances from the company that their jobs were sound. "If they (Mitsubishi) are dishonest, those workers will get to know that and the union will be extremely annoyed if that is the case," he said. "If they try to hide those things, sooner or later it comes out in the open ... and it only makes it very very hard for Mitsubishi in Australia if that is the case." Mr Camillo said he had called Mitsubishi tonight following the program and was awaiting a return call. The draft document, which was stamped confidential and dated September 6 this year, listed Mitsubishi Australia's chief executive Robert McEniry as the leader of Project Phoenix, the ABC reported. It set out three possible dates for closure: February or October 2007 or March 2008. It also said an announcement would be made just four months before the closure date, and the company would create the illusion of business as usual by continuing to place small orders for stock until one month before closure was announced. According to the ABC, the document said ceasing local production was "inevitable" as sales of its locally made 380 sedan had failed to meet expectations and that Mitsubishi would remain in Australia only as an importer of vehicles. The South Australian and federal governments would receive unofficial notice one month before the announcement, not the three to four months requested in case they leaked the closure plan to the media. The unions would receive "no informal pre-notice at all". Federal Treasurer Peter Costello tonight said the government had been in touch with Mitsubishi about the report and had been told the company had no plan to cease production. "I don't believe the contrary is true because Mitsubishi has given that information to the government," he told ABC TV. He said the car company's acceptance of the government's multibillion dollar package, which continues until 2015, indicated that Mitsubishi regarded itself as having a long-term future manufacturing in Australia. Mr Costello said he could not confirm the accuracy of the document, but the government would "very much" be concerned if the report was true. "I'd be concerned a, about the industry, b, about the workers and c, that we have been assured to the contrary," he said. "(But) you've got to be very careful with these things - it could be a false lead, it could be someone who's not in a position to make the decision." Mr Camillo said any speculation about the closure of Mitsubishi's Australian operations came as a major blow to workers' morale at the Adelaide assembly plant. "And it is alarming to see that part of that speculation is that there will be no consultation with the union if there is an announcement to close the Mitsubishi operation," he said. AAP