Since its 2005 launch, the Mitsubishi 380 sedan has been praised for its sporty styling, large car space and comfort, powerful performance, excellent economy and outstanding value for money. Manufactured at the Tonsley Plant in Adelaide, the 380 has been widely recognised for its enviable build quality and has claimed multiple awards including the Combined Motoring Associations' "Best Large Car 2005" and "Most Affordable Family Car" for both 2006 and 2007.

Scheduled to go on-sale on 29th July 2007, the 380 Series III sedan is set to continue - and enhance - the vehicle's first-rate reputation.

The Series III update includes a freshening of the sedan's interior appointments, multiple external styling updates, specification upgrades and a realignment of model variants, all engineered to ensure the 380 Series III offers an even more attractive package than ever before.

"Feedback from our 380 customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with a large number of new owners saying they felt they 'couldn't have bought a better vehicle,'" Robert McEniry, President and CEO of MMAL said. "And we believe that with this realignment of the product line-up, the 380 Series III is now, more than ever, the perfect vehicle for Australian families."

The 380 Series III sedan line-up consists of four main variants:

• The entry level ES
• The highly specified SX
• The sporty VRX
• The fully equipped GT model (an optional GT-L variant is also available)

The Series III sedan retains its powerful and economical 3.8-litre 24-valve SOHC MPI V6 engine, specifically designed for Australian roads and driving conditions. Generating 175 kW of power at 5,250 rpm and 343 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, the 380 offers excellent performance combined with economical fuel consumption. It is matched to either an available five-speed INVECS II "Smart Logic" automatic with Sports mode transmission, or a five-speed manual (ES and VRX only).

Renowned for offering high specification levels and an abundance of interior appointments, all 380 Series III sedans continue to include dual front and side SRS airbags, ABS brake system with EBD, automatic climate control air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, cruise control, power adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel audio controls as standard features.

External enhancements include restyled front bumpers, rear spoilers, alloy wheels and paint treatments, while internal changes on the Series III include new surface finishes, seat trims and upgraded equipment levels.

The ES model remains the highly specified entry level variant for the 380 range and the Series III upgrade increases the vehicle's appeal. New sports front bumper, fog lamps and alloy wheels take care of the exterior styling, while attractive new seat trim and chrome instrument cluster highlights add appeal to the interior. In addition, the ES model gains Traction Control as a standard specification, making this key safety feature standard across the entire 380 sedan range.

The mid-range SX model adds new alloy wheels and new grille paint treatment to the exterior, with revised silver seat trim to update the comfortable interior.

The sporty VRX variant receives the lion's share of the Series III styling enhancements, with a full body package including front bumper insert, rear bumper insert and a large rear wing. New alloy wheels and charcoal grille paint treatment set off the exterior, while the interior features new luxury cloth seat trim with VRX logo and a restyled leather steering wheel. An optional Luxury Pack on the VRX model includes full leather interior trim with contrast silver stitching and a large sunroof.

Mitsubishi's signature model, the 380 GT, has been further enhanced with restyled machined alloy wheels, chrome body detail and a sports type instrument cluster. An optional Luxury Pack called the GTL is available on the GT and replaces the previous model's LX variant. The GTL adds stone leather interior, alternate rear deck lid and tail lamps, luxury instrument cluster, sunroof and silver painted alloy wheels.

In addition to the four attractive models of the Series III line-up, MMAL has announced the release of two Special Edition variants, and these models offers unrivalled value and style in the large vehicle segment.

The first special edition ES Sports will be available in limited volumes from launch and adds an impressive list of features to the standard ES including rear wing, 17 inch alloy wheels, upgraded sports suspension, sunroof and Bluetooth phone connectivity - all from the extremely competitive price of $28,990 (RRP).

For consumers who really want to make a statement, the second special edition model, codenamed the "380 Fusion Burst" is the perfect vehicle. With orange duco, striking matching seat trim and a large sunroof, the 380 Fusion Burst may not appeal to shy and retiring types.

According to Robert McEniry the 380 Series III will have strong appeal to consumers. "The 380 sedan has always been recognised as offering excellent driving comfort and style at a very attractive price, and the 380 Series III just takes that whole value proposition one step further." Mr McEniry said.

"The vehicle has already been recognised by the Combined Motoring Associations - twice - as being the most economical family car to run in Australia and the 380 Series III continues that tradition. I think you would have to look long and hard to find a vehicle that comes close to matching the features and specification levels of our 380 line-up - particularly the special launch edition ES Sports model."

MITSUBISHI 380 SERIES III SEDAN PRICING (RRP)