GT is perhaps an ambitious title for a car that uses the same powertrain as even the most lowly member of the family, but Mitsubishi's top-level 380 proves to be a sharp, quick and comfortably spacious sports sedan that is on the way to bridging the gap to European dynamics. With recent price adjustments the GT also excellent value, with just about everything bar satellite navigation standard equipment. The interior is spacious, comfortable and replete with quality touches. You won't find a better locally built family sedan. The disappointments, considering this is an all-new car, are that the 380 does not (yet) offer electronic stability control at any level, nor is there any mention of side curtain airbags.

Mitsubishi KL Verada GTVi
Released: June 2003
Ended: September 2005
Family Tree: 380ALWAYS an enjoyable driver’s car, the GTVi’s firmer suspension and more luxurious trim makeover wed wonderfully with an uprated version of the company’s evergreen 3.5-litre SOHC V6, to produce a strong 155kW of power and 316Nm of torque, directed to the front wheels via a five-speed Tiptronic-style automatic gearbox. And although the rather dour cabin still shouted ‘fleet car’, the GTVi driver was always smug in the knowledge that he or she was driving one of the better family cars this country has produced. Better still, the KW Series II GTVi from October 2004 gained Mitsubishi’s superb all-wheel drive system making it a cut-price Audi quattro.
Facebook Twitter Instagram