380’s Trophy Cabinet Filling Fast
Mitsubishi Motors new large car, the 380, has added yet another award to its trophy cabinet, winning the New Zealand AMI
Autocar Large Car of the Year Award.
The Australian made 380 has already won ‘Australia’s Best Large Car’ for 2005 in the Australia’s Best Car awards, the
engine receiving the Society of Engineers Award for Excellence and the NRMA Insurance awarded it the most secure locally
manufactured family car.
“The awards just keep coming,” says MMNZ general manager of sales and marketing Peter Wilkins. “We knew when we drove
the first prototypes that it was going to be a great car and now the industry is confirming our expectations.
“MMAL have produced a stunning motor car and payback for the hard effort and meticulous planning is now a realisation.
“The new 380 has received very positive reviews from a wide range of commentators and buyers, we are really happy with
the response we have had.”
The judging panel comprised six of New Zealand’s leading motoring writers , Dave Moore (The Press), Richard Bosselman
(Manawatu Evening Standard) and Rob Maetzig (Taranaki’s Daily News), along with the three full-time journalists from NZ
Autocar (Paul Owen, Kyle Cassidy, Peter Louisson).
The panel was impressed with the handling competence, refinement and ride quality of the car, specifically commenting on
the low down power and comfortable seating.
“There’s no better Aussie-made family car at present” said senior Autocar journalist Paul Owen.
Australia’s Best Car awards are voted by the country’s leading motoring associations, including the NRMA, RACV, RACQ,
RAA, RAC, RACT and AANT.