The Mitsubishi Magna is well known and the opportunity to, once again, drive the new all-wheel drive version is a treat..... a treat to anticipate with keeness.

The subject of this test is, once again, the base model..... the Magna AWD. Standard equipment includes an adequate 3.5 litre V6, coupled to a 5 speed automatic transmission with a sequential manual over-ride. When used manually, this is a very nicely operated system as the sequential change is a push forward to go up a notch, pull back to come down a notch and this is the correct way for a sequential gearbox to work. All car manufacturers should programme their sequential changing mechanism this way! Some, it seems, prefer to put the changing mechanism the wrong way around. When the Magna is in automatic mode though, the familiar problem of no block-out for overdrive is evident, thus the motor labours in a higher gear than what is neccessary when you're sitting on a steady 60-70 kph. We don't drive a manual car in overdrive at 60 kph, so why should we drive an automatic in overdrive at 60?

On the road, this car just feels so all-together..... it's comfortable, it's smooth, it performs well, it does everything you want it to do and it does it right! Many cars are good to drive between A and B. With the Magna AWD, you'll be happy to drive onto C and even further! Mitsubishi are to be commended for their efforts. This is a road car with delightful attributes, a road car which deserves more than curious consideration.

An outstanding car!

Once again, the test area was Sydney and north to the lower reaches of Lake Macquarie. A total of 176 kms was covered. Enough to confirm the initial impression (gained in May 2003) that this car provides a positive environment with enough ability to make driving a pleasure.

The test car was a silvery gold metallic, which is one of 11 colours available on the base model. The 12-spoke 16" alloy wheels are standard.

Standard equipment includes driver and front passenger air bags, power steering, upgraded brakes, single cd player, AM/FM radio, leather covered steering wheel and power windows.

As mentioned in the earlier road test.... it's easy to sum up the new Magna AWD..... as it raises the bar substantially (so to speak)..... there are no flaws..... just delight at the way this car puts it's act together. The Magna is well known as a good all-rounder, now it's appearing as the opening batter! Magna AWD..... it's a winner in every sense.