Four-poster
The Age
Wednesday January 29, 2003
When it comes to grip, four wheels are better than two
The term AWD - or all-wheel drive - is the latest automotive buzz.
By definition it's no different to four-wheel drive, just with an added marketing spin to soften the description of such a mechanical layout for cars designed to be used only on-road.
AWD (and, for that matter, 4WD) is a system that Australian car makers are racing to install on their locally produced models, in order to leverage the advantages of added grip, stability and cornering control.
It's a race that earlier this month was won by Mitsubishi, when the Magna AWD began trickling into dealerships.
As the rather nondescript name suggests, it's basically a Magna with AWD.
While it sounds simple in philosophy, the reality is a rather complicated technical development that involved grafting a new floor pan under the current Magna body and ensuring it all worked harmoniously.
The new AWD Magna posts an impressive four out of five points in our ratings.
Mitsubishi Magna AWD
The basics
Four-door sedan, 3.5-litre, V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel-drive.
How much?
$37,490 plus on-road costs.
The sales pitch
Australia's first AWD car that adds all-paw grip to the Magna.
Who'll buy it?
Subaru owners looking for a change or people who value the dynamic benefits offered by AWD.
What will the neighbours think?
You have a plain-Jane Magna. After all, the AWD badge is the main visual giveaway to what lies beneath.
How does it go?
With a smooth and grunty, 3.5-litre, V6 engine, Magnas have never exactly been left wanting for performance. And the formula is not changed much here, although a five-speed transmission is now part of the deal.
The Magna's combination of strong mid-range urge (including a torque peak of 310Nm) and free-revving acceleration (thanks to 154kW of power) ensure the AWD leaps smartly from a standstill and continues its impressive run as the speed increases.
The added weight of the AWD system means there's a fraction less performance than a regular front-drive Magna, but really, it's negligible in day-to-day driving.
Behind the wheel
Almost as soon as you drive off, owners of the standard Magna will notice a difference with the way the AWD behaves. There's not a hint of the sometimes annoying steering wheel tug full-throttle wheelspin, even on slippery roads. That makes it easy to accelerate from a T-intersection or a side road without fear of waking nearby residents with a squeal in the middle of the night.
Driving enthusiasts also will appreciate the extra traction through corners, and the more linear and direct steering feel liberated by an all-new steering set-up.
Creature comforts
While the exterior may tell a story of a Magna blessed with AWD, it goes a bit further than that, with some extra equipment to justify the $5000-odd price premium over a front-drive Magna.
There are larger wheels (at 16 inches) and they're fancier alloys. A passenger airbag is now standard fare, as are power windows and some leather touches inside on things such as the gearknob and steering wheel.
It bodes well with the remote locking, CD sound system and other features already on the regular Magna.
Safety and security
The addition of a passenger airbag is a big plus for the Magna AWD, although side airbags are still not available. Anti-lock brakes are also part of the package.
Security is identical to regular Magnas, with the remote locking and engine immobiliser.
Accommodation
The Magna is a large car, but one that lacks the sprawling rear legroom of its three prime competitors: the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Toyota Camry. That's not to say it's cramped, it's just not as adept at catering for adults as the aforementioned trio. But up front, there's plenty of seat adjustment.
Sound system
With a CD player and relatively basic speakers, the Magna's sound system is adequate rather than a standout. Step up to the more luxurious Verada and there are more speakers and a generally better-sounding set-up.
Turn-ons
Grunty V6 engine, traction out of corners and on slippery roads, value for money, solid feel.
Turn-offs
Lack of visual differentiation from regular Magna, added weight of 4WD system,
dated interior.
The last word
Makes a better, more adept car out of an already impressive one.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
• Toby Hagon is editor of The Age's motoring section Drive.
© 2003 The Age