Mitsubishi Magna V6 AWD

In the car-selling game, vehicles that deliver their power through all four wheels are big business. You only have to look at the number of four-wheel drives on the roads today, from heavy-duty off-roaders to compact "soft-roaders" and all-wheel drive sedans, to realise the appeal of four-paw transport.

It's little surprise, then, that Australia's carmakers are getting in on the act in a major way, led by Mitsubishi, which has introduced an all-wheel drive version of its Magna sedan. Although recognised as a competent performer and a well-built four-door family sedan, buyers with towing needs have tended to favour the rear-wheel drive platforms and optional V8 power of its Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore rivals.

Starting at $37,490 for the base model, which we drove here, Mitsubishi is offering a locally built, well-equipped and affordable vehicle that for the first time brings towing credentials to the Magna range.

The four-paw Magna comes with a powerful 3.5lt V6 engine and smooth five-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission. Two other models complete the all-wheel drive range: a more powerful Sports, priced at $43,290, and luxurious Verada ($46,460), which are both similarly equipped to their front-drive counterparts.

The full-time all-wheel drive system on the Magna was developed locally using parts from the Japanese rally-bred Lancer and Diamante sedans. Using a viscous coupling system and a rear limited-slip differential, it splits drive 50:50 to the front and rear under normal driving, but this can vary to suit conditions.

Some will be disappointed with the styling of the all-wheel drive version. In fact, apart from some tiny badging, inside and out, it looks pretty much like the regular version.

For the real clues to its extra abilities you have to get behind the wheel. Stamp on the accelerator hard and, instead of the wheelspin inherent in the front-wheel drive version, it launches cleanly off the line with barely a tyre chirp or steering wheel tug.

The Magna's 3.5lt V6 has always been a smooth, quiet and powerful performer but, hooked up to an all-wheel drive system, it now delivers the 154kW of power and 310Nm of torque to the ground more effectively via all four wheels.

The extra traction comes to the fore during cornering or in slippery conditions, especially on damp or loose surfaces. Bigger, anti-skid brakes and fatter performance tyres also contribute to driver confidence and increase the extra margin for error on slippery surfaces.

Mitsubishi rates the Magna to tow up to 1500kg on a braked trailer, and it's a weight the engine manages with little trouble. Unbraked trailers are limited to a paltry 500kg.

The new all-wheel drive system adds about 130kg to overall weight, which doesn't seem to dent performance, but trips to the fuel pump will cost more than in the front-drive version.

The Magna has always been an enjoyable to drive, if somewhat conservatively styled, family sedan. The addition of an all-wheel drive version gives Mitsubishi's biggest-seller some much needed credibility with the towing fraternity, as well as the more tangible benefits of improving road handling and driver confidence, particularly in less-than-ideal conditions.

Ultimately, it will be those who appreciate the better safety and surefootedness offered by all-wheel drive who will be able to justify the $5000 premium over the two-wheel drive version.

For the average punter the advantages don't equal the extra cash, but for those of us with a need to drag boats on trailers, itÕs the first Magna seriously worth considering.