The
In 2002, Mitsubishi made history by releasing the first all-wheel drive series production car built in Australia, the Magna AWD. Soon after, it also changed history with the same car's advertising campaign.
To assert its difference and all-road ability compared to the VY Holden Commodore and BA II Ford Falcon of the time, Mitsubishi decided to shoot straight from the hip with one of the commercials for this new AWD model.
With a far lower degree of political correctness at the time, the commercial showed the latest Magna racing down a dirt road against a Commodore and Falcon.
Upon reaching a 90-degree bend at the end of the straight, the two rear-wheel drive rivals are seen floundering as they spin out of control, while the Magna emerges from their dust with all four wheels still pointing it the right way.
Unsurprisingly, the Australian advertising standards board were not impressed. Soon after, they banned 'hooning in car commercials', with this ruling still in place and causing controversy for other car makers' ads to this day.
Not all Magna AWD promos were quite so gung-ho in sticking it to Mitsubishi's Aussie rivals, however.
Another promo for the car featured Australia's first-ever Winter Olympics gold medallist, speed skater Steven Bradbury, which made reference to his underdog Salt Lake City win in 2002.
Bradbury proclaims in the tagline that the Magna's all-wheel drive system "means you always keep your feet – and trust me, I know how important that is".
Patrick Jackson
More inEntertainment
The Retro Rides Podcast Episode 6: Sam's glorious HQ Monaro and an All Aussie Auto Show preview
This week, Cam and Rich are joined by Sam Princi for a 'Walk & Talk' on his 1973 V8 HQ Monaro. They also preview the upcoming All Aussie Auto Show in Sydney.
Classics in the snow: The ICE St. Moritz
While most concours events are held on the most pristine lawns at golf clubs and palaces, The ICE in the affluent Swiss town of St. Moritz is just a little bit different.
These instrument cluster clocks are a stylish nod to car culture
It's unfortunately fairly common to see tacky merchandise aimed at car lovers, but one company we've found online is offering the sort of items that genuinely exude a touch of class and offer a genuine part of the classic car experience.
More inAussie
2025 All Aussie Auto Show set to highlight Australian classics and unknowns
When you think of what a car show for Australian vehicles might look like, a sea of Holdens and Fords will likely come to mind, with maybe the odd Mitsubishi or Chrysler. However, the 2025 All Aussie Auto Show is set to challenge that presumption by creating an event which opens attendees’ eyes to the depth and breadth of the Aussie automotive industry.
Magnarrific: Here’s why the Mitsubishi Magna deserves more love
While Holden and Ford may have produced the best-known locally-designed darlings of the Australian automotive industry’s heyday, the Commodore and Falcon you’ve likely owned at least one of or were at least driven around in as a child, there was of course a third major player that sat alongside them: the Mitsubishi Magna.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Chrysler Valiant AP5-AP6 (1963-66)
Chrysler joined the locally-manufactured Australian family car market in 1962 with its radical R Series Valiant, but less than two years later had reverted to a design that was equally remarkable for its conservatism.
Get The Latest
Sign up for the latest in retro rides, from stories of restoration to community happenings.