Mitsubishi Lancer

Performance

1.6-litre petrol through five-speed manual box or four-speed auto box delivers 96bhp which is good for cruising, but runs out of puff when overtaking.

Driving

Not a driver's car: poor grip, little feedback, generally smooth ride, though it's unsettled on poor surfaces.

Feel

Noisy engine, noisy inside cabin at speed.

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Price

Cheap to buy but running costs are curiously expensive. Unlikely to be much demand to buy it off you three years down the line too.

Quality

Should be reliable, but the car looks cheap.

Safety

Four airbags, ABS and ISOFIX child seat fittings.

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Space

Good enough room for four, decent boot.

Equipment

CD player, aircon, electric windows and mirrors as standard. Generous kit for the money.

Alternatives

Skoda Octavia

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Pros

Cheap, lots of kit. Undemanding drive.

Cons

Looks cheap. Poor drive.

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