New Mitsubishi Lancer review
Author: David Miles
Published: 01 July 2008
The new Mistubishi Lancer four-door saloons are available with the choice of 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre DI-D diesel engine options with the petrol version also available with a CVT type automatic transmission.
The Sportback range has the same engine options plus an additional 1.5-litre petrol unit with the choice of manual or auto transmissions. There is the choice of four trim levels logically called GS1, GS2, GS3 and GS4 but availability depends on the engine chosen.
Specifications
Even standard GS1 specification is pretty high with a rear spoiler and front airdams and side body skirts to give all Lancers the Evolution look, electric windows front and rear, air conditioning, front side and knee airbags, electrically operated door mirrors remote door locking with alarm and immobiliser and stereo radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility.
Going up the scale, my test car the Lancer 2.0 DI-D saloon, had a six-speed manual transmission 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control, stability and traction control, privacy glass, climate controlled air conditioning, sports suspension, pan-European satellite navigation, heated front seats, leather upholstery and an advanced vehicle information system.
The price for this diesel model is a hefty £18,499 so for most people, unless they cover really high annual mileages and fuel economy is the main aim, the Lancer 1.8-litre petrol GS4 model priced at £16,999 is going to be the best buy. It is interesting to note that Lancer saloon and Sportback body styles are the same price.
Styling
Styling really sets the new Lancer apart from its many rivals. The standard cars have taken on the Evolution X sports styling themes with its jet-fighter grille and ‘chopped’ rear end.
They have a broad muscular stance, a longer wheelbase that Lancers of old, there is a wedge side profile and add the side skirt, big alloys and rear spoiler and even the most lowly new Lancer looks pretty good. It looks an expensive car with lots of road presence. The new Lancer uses a ‘global’ platform shared by such companies as Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Hyundai and Kia. It is the same as the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Looks alone should sell the Lancer to any driver that wants a family car with Evo styling yet at a more affordable price and with the performance to use day-in and day-out as a business or family car. The Evolution models are awesome as we know for performance. The mainstream models are not in the same league, a case of style over function.
Engines
On my 2.0-litre DI-D test car with GS4 specification the handling is no better than being very average, the ride quality was poor due to the sports suspension and the oversized 18-inch alloy wheels. The VW sourced 138bhp turbodiesel engine with intercooler is definitely old technology with its ‘Pumpe Duse’ fuel system rather than the latest direct-injection technology. It is noisy and not as smooth as its rivals.
It delivers power with a rush at the top end of the rev-range, it is not as responsive or progressive in the low and mid-speed ranges as you expect from a modern-day turbodiesel unit to be.
It is still relatively economical with a real-life 44.4mpg returned for typical day to day driving, more or less the same as the official figures. CO2 emissions are 165g/km which means a road tax rating of Band D at £145 this year, but £175 from next April.
Although I haven’t driven the 2.0-litre, 141bhp petrol engine I would suggest that will be the best option for most people because of its much better driving refinement. The downside to this unit is the official 36.7mpg and 183g/km giving it a £170 road tax rating.
With the more price friendly GS3 specification and the 1.8-litre petrol engine the Lancer saloon costs a very attractive £14,999, £4,000 less than my test car.
MILESTONES
Mitsubishi Lancer Saloon 2.0 DI-D GS4
Price: £18,499
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel with intercooler, 138bhp, 310Nm of torque from 1,750rpm, 6-speed manual gearbox
Performance: 129mph, 0-62mph 9.6 seconds, 44.8mpg (44.4mpg actual), CO2 165g/km, VED Band D £145
Tax liability: 24%.
Insurance group: 9E
For: Stylish and sporty good looks, high specification, roomy interior, impeccable build quality, petrol model well priced.
Against: Indifferent driving qualities, jittery ride, road noise, difficult to believe this is a sibling of the Lancer Evolution apart from the styling.
See Also:
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Family cars - namely saloons - don´t need to merely be about practicality, interior space and running costs. Many are great to drive, good-looking and gadget-heavy.
Pictures, specs and reviews of all the family saloons on the road.
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