8 February 2011
With the latest Lancer, Mitsubishi have done a bit more than breathe new life into the model.
They've hit it with a defribullator, given it a heart transplant and put it on a course of steroids. It's bigger, better, stronger than ever before.
New Lancer, new life says Mitsubishi's marketing tag line. And they're not just referring to the car.
Amazingly, the Lancer in one form or another has been with Kiwi motorists now for 32 years, but rather than finding a constant stream of new adopters, its client base - turbocharged Evolution variants aside - tended to be the more senior members of society. To revive sales, a vibrant new Lancer needed more appeal to younger buyers.
So, there's a bold new look not too dissimilar to the new rally-bred Evo X which is due to hit theses shores in coming weeks, complete with the jet-fighter inspired nose and striking body kit on models above the base SX, cool.
Lop off a few fingers and you'll still be able to count on the one hand vehicles that offer as an attractive value for money equation as the Lancer.
For a very affordable $28,990 the range starts with a manual SX, a six-step CVT adds $1000. For your outlay you'll pick up 16-inch alloys and the roomy cabin is filled with such goodies like an MP3 compatible CD player and cruise control, as well as an awesome safety package consisting of a plethora of airbags (front, side, curtain and driver's knee) and electronic stability control.
The car has yet to be crash tested by NCAP, but Mitsubishi suggest a maximum five-star European NCAP rating can be expected. Kudos must be given to Mitsubishi for providing the comprehensive safety package at this price.
The mid-spec VR model gains a keyless operating system that allows the vehicle to be opened and started with the key never leaving your pocket, privacy glass to keep you personal belongings hidden and a six disc, six speaker CD changer. The likelihood of any manuals in this spec being sold is slim, so only the CVT is offered at $32,990.
Topping the range - Evo X excluded, which to be fair is another class of vehicle all together - is the VR-X, its exterior is enhanced by 18-inch alloys and complemented with sportier suspension and bigger disc brakes. Either a five-speed manual or CVT is available, the latter including steering wheel paddle shifters to select stepped ratios on the variable trans.
Lancer InteriorThere's also rain-sensing wipers, auto levelling discharge headlamps with cornering light and a Bluetooth hands free system. Considering the $33,990 price for the manual or $35,990 for the CVT, the top spec Lancer offers the best bang for your buck in our opinion
Under the bonnet there's a new 2.0 litre engine, a derivative of the Mitsubishi/Chrysler/Hyundai 'world engine' that is shared across the brands. Developing 115kW @ 6000 rpm and 201Nm of torque @ 4250 rpm, the engine stacks up well against other popular 2.0 litre small-medium sized vehicles like the Mazda3 sedan or Honda Civic 2.0.
But as we discovered on our launch drive, the torque tends to feel peaky and lacks urge down low - a symptom common across all the 'world engine' applications - however once the revs climb performance is on a par with class rivals. The drivetrain is best behaved and responsive with the five-speed and despite having six pre programmed steps in it's electronic protocols, the CVT will still take getting used to for the uninitiated.
The platform too has some common architecture with Chrysler's Caliber and Sebring products, but makes a better fist of things than the American brand.
It's evident engineers have focussed on providing a high level of ride comfort, which they have succeeded in doing but handling isn't as precise as the sportiest steers in the category. That said, some fun can still be had in the well-sorted Lancer, but predictably it's the 4WD Evolution X - that shares the Lancer's chassis - Mitsi will tempt the true driving enthusiasts with.
What is to become of this born-again Lancer? Is it destined to grace the car parks of bowling clubs and gardening centres like its predecessors?
Well, maybe a little. But with an athletic new stance especially in VR-X guise, there's a strong chance Mitsubishi's newest family member could well be that exciting catalyst the brand needs to rejuvenate Lancer's cliental, and secure the nameplate for another 32 years.