8 February 2011
Road test review: A safe bet
Facing rising prices and a decline in sales, the new car industry in NZ is bracing itself for a rough ride ahead. Price increases have become a daily occurrence of late after several years of no or minimal changes and with the continuing economic global uncertainty it is quite likely prices will continue to spiral upwards.
Certainly a key weapon in attracting potential new car buyers into showrooms will be the distributors who have a product range which ticks all the boxes in terms of safety, performance, economy and versatility. All this combined with realistic pricing will see some new car distributors get through the tough times ahead better than others.
No surprise then it was all smiles from senior Mitsubishi Motors NZ staff when it released the new Lancer Hatch and Ralliart variants to the motoring press in Wellington last week. The Hatch in particular completes what is now an impressive line up of models in the hotly contested medium size market. These models follow the launch of the all-new Lancer Sedan earlier this year.
"The big story is the inclusion of the Hatch," said Mitsubishi Motors NZ's sales and marketing general manager Peter Wilkins. "The small and medium car segments are dominated by Hatch sales and its arrival provides options for Lancer customers wanting greater versatility".
The Lancer Hatch matches the Sedan in specification and model price points.
Where the Hatch differs is in its larger, more flexible cargo space. One-touch fold-down seats create generous volume in the rear, and a further 56 litres is also available in the boot, thanks to its drop-down floor feature.
All Lancer Sedan and Hatch variants are built using Mitsubishi's Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction, which directs impact energy away from the cabin occupants while a total of seven-air bags, (including drivers knee) help mitigate injury in a collision. Both the Hatch and Sedan versions have achieved a 5-star ANCAP crash test rating and the Ralliart model is expected to achieve a similar result when tested
Other standard features across the entire range include Active Stability Control, Traction Control and Cruise Control. And for those wishing to monitor economy there is a trip computer providing fuel remaining, average fuel economy and average speed.
Another significant change for the range is the inclusion of a 2.4L DOHC MIVEC engine in both Sedan and Hatch VRX variants.
The new engine which is the same as used in the popular Outlander delivers greater power and torque (127kW and 230Nm) over the SX and VR 2.0L versions (115kW and 201Nm). Along with the new engine, the VRX also has leather trim as standard.
Transmission options include either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
Fuel consumption across both the SX and VR models range between 7.6 and 8.3 litres per 100km's depending on which transmission is fitted while the 2.4 litre VRX uses between 8.7 and 8.9 litres per 100km's. On premium unleaded 98, the Ralliart consumes 10L/100km.
The new full-time 4WD Ralliart is another exciting addition to the range. Fitted with a automated-manual TC-SST (Twin Clutch - Sport Shift Transmission) and a 2.0L DOHC MIVEC turbocharged intercooled engine (180kW and 349Nm) it fills the gap between the VRX and Mitsubishi's hero car the Evo X.
Externally, the Ralliart shows a close resemblance to the Lancer Evolution X and includes an aluminium bonnet. Recaro race-style seats and a Rockford Fosgate sound system with a sub-woofer provide an internal point of difference over the VRX.
Mitsubishi has made giant strides in recent years with their product range overall and the introduction of the Hatch model to the Lancer range will only strengthen their model line up.
Prices for the Lancer Hatchback range from $32,500 for the SX manual to $40,990 for the VRX CVT. The Lancer Ralliart will retail for $49,990.