7:00am Saturday 14th November 2009
DRIVING Mitsubishi’s Lancer makes you feel rather special because it is a sporty number with a shapely body, good driving dynamics and shares ties with its rally car sibling, the Evo.
But although it does bear the same Lancer name and benefits from a wealth of race-bred technology, it is mainly the sweeping body lines and high rear spoiler that creates an air of excitement.
This is a stylish, honest and practical car that can ferry the family safely and comfortably or allow the business user to run up many trouble-free miles.
It is fairly big on just about everything the family needs, including space, refinement, economy and practicality.
And what will appeal to families tightening their belts is the high levels of equipment which make for extra-special value, with prices starting from £14,704.
The Lancer is available as a saloon, a five-door sportback and as a high-performance sportback Ralliart with a good choice of petrol and diesel engines.
One of the most popular units is the well-proven two-litre diesel which pushes out a healthy 138bhp.
In both the sportback and saloon, it returns close to 50mpg during everyday driving and will stretch fuel economy a good deal more with a gentle right foot and the judicious use of the six-speed manual gearbox.
You can choose between three specifications – GS2, GS3 and GS4 – with the middle one being a popular choice at £17,354 for either the sportback or saloon.
This may seem a lot of money at first but stacked up against some models from big name manufacturers, it represents good value, with the equipment list being as long as your arm and including climate control, an electronic stability programme, traction control, side and curtain airbags, electric front and rear windows, alloy wheels, CD player and MP3 connection.
The diesel performs well. It’s quick off the mark and pulls strongly up through the gears with a zesty turn of speed for overtaking. On the open road it feels stress-free and, on the motorway, cruises effortlessly in sixth gear.
For the keen driver the chassis development of the Lancer makes for fairly crisp handling and excellent high speed stability but the price for the taut body control is paid for by a firm ride at lower speeds.
However, the firmness is forgiven when the luxury of the interior is taken into account.
Families will like the roominess of this car in both saloon and hatch forms. The classy cabin is so airy, well-appointed and thoroughly practical, with the comfortable seating upholstered to a high standard and the good quality plastic fittings expertly tailored.
Those buyers intending to put the Lancer on their shortlist would do well to consider the service plan offered by Mitsubishi which comes at a very reasonable cost.
AT-A-GLANCE
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2.0 Di-D GS3 6-speed.
Price: £17,354.
Top speed: 122mph.
0-60mph: 9.6 seconds.
Fuel: 45.6mpg (combined figure). Emissions C02 (g/km): 165. Verdict: Excellent value, eye-catching looks, family practicality and good quality build. Firm ride.
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