Vehicle: 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally edition with 5-speed stick, optional ABS and sunroof.

Performance: Lancer is powered by a 2.0 that bumps out 120hp and 130 lb/ft of torque. The performance is adequate for the most part, however, it tends to get tiresome as I pushed through the redline. This engine seems to lack the refinement of many of its competitors, say Protege’s 2.0 and Corolla’s 1.8 VVT-i units. The torque delivery is adequate, once again. On the other hand, it tends to run breathlessly as it runs through 120 km/h. The 5-speed stick is definitely not Mitsubishi’s best attribute neither. The throw is long and shift action feels rubbery. The good thing is the clutch is light and progessive.

Handling: Lancer is more of an econocar that tuned toward the comfort over the handling aspect despite of the racy look. The steering response is quick, although it lacks off and on-center feel. The steering feels too light most of the time. While the suspension provides one of the best ride comfort in its class, it tends to lack the flexability when I pushed through corners. There are severe understeer and body rolls. While both are very well under control, it lacks the driving involvement of the class leaders by Mazda, Ford and Nissan. Mitsubishi needs to firm up the suspension in order to put Lancer on the top of the handling chart.

Brakes: The front discs/rear drums brake provide decent pedal feel. The stopping distance is short. The pedal is easily modulated and the effort is balanced. However, given OZ Rally’s 22k price tag. Here lies a problem. You have to take ABS as a package with sunroof. ABS should be a standard equipment because its an active safety feature, however, moonroof is not. If a 20k Protege5 is able to afford an ABS as standard, how come Mitsubishi can’t afford on a 22k Lancer?

Interior: The interior is comfortable and nicely layout. All the climate control knobs are well-placed on top of the center console. The gauges are clear and analog. Both front and rear seats are comfortable. Rear seats have probably the largest interior space in its class. There are plenty of head and legroom. However, here comes the drawbacks. The CD-player has tiny buttons that are hard to navigate. Secondly, the whole center console is covered with cheap and hard plastic. Although the trunk is large and got low liftover, its instrusive trunk hinges is an absolute “no no”.

Conclusion : Mitsubishi expects Lancer to be the biggest seller in the Canadian line-up. However, they have to address a few issues before Lancer is able to take on the top dogs. It needs a higher quality interior, better engine, better dynamic and standard ABS. Although the OZ Rally edition looks like an EVO, its dynamic capabilitis are definitely not an EVO.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER OZ RALLY EDITION
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Performance: 2/5
Handling/fun-to-drive: 2.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5

Overall rating: 2.5/5