Lancer

Vehicle: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with Sportronic CVT w/INVECS-3
Price as tested: CDN$24043

Performance: New Lancer’s powerplant is a colloboration program between DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai. With this partnership project, it has reduced the R&D time and money that this once-struggling Japanese carmaker needs. Another advantage is Mitsubishi engineers have plenty of resources for themselves to tune this motor to be competitive. With its DOHC and Mitsubishi’s advanced MIVEC variable valve timing technology, this 2.0L 4-cylinder engine has class-leading horsepower and torque. Its good for 152hp and 146 lb/ft of torque. Unlike the Lancer motors of old, its definitely not a sluggish performer. The throttle response is quick and linear. With 146 lb/ft of torque arrives at 4250 rpm, there are plenty of low-end grunt that is absence in its predecessor. The level of refinement and NVH of this powerplant matched the high standards set by Honda and Mazda engines. Our tester comes with the optional Sportronic CVT. Mitsubishi engineers have put lots of time when developing this unit and the result shows. Its a very efficient unit that rivalled those of the best in the market. Its possibly the best currently resides in econocar which better than even Nissan’s Xtronic. Although its better to leave CVT in “D” as the most efficient and economical driving mode, however, its paddle shifters work ergonomically with its thick-rimmed steering. It actually encourages the manuamtic use of the Sportronic as a match for Lancer’s sporty character.

Handling: With 53% higher torsional rigidty and 50% higher bending rigidty than the outgoing platform, Lancer’s chassis finally doesn’t show any crack and flex when pushed hard. Its an extremely stiff and strong chassis for suspension to hang its head. Its level of stiffness is even tougher than any Lancer Evolutions gone before this.

Its electric power steering provides decent feedback and response, its light and precise is what it should be. The suspension is firm without losing the ride comfort one expects from an econocar. Mitsubishi has tuned our GTS tester’s suspension more aggressively in order to reflect its character. You no longer need an Evolution in order to beat its peers. With the new chassis, even with base Lancer engine, it remains very capable car. Through the corners, its chassis dynamics and control are very competitive around its peers. There are slight understeer and body rolls as one expected from an entry-level sedan. But the result is a very composed and solid performer. Although the ride quality got somewhat busy when driven through washboard pavement, its impressive showing in twisties are what it is paid for.

Brakes: With its 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS and all discs around; our GTS tester performs surprisingly when it comes to stopping power. However, its a pity the base DE has to lump its ABS with air conditioning as a package. If Mitsubishi is able to afford to put 4-channel, 4-sensor into an econocar; they shouldn’t cut ABS into an optional package. What a pity!

Interior: In terms of material, its a huge leap forward over its predecessor. However, there are still lots of hard plastic on the top of the dashboard. The bottom half uses a much softer plastic material which is plaasing to the touch. The cloth seats are comfortable and well-foamed. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. With stereo placed above the semi-automatic climate control, one doesn’t need to take the eyes off in order to adjust the stereo. All the switchgears are finished in high-quality, tactical touch. The SACC works nicely with A/C during our mid 10s spring afternoon weather.

The backseat is equally spacious with plenty of leg and headrooms.

Its a bonus for Mitsubishi to use uninstrusive hinges because it won’t crashed into any groceries inside the trunk. The trunk liftover and size are reasonable thanks to 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. Just be careful with your head when the trunk opened because its height has got me a couple of times.

Conclusion: The new Lancer is, indeed, a very impressive car from Mitsubishi. In the past, its hard to find a reason to justify buying a Mitsubishi because it has nothing against its competitions. With the introduction of latest Lancer, it got a whole lot to run with the best of the entry-level car segment. The biggest bonus is the 5-year warranty offers in Mitsubishi which lacks in its rivals. This Lancer, along with the recently introduced Outlander compact ute and Eclipse last year, are showing Mitsubishi is coming back.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER
=====================================
Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Short review for 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart/Sportback
==========================================
Price as tested: CDN$21988
Price as tested: CDN$24198

The single biggest criticisim of Lancer (except Evolution, of course ) has always been power, or therefore lack of. With the introduction of the Ralliart, Mitsu has given Lancer the power that it has always needed it. A 162hp 2.4L MIVEC that feels far more responsive and refined than the 120hp 2.0L in the lower ES and OZ Rally models. The new engine has given a better work out for the chassis. Its not only smoother, its also no longer feels underengined when pushed. The 16″ wheels look sportier and no as undertired in such a tall body. While the handling still remains capable, it continues to suffer from featherweight steering. Interior wise, the use of materials are of high-quality which gives a perception that it no longer feels cheap.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

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
===================================================
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