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Posted on: Jun 08 2007

Mitsubishi-Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer was quite the standard of the class at one point, but now, it has not only been outshone by competitors both above and below it, but the premium C-segment it used to rule has pretty much disappeared. Mitsubishi has made some changes, but the Lancer has started to fall behind more modern entries.:

Design, Engineering and Interiors:
The Lancer is a genuinely clean, good-looking design, understated and handsome unlike many Japanese and Korean designs, which tend to look rather confused. The original slimline headlamps were replaced by larger, early-generation-Evo ones, but came back in broody, dark form for the very striking Invecs version. The triangular tail lamps are an echo of 1990s Mercs, but are none the worse for that. However, it has become a slightly too familiar shape in India, and really needs some major changes if it is to match fresh designs like the Optra and the Honda City.

Its engineering is close to fault-free, seeing that it has conquered the World Rally Championship so many times over: it is a tough, proven platform, not overloaded with technology like many modern Mitsubishis but perfectly adequate for its purposes. It is well built and paint and finish quality is still up there with the best.

The interiors are a big disappointment after the promising exterior: the cabin looks dull, uses drab grey plastics, and though it is well designed and ergonomically sound, it's some way behind the high-quality interiors we've come to expect. However, the seats are comfortable and supportive, and the seat and steering are adjustable. Leg and headroom are great both front and rear, although width is not too good.

Performance, Fuel Economy and Handling:
The Lancer is now available in three versions: the original 1.5-litre petrol, which now props up the rest of the range, a 2.0-litre diesel and the new 1.8-litre petrol, available only with the INVECS gearbox.

The 1468cc base engine is not particularly powerful or torquey, but it is a wonderfully smooth and refined motor that prefers relaxed cruising to spirited driving, and is really stress-free, particularly in the city. Fairly flexible, with a reputation for reliability, it even manages decent fuel economy figures — 9.6kpl in city and 14.9kpl on the highway.

The 2.0-litre diesel, again, is not an exceptional motor on paper, with a modest 65bhp and only 12.54kgm of torque, but its refinement has to be felt to be believed. Using 'Super Silent Shaft technology,' it feels perfectly balanced and silent, and it's exceptionally responsive for a diesel, with punchy gear ratios and lots of bottom-end whack. The awesome flexibility means even top-end performance is startling, and the gearbox is one of the very best on the market; however, top speed and highway poise are surprisingly ordinary. Needing only a light foot to drive it smoothly, the diesel will easily return 11.6 and 15.6kpl.

The best of the lot is the sporty 1.8, with 120bhp and 16.5kgm of torque; the best part isn't the power though, it's the superb INVECS-II gearbox, a simplified version of Porsche's famed Tiptronic box, which works as an automatic with a manual 'tip-shift' function. It works seamlessly as an automatic, but slot the lever to the side, and it works as a manual, in which you have to ‘tip’ the lever forward to change up, or pull back to change down, which makes it excellent for hard driving.
The engine is also very responsive and energetic, with impressive punch between 3000-5000rpm and a great willingness to play — probably the only sports saloon under Rs 11 lakh. The auto ’box means fuel economy is pretty poor, at 7.5 and 11.2kpl.

The Lancer is, not surprisingly, a very good driver's car, with lovely, neutral handling, near-perfect steering that is light at low speeds and puts on weight as you push, and great precision in its dynamics. Its ride isn't as good though, not too bad at low speeds but fairly bouncy as you go faster. It's an excellent car to drive through corners, where it is fluid and predictable, but its highway stability is poor, and it tends to wander all over the road.

Verdict:
The Lancer is a great all-rounder, a beautifully engineered and refined car that is difficult to dislike, save the dull interior and the poor highway stability. It has a great range of engines, excellent handling a comfortable interior and handsome looks; its biggest failing is that it is starting to look a little long in the tooth, and perhaps a bit ordinary compared to the flamboyant Honda City and Chevy Optra. The price cut has boosted its value. HM’s Asset Care Program under which Lancer owners do not have to shell out extra on the wear of certain components is a morale booster but is not really catching buyer attention as the Corolla and Optra are preferred purchases. Hoteliers prefer the Lancer more than private owners due to attractive corporate schemes.
Source: autocarindia.com