Mitsubishi Lancer, an honest, practical and spacious saloon

3:48pm Thursday 6th November 2008

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MOTORISTS who moved away from family cars to MPVs are being drawn back into the sector mainly by the introduction of some good new models.

These cars are fairly big on just about everything many families need, including space, driving pleasure, refinement and the quality of construction that ensures the vehicle will last for a long time.

In fact, the buyer has never had it so good in the family class.

Stacked up against the favourites is Mitsubishi’s new Lancer, a good looker which represents a lot of car for the money. Value is something more people are looking for during these belt-tightening times and, unlike styling and power-plant preferences, it is something that never goes out of fashion.

Considering its quality build and generous equipment levels, the Lancer looks a comparatively cheap car against the likes of some models from big-name manufacturers. But, of course, there are differences in the various offerings and it is largely a case of family preferences.

The Lancer is a sporty number and makes you feel rather special while driving it, particularly as it shares some ties with its cult status rally car sibling, the Evo. But although it does bear the same Lancer name and benefits from some of the race-bred technology, it is mainly the shapely body style and the big rear spoiler that is responsible for creating any air of excitement.

Not that the Lancer is a dull car to drive but without the coveted Evo badge it concentrates on being an honest, practical and spacious saloon that puts the family first. Compared to the Evo, there is obviously a vast difference in price too, with the Lancer Sport Back 1.8 litre petrol model selling for a touch under £14,000 and the flagship model, the 4-door 16-valve 2.0-litre turbo diesel GS4, priced at £18,499.

The diesel’s long equipment list is brilliant and includes a top-flight navigation system with radio and music server, iPod/MP3 aux input-port, air conditioning, climate control, cruise control, ABS brakes with EBD, stability and traction control, twin front, curtain and side airbags and supportive, well-shaped black leather seats. You do feel in the lap of luxury.

The sweeping lines of the Lancer mean that headroom is not as generous in the rear as the leg or shoulder room but no-one is going to feel cramped.

The roomy and classy cabin is a great driver environment with a clean-looking uncluttered dash, thanks partly to a touch-screen layout. The practical and attractive interior really pleases.

The Lancer has taut but comfortable independent suspension which helps give a good balanced ride and safe handling. Body roll is kept in check while the steering requires little effort around town and generally has a nice responsive feel so that the car goes exactly where you point it at any speed.

The 138bhp motor offers generous pulling power across much of the rev band when the turbocharger really comes into play. It is not as smooth or quiet as some of the very latest diesels though, to its advantage, it does feel very stess-free in sixth gear, especially on those long and fast motorway jaunts.

If you intend buying a Lancer it is well worth considering the service plan which covers three years or 37,500 miles, whichever occurs first, at a very reasonable £250.

AT A GLANCE.

Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 Di-D GS4 6 speed manual.

Price: £18,499.

Top speed: 129mph.

0-62mph: 9.7 seconds.

Fuel: 44.8mpg (combined figure).

C02 emissions (g/km): 165.

Verdict: Great styling, excellent value. Makes you feel rather special when driving.