What they said when the Mitsubishi Lancer was new… (Feb 7 2005)
MITSUBISHI is about to mount an offensive on the popular car front and is bringing in a line-up of Lancers to lead the charge.
Packed with equipment and with prices almost in the bargain basement, the new Lancer is poised to deliver a knockout blow.
Air conditioning, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, CD player and remote control central locking are standard across the range, as are electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.
So is metallic paint, electric windows front and rear, front and side airbags, ABS and ISO-fix child seat anchor points.
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But the most remarkable feature is that the Lancer range starts at £9,999 for a 1.6-litre saloon.
That is more than £3,000 cheaper than a similarly engined Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra or Toyota Corolla - and the Mitsubishi comes with more equipment.
In fact even the top range Lancer, a two-litre Sport estate, comes in below the top sellers with an £11,999 price tag. It is cut throat stuff but this is no loss leader shipped in from Japan to prop up sales.
The Lancer is not just crammed with kit, it also drives very well - as is to be expected from a car which, after all, is the basis of Mitsubishi's mighty Evo Vlll.
Either as a saloon or an estate the Lancer has no bad habits and really is fun to drive. The only time I found it lacking was when driving an automatic 1.6-litre estate which struggled to pick up pace to cruising speed on the motorway.
The range will feature only saloons and estates and with the exception of the flagship two-litre Sport estate all will be powered by the 96bhp 1.6-litre engine.
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With a five-speed manual gearbox the Lancer is capable of a claimed 113mph and 0 to 60mph acceleration of 12.6 seconds with average fuel consumption of 40.4mpg.
The automatic version, which is £500 more, sees the performance drop to 109mph maximum, 34mpg and 15.1 seconds for the 0-60.
In normal use it is fine but under acceleration becomes sluggish - even though it features the option of tiptronic manual gear selections.
The saloons will be available in two trim levels, Equippe and Elegance, the latter costing £700 and featuring leather upholstery.
The two-litre Sport estate will be available only with a manual gearbox but it also features a few extras including rally-style front seats, a CD autochanger, lowered suspension and a Momo leather covered steering wheel.
The current Lancer, the ninth generation to be produced by Mitusibishi, was launched on mainland Europe some 18 months ago where last year it chalked up 37,333 sales making it Mitsubishi's most successful European passenger model.
The Lancer is now being brought to Britain to fill the gap left in Mitsubishi's line up following the end of production of the Carisma saloon.
But while the Carisma was so dull, the Lancer is a breath of fresh air. To add to its appeal it feels well built, has good quality trim and offers plenty of passenger and cargo space.
Words: Chris Russon
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