What is it?
Mitsubishi's new family car, aimed at re-establishing the brand as a purveyor of passenger cars, not just SUVs. The Lancer name is not a new one to the market, but recent offerings have been rather drab, if reliable and cheap. That's not including the Evolution models of course and yes, the new line-up has been developed at the same time as the keenly anticipated Evolution X.
So far, only the four-door saloon version of the Lancer has been revealed and realistically it straddles a couple of traditional class segments, falling somewhere between the Ford Focus saloon and Mondeo in size, though priced to target cars such as the Mazda3 saloon. The Lancer's design is just as significant as its market placement, as it features Mitsubishi's new 'jet fighter' look, which consists of a distinctive chiselled nose and a gentle wedge profile. There's no doubt that the Lancer is one of the better looking cars in the class.
The range will (eventually) be quite extensive too, with 1.5- and 1.8-litre petrol engines, a 2.0-litre diesel option and transmission choices between five- and six-speed manual and automatic, depending on the powerplant. There's the new Evolution X too of course and a new Ralliart 'Evo-lite' model that should pack a detuned version of the Evo's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine.
Is it any good?
Emphatically, yes. Though we've only tried the entry-level 1.5-litre petrol model and the likely best-selling 2.0-litre turbodiesel variants, first impressions are very favourable. The modern exterior style is mirrored inside, with a sweeping, sporty dashboard and oodles of equipment as standard. Admittedly the plastics are a little hard to touch, but Mitsubishi claims that they will be durable. There's plenty of space too - for rear passengers and their luggage as well.
Even the 1.5-litre model feels willing enough and the chassis manages to serve up some driving enjoyment while still cosseting its occupants. Body control is particularly good, with unwanted roll and pitch kept in check. That 1.5-litre petrol unit works acceptably well around town and on back roads, but it is a little loud at motorway speed or when the car is fully loaded. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is a much better partner to the chassis and so-equipped the Lancer takes on a more grown up persona. It shrugs off a full complement of passengers and luggage yet returns excellent fuel economy.
Should I call the bank manager?
There's no particular hurry. Though the Lancer saloon is already on sale in Ireland and doing very well, British buyers aren't too keen on small four-door cars for some reason. Thankfully there's a five-door 'Sportback' version on the way too, which will give Mitsubishi a real challenger to face up to the likes of the Honda Civic, Mazda3, etc. Prices for that car will start at just £12,499, so your bank manager is likely to approve, but sales of the five-door version may not start until September. If you do fancy the four-door, the entry-level model should come in at £14,999, which gets you into a 1.8-litre petrol version. You'll need to ask the bank for another two grand if you want the diesel alternative.
Summary
Mitsubishi could have a winner on its hands in the Lancer. Its styling will go a long way to stealing customers away from the established family car brands, and once there the potential buyers will discover a value for money alternative that drives as well as it looks. At this stage, the only negatives are the non-tactile nature of the interior plastics and the lack of a five-door model until the end of the year.
Shane O' Donoghue
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