Evolution Of The Lancer
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday September 6, 2008
SHE This is the car I've been waiting for all year. It starts life as the $20,490 Lancer sedan but Mitsubishi has stuffed a potent 2.0-litre turbocharged engine under the bonnet and put an all-wheel-drive system underneath.
HE We should point out that you won't mistake it for the standard model, either. In white, with the massive black nose, it looks like a Stormtrooper on four wheels. I like fast cars but do you reckon everyone will go for this look?SHE When you consider the look of the Holden Special Vehicles and Ford Performance Vehicles, I don't really think the Lancer is that over the top with all the wings, side skirts and carry-on that they have.HE None of the Ford or Holden performance sedans has a wing on the back as big as this. It looks like an ironing board. At least it is pretty awesome to drive, although Mitsubishi is yet to find a tyre that grips well that doesn't make your ears bleed. On almost every surface they are so noisy, which is at odds with what I think customers expect when paying $70,000 for a car. SHE I agree the car is noisy, especially the suspension. The slightest bumps, even when you hit the lane markings, are loud.HE Are you talking about the paint or the small reflectors on the road?SHE Very funny. It is sensitive but not that sensitive. The trade-off for this harsh ride is the super-sharp handling, which not many road cars can match.HE There's no doubt it has brutal acceleration but in some ways I almost preferred the regular five-speed manual version over the new six-speed twin-clutch automated manual transmission. The semi-automatic is better in traffic and gear changes are seamless but it took me a while to get used to this transmission in such a highly strung car.SHE I liked the manual but it needs a sixth gear to make freeway driving less noisy and more fuel efficient. I found the automated manual much easier to drive.HE The other issue with this car is the interior. I like the sports steering wheel and the race-style seats but it is still pretty clear to see that this car starts life as a budget sedan.SHE It's not as refined as some but I clearly remember the Evos of old, where even just two generations ago, the stereo looked like a clumsy afterthought. This new one has curtain airbags, stability control and the top-line model is available with Bluetooth, navigation and a premium stereo.HE The other thing I found interesting is just how divided the motoring media are about it. In the Evo versus Subaru STI comparisons there has been no clear winner. Both cars have won in different publications. In our test we ranked the Audi S3 ahead of both the Subaru and the Mitsubishi. Why do you think there is so much debate?SHE I think the Mitsubishi and Subaru (while similar) still appeal to different tastes. The Evo has an edge about it that some like but others feel is a bit over the top.HE I consider myself among the target audience for these types of cars and I've previously owned a turbo Subaru and a turbo Mitsubishi. But I would have the Audi S3 ahead of both of these. Perhaps some of the niggling problems we had with one of two Mitsubishis we tested (noisy brakes, a fault with the trip computer, seat heaters that didn't work and rattles in the interior) took some of the shine off the Lancer for me. You?SHE I love the Evo X but I'd much prefer the first one we had. Out of all three cars we tested I'd still probably take the Lancer, on a purely emotional choice.The car Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.The price From $59,490 to $71,690.Vital statistics 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder (217kW, 366Nm), five-speed manual or six-speed automated manual.Consumption and emissions 10.2L/100km, 245g/km (man), 10.5L/100km, 252g/km (auto).
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald