LANCER OFF THE BOIL (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mitsubishilancer_241008

By Andy Enright

Introductionword count: 198

Car manufacturers often talk of the 'halo effect' of a flagship model. In short, it's spreading the glamour of a well-renowned car onto lesser lights in the range. There are any number of BMW 3 Series drivers who have fantasised about owning an M3 and when this marketing tactic is pursued well it can prove profitable. For a case study in the halo effect falling rather flat on its face, look no further than the Mitsubishi Lancer. To many, the Lancer is the Lancer Evo, the all-wheel drive, turbocharged rally replica that comes laced with a heavy dose of Tommi Makinen forest stage heroics or Police, Camera, Action starring roles, depending on your viewpoint. The Evo didn't create a halo effect. It was so incandescent it cast the rest of the ordinary Lancer range into the darkest shadow. All of which was a bit of a shame as by the time this generation Lancer appeared in British showrooms in 2008, it had developed into a more than respectable car; certainly something that was a bit more interesting than the usual Astra/Focus/Megane norm. Here's what to look for if you fancy giving it a second chance, second time round.

Modelsword count: 17

4dr saloon/5 dr family hatch (1.5, 1.8 petrol 2.0 diesel [SE, GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4, Juro, Ralliart)

Historyword count: 260

You could see what Mitsubishi was trying to do with this generation Lancer model. With the benefit of hindsight, it probably wasn't a good idea to try to ape Subaru's tactic in going mainstream and locking horns with the might of Ford, Vauxhall, Toyota and Renault. That sort of tactic requires a serious development and promotional budget. Mitsubishi and Subaru didn't have either. The pinch of the global economic crisis also meant any new cars were hard to shift. Those two factors probably did for the Lancer as a mainstream contender before it ever turned a wheel in the UK, but you can't fault Mitsubishi's efforts to interest us. The range initially consisted of Sportback hatch models in GS1, GS2, GS3 and GS4 trims, with saloon models also offered in the top two variants. Buyers chose from a 110PS 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 144PS 1.8-litre petrol unit that was also offered with a CVT transmission, or a 140PS 2.0-litre DI-D diesel. A 240PS Ralliart five-door was also briefly added to the range. A four-door SE model was added to the line-up in summer 2009, powered by the 1.5-litre petrol lump. The saloon models were also later quietly shelved. Mitsubishi attempted to spark interest in the Lancer with its '5-4-3-2-1 Deal' in early 2010, which included 5 years free servicing and breakdown cover, 4 years 0% APR, a 3 year warranty, and 2 years road fund licence. The range got a 2.0-litre DI-D Juro special edition in late 2010 and a 1.5-litre Juro model, based on the GS2, in January 2011.

What You Getword count: 300

A big part of the old Lancer's problem was that it looked so staid. This time round, Mitsubishi wasn't making that mistake. Even the entry-level model looks sharp, with the aggressive, squinting front end and the rising waist line giving it a pugnacious stance. The car is built on a longer wheelbase and a wider track than its predecessor, although it's marginally shorter in overall length. A big draw was the improved interior quality. The plastics and design are still probably a notch below the best in this price bracket, but they're no longer leagues off the pace as they were in previous generation models. The cowled instruments are a nice touch. Space inside is better than you might expect thanks to the wheelbase and track increases but the Sportback version is no cavernous load lugger, the steeply raked rear end impinging on carrying capacity. Score one to the stylists. We'd stretch to the 1.8-litre petrol unit over the 1.5 if at all possible. The diesel's well worth considering too, but only if you're likely annual mileage will justify the price premium being asked. Equipment levels are very strong, all models coming with air conditioning, twin front, side and knee airbags, a trip computer, electric windows all round, a rear spoiler and a CD stereo with MP3 capability. With the price advantage that the Lancer enjoys over some of its key rivals however, you may find yourself being able to stretch to one of the plusher models that come dripping with extra features. To give you an example, the top of the range version comes with a Pan-European HDD satellite navigation system with colour touch screen, a 30GB music server, heated leather seats, iPod input, a personalisation set up and an advanced vehicle data system. That's an unbeatable kit list.

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