A BEAUTY WITH THE SMILE OF A SHARK

By Martin Neville - Friday, April 18, 2008

The Mitsubishi Lancer is full of attractive lines. Picture by LAURA HOLME.

ON THE ROAD
MITSUBISHI has high hopes for the latest Lancer.
Inspired by years of success in the world’s top-level rallies, Mitsubishi says the Lancer has been designed to thrive in the most demanding environment of all: the real world outside your door.
Perhaps that’s why they’ve made it comfortable and spacious, and then provided it with an outstanding level of standard equipment.
Cast your eye over the photographs — there’s no denying it is a truly gorgeous car, with its shark-like nose and distinctive, jet-fighter-inspired front grille — borrowed from the sporty Evo.
One look at Lancer tells you all you need to know: here is a sports saloon that will stand out in any crowd. It is so sporty and dynamic, it looks like it is moving even when parked.
But let’s take a look beneath those sleek good looks. According to Mitsubishi, the new Lancer is built around an all-new and ultra-rigid body with sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension.
It all sounds highly impressive but in plain English it means the new Lancer, with its stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, is as good to drive as it is to look at, thanks to truly sporting performance.
I found it very sure-footed with plenty of grip — on twisting B-roads, the well balanced, chassis and agile nature made it fun.
Inside the cabin, there is plenty of space for five adults and then some, while at the huge boot with 60/40 split folding rear seat backrests provides excellent carrying capacity.
Behind the wheel I found the instruments simple, attractive and well-organised, with a central display providing a whole range of useful driving information — all accessed by pressing a button on the dashboard.
The new Lancer comes with a complete suite of active safety systems, from its excellent dynamics and outstanding strong disc bakes to Mitsubishi’s active stability and traction control and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution.
It is available with a 141 bhp , 1.8-litre MIVEC motor and a 2.0-litre DI-D diesel engine, with 138 bhp.
Other key features include: keyless entry, front fog lights, rear spoiler, colour-keyed door handles and mirrors, privacy glass, climate-control air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows, electric heated and folding door mirrors, cruise control, leather steering wheel with remote audio/cruise controls and radio with CD player (MP3 compatible) and six speakers.
The Lancer (GS4) also boasts leather faced seats, heated front seats, satellite navigation system and iPod/MP3 auxiliary input.

A BEAUTY WITH THE SMILE OF A SHARK

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