Mitsubishi Lancer saloon (2008- ) expert review

While the design of the previous generation Mitsubishi Lancer was kept away from the rally-bred Evo model, the new model looks far more hard-core. The front is all very angular and aggressive with the headlights veering towards the grille in an angry manner. The rear features a spoiler while the Lancer we drove featured a set of 18-inch alloys. On first look it’s very hard not to visualise it as an Evo. The Lancer is the perfect antidote to some of the uninspiring play-it-safe designs currently on sale in the UK.

While the exterior is a no-nonsense hooligan of a design, the Lancer’s interior is a lot safer looking. The centre console is dominated by the optional seven-inch LCD navigation screen which sits above the cheap-looking air-conditioning dials. The steering wheel features audio control and there’s a lot of carbon-fibre-effect material along the dash. Our top-trim GS4 featured leather heated seats which are comfortable, look great and have a premium feel. The interior wasn’t great on the previous Lancer, but Mitsubishi has addressed this and improved it significantly.

There’s plenty of room inside the Lancer, which can comfortably transport four adults. The boot’s capacity is 400 litres, but due to it having a boot rather than a hatch, transporting big objects might be tricky. However, long objects shouldn’t be too much hassle to transport as the rear seats can fold down. Visibility is okay although some may find the spoiler in the rear window an issue.

The Lancer’s suspension is quite firm, meaning bumpy roads can often cause a bit of discomfort. Put your foot down through the corners and you’ll experience quite a bit of body roll, but the Lancer grips well and the steering is precise.

The Lancer is no Evo. There are three engines to choose from – 1.5 or 1.8-litre petrol units or 2-litre Volkswagen-sourced turbodiesel. We drove the diesel which produces 138bhp and 228lb/ft of pulling power. This accelerates the Lancer from 0-62mph (100kph) in 9.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 127mph. The engine is fairly unrefined and noisy at low speeds but the six-speed manual gearbox helps makes motorway cruising quite comfortable. The 1.8-litre petrol model hits 62mph in 0.1 second slower than the diesel but has the same top speed.

Despite being £500 more expensive, the diesel model is the one we’d go for, thanks to its lower running costs and matching performance. Mitsubishi claims an average of 44.8mpg – a figure we came close to matching, although in town, figures are closer to 30mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions of 165g/km place it in tax band D. The 1.8 petrol averages just 36.7mpg and is in band E. Insurance group 9 for the diesel and 8 for the 1.8-litre shouldn’t cause too much trouble for premiums unless you’re under 25 years old.

Mitsubishis are generally well built cars and the Lancer continues this trend. It shares a similar platform to the Outlander and the Volkswagen-derived engine has a sound reputation.

Our top-spec model was fitted with nine airbags and traction control but the entry-level trim gets six ‘bags. There’s also an alarm and immobiliser while the side pillars use an energy-absorbing trim which reduces the impact on an occupant’s head in the event of a crash. According to in-house tests, the Mitsubishi Lancer has been engineered to exceed the five-star standard set by EuroNCAP.

The Lancer is available in four trim levels (GS1 – GS4) and the standard levels of equipment are impressive. GS1 gets a boot spoiler, all-round electric windows, remote locking, CD player and a trip computer. The GS2 adds 16-inch alloys, cruise control, curtain airbags, leather steering wheel and a chrome surround for the front grille. GS3 gets a set of 18-inch wheels, front fog lights, traction control, sports bodykit, privacy glass, sports suspension and climate control. The GS4 gains heated leather seats, sat-nav, and a 30GB hard drive to store music.

As an overall package, the Mitsubishi Lancer is worth a look. The design is great, it’s practical and has unparalleled standard equipment for the price. But it’s not as engaging to drive as the pack leaders. If you want the look of an Evo, but can’t afford the £30,000 price tag of the 300bhp beast, then there’s no shame in getting your hands on the diesel and saving £12,000.