Used Mitsubishi Lancer review: 2007-2009

The Lancer has long been the small car staple of the Mitsubishi diet. It's always been well-respected in the Japanese carmakers range, one that small car buyers have felt comfortable with over many years.

MODEL WATCH

In recent times small cars have taken on a new role in the local car market as buyers have sought ways of saving money. Buyers who would once never even considered buying a small car have been searching for a car that was safe, economical, and a pleasure to drive, but in a compact package.

No longer were small cars thought of as cars for poverty-stricken motorists who simply couldn't afford anything better. In that environment Mitsubishi's management trumpeted its intention to deliver cars with "the best levels of occupant safety, security and comfort at the best possible price", no matter the class.

The CJ Lancer was a huge step forward from the previous model, which had well and truly reached its use-by date. Fresh new looks gave it a great kick-start. It looked good from any angle with well-balanced proportions and taut lines, and importantly, it had an attractive face.

Inside, there was enough room for adults to be accommodated in comfort. Even tall people had enough head and legroom to allow them to travel with comfort in supportive and comfortable seats. The interior was neat and tidy, although some might have said it was bland and boring compared to the busy interiors in some of its rivals. But it was more about old school function than playschool gimmick, and everything was where you might expect it to be and the controls were easy and logical to use.

A 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine delivered 113 kW at 6000 revs and 198 Nm at 4250 revs, which gave the ES and VR Lancers good performance with plenty of zip whenever it was needed. The sporty VR-X was given extra punch courtesy of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that produced 125 kW and 226 Nm. The transmission choices were a five-speed manual 'box or a six-speed CVT transmission as the auto option. The final drive was through the front wheels.

The Continuously Variable Transmission drove without flaw, it was smooth and there was no lack of get up and go when the right pedal was sent to the floor. There was also the option of manually shifting the CVT 'box to extract more zip; that could be done by moving the shift lever across the gate and then using the six preset ratios much the same as you would with a conventional auto.

There were three models in the CJ range, starting with the base ES and moving up through the VR to the VR-X hottie.

IN THE SHOP

Owners of the CJ Lancer are not complaining to Cars Guide about their cars, which should be reassuring for anyone looking to buy used. Cars driven by CarsGuide have all been well built and nicely finished with no faults to be found. The CJ Lancer is still relatively new to the market so early ones will have only done 30,000-40,000 km. Even so, check for a service record to rule out possible neglect.

ON THE ROAD

Time spent at the wheel of the CJ Lancer confirms that it is a roomy and comfortable car to drive, with plenty of head, leg and elbowroom, and supportive seats. The dash, with its large expanse of plastic, while a little bland, is neat and tidy, and functional, with all controls well placed and easy to use on the run. Overall the Lancer feels a little light on the road, and the steering could have a little more feel.

The suspension is supple giving a comfortable ride over all surfaces. The 2.0-litre engine has all the performance you could want in a small car, and there is plenty of get up and go when needed and it was at all times smooth.

IN A CRASH

The Lancer performed well in crash testing and ANCAP awarded it five stars. It had front airbags for the driver and front passenger and a driver knee airbag, plus standard ABS antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control. The VR and VR-X models had the additional protection of side and side curtain airbags.

AT THE PUMP

Mitsubishi claimed the Lancer would do 7.7-8.2 L/100 km and road tests suggested the claim was on the mark. A Lancer tested by Cars Guide averaged just over 8.0 L/100 km when driven in normal town traffic.

LOOK FOR

• Neat, attractive looks
• Comfortable, roomy interior
• Good fuel economy
• Safe and sound
• Well-built.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A safe and sound small car choice.

RATING: 80/100