Mitsubishi Lancer LX and Ford Focus Ambiente go head to head in this comparative review.
VALUE from $19,990 |
VALUE from $23,990 |
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Ambiente models have airconditioning, reach and rake adjustable steering, power windows, manual seat adjustment, cloth trim, 16-inch steel wheels, trip computer, steering wheel controls for the phone and sound system.
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The LX offsets its age with an upgraded features list over the ES on which it is based, with climate control, Bluetooth (phone and audio link), a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, touchscreen sound system, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloys, heated front seats and leather trim. |
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 TECHNOLOGY |
 TECHNOLOGY |
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The Focus's 1.6-litre engine claims 92kW/159Nm with five-speed manual or six-speed double-clutcher. The base model includes SYNC infotainment connectivity, USB and auxiliary inputs, digital music player support, Bluetooth mobile phone integration with voice. |
The 2.0-litre alloy powerplant in the Lancer has the company's long-running MIVEC variable-timing and lift system for the intake side, producing 110kW/197Nm with five-speed manual or CVT auto. Other gizmo highlights include the touchscreen control for the audio and phone. |
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DESIGN |
DESIGN |
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One of the better-looking small cars in the segment, the Focus has a sharper, more modern flowing design theme. Ford says it has listened to customers about things like shifting the indicator stalk to the right-hand side -- well done, Ford -- but the dash switchgear layout feels fussy. |
Squared-off and squinting, the Lancer has carried the look for more than a few years and to some it's still a decent-looking vehicle. Inside it's an Essendon fan's paradise -- black and red dominate the comfortable cabin, which easily fits two adults and two children. | ||||||||
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SAFETY |
SAFETY |
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ANCAP awarded five stars on the Focus, given its six airbags (dual front, front-side and full-length curtain), anti-lock brakes (with brakeforce distribution, emergency stop flash and brake assist) and stability control. There's also a hill start assist. |
Lancer was one of the first small cars to rate five stars with ANCAP -- it now has seven airbags, front, front-side, curtain and one for the driver's knee -- as well as stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes and emergency brake assist. |
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DRIVING |
DRIVING |
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The little Ford lacks sports badging but sits nicely on the road, punting through bends on open roads better than the segment average, with a quiet and refined drivetrain as well. The 1.6 is no firecracker but it is more flexible than first impressions suggest. |
Time in the little manual Lancer was far from the anticipated bland drive. The engine's lively, if not quite as refined or smooth as competitors. The five-speed manual is a reasonable gearbox. Ride quality in this kid-carter is reasonable, as is handling. | ||||||||
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Verdict
The Mitsubishi Lancer, waiting for a successor, slugs it out while the Focus shows its refinement and chassis dynamics. The twin-clutch automated manual in the Ford clinches the deal over the Lancer's CVT.
