Mitsubishi Lancer 2005 review

Mitsubishi is ideally positioned with its 2.0-litre Lancer Sportswagon that's been on the market for almost a year.

They're still a bit of a rarity on the road but the imminent appearance of Holden's new Viva small wagon and possibly others will gee- up interest.

Lancer Sportswagon is available in ES and VRX grades with a significant price difference of about six and a half grand between the two. The ES goes for a tempting $21,990 for the manual, sequential auto adds $2000.

Both models are essentially the same under the skin with the VRX scoring goodies like alloy wheels, more equipment and a sportier interior.

The body looks low and flat compared with the tall-boy look of various SUVs and small people movers.

But it's practical offering plenty of load space behind the seats which fold for even more room.

There's a clever storage box hidden under the boot floor and others dotted about the cabin.

The rear of the Sportswagon is distinctive and attractive with full height tail lights adding a cyber touch to the look. But the real story is what Mitsubishi jams into the ES Sportswagon for the price.

Goodies include driver and passenger air bags, aircon, power steering, remote keyless central locking, engine immobiliser, electric mirrors, white-faced instrument cluster, drivers seat height adjuster, 60:40 split fold rear seat and rear centre arm rest with cupholders to name a few.

It misses out on power windows which we would like to see included even if something else was struck off.

The engine is a single cam, multi-valve four with 92kW/173Nm output.

This is ample to propel the Sportswagon with vigour even with four or five aboard.

The five speed manual is good offering slick shifting and accurate gearing for the engine's output.a

Sportswagon gives a comfy ride and still hangs on pretty well in corners for a wagon.

But most important, it sips lightly.

We have been averaging around 7.5-8.0 litres/100km consumption with mixed driving.

Average urban weely running costs about $25 at current petrol prices.