2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews

The CJ Lancer arrived in 2007 with plenty of promise.Compared to the previous model the CJ had fresh looks, a longer wheelbase and wider track for more cabin space, and there was more equipment.In an increasingly crowded, and hotly contested small car market, it tended to blend into the background rather than stand out, but anyone who cared to take a closer look would have discovered a solid, well built, and reliable car.The CJ range offered a choice of four-door sedan and five-door hatch body styles, and a range of models to suit most needs and desires.Most were front-wheel drive, but there were also sizzling hot four-wheel drive models to satisfy wanna-be rally drivers.At launch, everyday motorists had the option of the entry-level ES, the VR mid-ranger, and the sporty VR-X, with the Aspire, Activ, RX, and SX, added to the range in the following months and years.Weekend warriors could satisfy their need for speed with the rally-bred Ralliart and Evolution models.Standard features in the ES included air-conditioning, four-speaker sound with CD player and MP3 compatibility, cruise control, driver’s footrest, intermittent wipers, multi-function control screen, power windows and mirrors, cloth trim, trip computer, and tachometer.It had steel wheels and full wheel covers, and the spare tyre was a space saver.Metallic and pearl paint could be ordered as options.Had you chosen the VR you would have got all of that plus alloy wheels, six-speaker sound with CD stacker, air-conditioning with climate control, fog lamps, leather-trimmed, multi-function steering wheel and hand brake lever, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, and a sporty rear spoiler and side skirts.The list of standard features was even longer with the VR-X, and included 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth to allow you to connect your iPhone or Android device, sports seats, sports pedals, keyless start, a body kit with high rear spoiler, and a front strut brace to aid handling. High end Rockford audio and a sunroof were available as options.The four-wheel drive, turbocharged Evolution, or Evo, was Mitsubishi’s nod to its rally participation. It had everything you could imagine in a rally special, with sports suspension, a wild body kit, sports instruments, sports seats and a sporty steering wheel.For more there was the optional 'Performance Pack', which saw the suspension and brakes upgraded.An update in 2008 saw the introduction of the Aspire with a 2.4-litre engine.Standard features of the Aspire included 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trim with woodgrain highlights, a premium sound system with nine speakers, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and fog lamps.At the same time the VR-X was upgraded with the 2.4-litre engine, and the Ralliart joined the Evolution on the performance front.The RX arrived in 2009 and it was positioned above the ES, and could be distinguished by alloy wheels, and the Activ came a year later.A reversing camera was added to the range, except for the ES, in 2012, but there were no parking sensors or a parking assist system.Sat nav was not available on the ES, but was available on other models in the range from 2013.The Lancer’s cabin was quite roomy for its size, with comfortable accommodation for five.Front seats were buckets, sports seats in the sporty models, and the rear was a split-fold seat for extra carrying capacity when needed.With the rear seat in the normal position the boot volume was 315 litres. With it folded the volume increased to 400 litres.There was plenty of storage spread around the cabin, with an in-dash glove box, a compartment in the console, pockets in the front doors and front seat backs, bottle holders, and cupholders in the front and rear.Most models had cloth trim, but up-range ones had leather, and some had woodgrain, as well.The main power source across the range was a double overhead camshaft 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with variable valve timing that put out 113kW (151 horsepower), and 198Nm at is power and torque peaks, which was enough to give it solid performance in the class.A larger 2.4-litre petrol four was added to the range in 2008, and with 125kW (167 horsepower), and 226Nm of torque, it provided more performance for those wanting a bit more zip.There was a five-speed manual gearbox available, but the transmission most buyers chose was the CVT, which was the automatic option.The quirky CVT was not everyone’s cup of tea, but with the option of a six-speed sports mode the Mitsubishi transmission didn’t feel as soggy as some others.With their connection to rallying the Evolution and Ralliart models had blistering performance delivered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.It was linked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, in turn to a four-wheel drive system.The CJ Lancer was a capable and user-friendly small car. It did everything well and didn’t present anyone with any untoward challenges on the road.With independent front and rear suspension, even in base form, it was sure-footed, steered well, handled corners with assurance, and the ride was well damped.The steering was light, and the turning circle tight, making it easy to manoeuvre and park around town.Step up the model range and the picture was even better, with sportier handling from the lower and former suspension.Both engines were willing, the larger 2.4-litre unit had more torque to deliver smoother driveability, and for that reason, is a better choice than the 2.0-litre engine.Those inside were treated to comfortable seating with little external disturbance from road noise or other potentially annoying elements to bother them.The thrill-a-minute performance-tuned Ralliart and Evo models were different animals entirely; they were at their best competing on the track or in the forests.The CJ Lancer was well equipped with safety features.All models except the entry-level ES, which was rated at four stars, carried a five-star ANCAP rating from the introduction of the model.The difference in rating can be attributed to the ES not having head airbags for the front or side airbags for the front and rear seat passengers.Anyone wanting to upgrade the safety of the ES to five stars could have added an option pack of side and head airbags.That changed in 2010 when the ES got the additional head and side airbags and was upgraded to the same five stars as the other models.All models then had front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, a knee airbag for the driver, head airbags for the front seat passengers, and side (curtain) airbags for those in the front and rear seats.All five seats had lap-sash seat belts, allowing the fitment of a baby car seat.The Lancer was one of the cars that had ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points before they were made mandatory in 2014.In addition to the passive safety features all models had ABS braking, EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, and ESP electronic stability control.Except for the CVT and dual-clutch automatic transmissions the Lancer follows a well-proven formula.There’s nothing radical about it, nothing that should be cause for concern by anyone considering buying one second hand.Most owners were keen to praise the reliability of their cars, saying they were well built and were for the most part reliable.One issue that cropped up related to the operation of the ABS brakes as a result of the failure of the electronic module that controls the system.Owners said their first warning of the problem was when the warning light on the dash began flickering. It eventually stayed on; the ABS braking system was then not functioning.Check with the seller to see if there have been any problems with the braking system previously, and take note of the ABS warning light if it comes on.Another thing to focus on when test-driving a car is the operation of the automatic transmissions.No owner we spoke to raised any issues with either the CVT or the dual-clutch transmission, which suggests there are no problems with them, but the history of the transmissions in general says they are prone to problems. Observe the CVT for shuddering on take-off or when accelerating, hesitations, or any other thing that doesn’t feel right.In the case of the dual-clutch auto, observe for any hesitation on shifting, or incorrectly selecting neutral.Check for a service record to make sure your potential purchase has been well maintained.The recommended engine oil for the CJ Lancer is 5W-30, servicing should be every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, and the engines have timing chains.Mitsubishi provided a generous new car warranty of five years/130,000km, and there was also five years roadside assistance.Capped price servicing was introduced in 2012 to keep a lid on service costs.There have been some recalls, mostly for electrical issues, so check the service book to see what if any recall reworks have been done.Buying a Ralliart or Evolution model requires extra caution when inspecting prior to purchase. As many will have been driven hard by enthusiast owners, or even used in motorsport competition, it’s important to check for signs of modification or abuse.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Mitsubishi Lancer problems page.K. Brigham: I bought my 2010 Activ new. It’s solidly built, very roomy, comfortable, gets good mileage, and there have been no problems with it at all.Anna Breinl: My 2007 VR-X is a great touring car, it’s comfortable, and it has been absolutely trouble-free.Patrick Firth: The 2013 ES feels sporty. I like the performance of the 2.0-litre engine, the manual gearbox is good, and I get good economy.Michael Beeston: I’ve owned my 2011 ES from new. It’s now done almost 100,000 km and there has been no problem with it at all. I like driving it, the handling is quite good, it’s safe, and the fuel economy is good.Apart from the Evo the Lancer wasn’t very exciting, but it was a solid and reliable all-rounder.

Graham Smith reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer as a used buy.

It seems the Lancer has been around forever, much like the Toyota Corolla, but unlike the small Toyota it has never commanded a lot of attention from buyers. Those who know recognise it as a solid, well-built, reliable small car that makes sense, but it's a car that has blended into the background rather than stand

Japanese designed and built to a high quality, Mitsubishi Lancer is at the forefront in the reliability stakes, so has long been popular on the used-car scene in Australia.The Lancer began life as a small car, then gradually morphed into a medium model. From the new model launched in October 2007 it can be used as a family car if the kids aren’t yet into their hulking teenage years.Interior space is good in the front seats in all models. Rear seat headroom can be tight in the older hatches, but is generally fine in the sedans and wagons due to their extended rooflines.Lancer comes with a big variety of bodies: two-door coupes, three-door hatches, four-door sedans, five-door hatchbacks and five-door station wagons. Not all bodies were on offer at all times.Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, the name change is simply a marketing ployThree-door hatchbacks built prior to 1996 were called Lancers, but the name was changed to Mitsubishi Mirage with the introduction of the new model of that year.Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, the name change is simply a marketing ploy to try and create a new niche for the three-door. Imports of the Lancer-based Mirage ceased in 2004 although the name was reintroduced in 2013, this time in a small five-door hatchback.Ride comfort in the standard Lancers is generally good, though rough Australian backroads can sometimes knock them about. This improved with later models, but try for yourself if you do a lot of country driving.Engines are all four-cylinder units, with a big spread of capacities; 1.5, 1.8, 2.0 and finally 2.4 litres. The marketing strategy over the years saw the largest engine at any one time being first introduced in the upmarket models then gradually making its way down the line.The ultra-hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models provide stunning performanceThe 2.4-litre powerplant has plenty of torque, giving the car excellent performance and safe overtaking, yet it doesn’t use a lot more fuel than the other powerplants.Manual gearboxes are all five-speed units. Automatic transmissions from 1996 had four-speeds. The auto with the 2.4-litre engine has tiptronic functions in case the driver wants to override the computer and get more revs out of the engine.If you do want real excitement, the ultra-hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models provide stunning performance, but cost big bucks. However, the Lancer MR coupe of 1997 to 2004, while tamer than the Evo is still fun thanks to its firmer suspension and sharper steering.Spare parts and repair prices are about average for this class and the Australian Mitsubishi dealer network is widespread and efficient.The Lancer is relatively easy for the home mechanic to work on, with good underbonnet space and nothing particularly tricky in its layout.Insurance charges are about average for the class in all but the sportier variants. You may need to raise a big loan to cover an Evo if you’re under the age of 25.Though Mitsubishi has pulled out of local manufacture the company continues to operate as a major player here, now exclusively with imported cars. Lancer is at the vanguard of the new Mitsubishi Australia.If possible, start the engine when it is completely cold. It should fire up within a couple of seconds and idle smoothly and quietly straight away.If the engine puffs oily smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration it may be due for an overhaul.A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to useFeel for an automatic transmission that is slow to engage gear or is inclined to change up and down unnecessarily.A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to use. If not there could be troubles - fast changes down from third to second usually show the problem first.Rust normally only gets into the body following poor quality panel repairs, but look over the lower areas of the body and the bottom corners of the doors, tailgate or bootlid just in case. Also look at the surrounds of the front and rear windscreens.Check for panel repairs by looking for ripples in the panels; paint that doesn’t match from one panel to another; and tiny spots of paint on glass, badges, body trim and so on.Don’t even think of buying until you've had a full professional inspectionDo a complete check of all interior surfaces, in particular the tops of the dashboard and the rear parcel shelf that may have drive out and cracked.Look for rips in the seats, excess wear in the carpets and for damage in the luggage area.

Mitsubish's Evo needs no introduction. A long time favourite with boy racers, there won't be too many boys that can afford the $65,000 price tag that comes with the top of the line MR SST model.

Slicing up the world rally championship circuits gave Mitsubishi's Lancer an incredible sales kick.

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

The pundits argue about which era within the World Rally Championship was its golden age, but there's no doubt it produced some epic machines. Audi's original quattro, the Lancia Stratos and Delta Integrale, Ford's RS brigade and Subaru's WRX and Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution series are all among the pool of talented vehicles spawned for loose surface competition.Sadly, many of those manufacturers are now no longer in it to win it. The company has trimmed the price and upped the spec, but what's it like to live with one of these highly-strung rally weapons. Short answer - easy.While it starts at $56,990 for the five-speed manual version, we're in the MR twin-clutch automated manual model, which asks for $65,990.The Evolution MR's features list is not spartan - leather trim, front racing bucket seats, alloy paddleshifters, a  height-only(!!?!!) adjustable sports leather-wrapped steering wheel (as well as cruise and phone controls), heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, automatic xenon headlights with cornering lamps, 18in BBS alloy wheels, a top-spec 9-speaker sound system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a rear view camera (displaying on the 7in touch screen), with voice activated 3D satnav.The Evo still packs a decent wallop, despite having been around for a while - it has an intercooled and turbocharged 2-litre variable-valve double overhead cam powerplant producing 217kW at 6500 rpm and 366Nm of torque at 3500rpm.It's a cast aluminium block (the old two-litre turbo was cast-iron) and it has reverted to an old-school timing chain as opposed to a belt; there's variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts and the turbo responds 20 per cent quicker, says Mitsubishi.All that grunt without serious thirst too - the Mitsi claim is 10.1 litres per 100km and despite some enthusiastic efforts, the trip computer was showing 11.5 on the test car. Getting all that to ground is the all-wheel drivetrain overseen by a number of clever electronic systems - imaginatively named Super All Wheel Control - starting with an active centre differential with modes for bitumen, unsealed roads and snow.The system also deals with the active stability control to keep the desired driving line, with “Super Active Yaw Control” distributes drive between the rear wheels to fire the little rally rocket out of corners with gusto.Striking but not what you'd call pretty or handsome, it's based on a shopping-trolley sedan, the Evo has bracing bits and body add-ons to upgrade its looks and strength. The big rear spoiler looks the goods but interrupts the rear vision dramatically - not ideal when you're often looking out for particular types of vehicles behind you.The rest of the bodykit and extra vents betray the intent of the vehicle, but don't make it impractical to use day-to-day, with little grinding of body bits into the bitumen. The cabin is typical of the donor car's segment - enough room for Mum and Dad and a couple of offspring, but leave the kitchen sink at home.Bootspace is impeded for the sake of bass response - a subwoofer inhabits the left-hand side cubby of the claimed 400 litres of loadspace, so forget a full-sized set of golf clubs in the boot.Cooking versions of the Lancer score five stars when the full complement of airbags are fitted so there's no reason why you wouldn't expect the Evo to rank similarly. We've already touched on the clever all-wheel drive set-up, which teams with stability control, but there's also anti-lock braking for the massive Brembo stoppers.The 18in wheels cover 350mm front ventilated lightweight two-piece discs with four-pot calipers, with 330mm rear discs and two-pot calipers. The airbag count is seven - dual front, front-side and full-length curtain airbags, as well as one for the driver’s knees.Don't be fooled by the relatively demure road manners, this is a vicious machine. Rolling quietly out of the Mitsubishi carpark, the firm ride quality is apparent, but the Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs help to take the hard edge off remarkably well. Leaving the gearbox in full auto Normal mode, the shift quality is quick and smooth but prone to holding a high gear a little longer than is ideal and is not as intuitive as more recent double-clutchers sampled.Sport mode goes a bit too far in the other direction and Super Sport mode (which needs to be selected before moving) is aggressive. Manual changes in the latter are brutal, with less regard for reducing shift shock than other modes. Steering is light but direct, although my personal preference would be for a bit more meat and a little less assistance. Getting away from standstill with intent is not difficult - the Evo gathers pace with incredible ease, but it's when the corners come that it excels.Brush the Brembos, turn in, fire out - no mess, no fuss, just another recommended corner speed sign made redundant. You'll need to hit a racetrack or risk the low-profile road rubber on dirt to shake it loose, but even then you'll be working hard. There's a five-speed manual on offer in some models, not in the flagship MR sadly, but a slick six-speeder as a special-order option would be nice.

While not quite the forgotten child of the small car segment, Mitsubishi's Lancer has been swamped by a horde of new product.The Japanese brand is looking to put its contender back on shopping lists with a sharply-priced mid-spec model, the LX - available in manual and continuously-variable transmission (for $26,240), we are in the $23,990 manual model.The LX  is based on the entry-level ES but adds Bluetooth (which has voice activation and audio streaming), climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls (but tilt-only adjustment), as well as a new touch-screen USB-equipped (although it's well hidden) sound system that also displays the view from the reversing camera.Also fitted to the LX are rear parking sensors, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, leather trim, 16in alloy wheels, side skirts, some chrome trim bits, keyless entry and ignition.It's not bringing any cutting edge bits to market, but the Lancer has the brand's staple MIVEC variable intake valve lift and timing system within the 110kW/197Nm alloy two-litre engine, as well as a reversing camera, which works well enough but looks a little tacked-on.The touchscreen sound system has Bluetooth audio and phone controls, although you appear to have to use the voice control to pair and set up a Bluetooth phone link, rather than also having the option of completing the task on the touchscreen.The familiar snout of the three-diamond brand is, like much of its range, over due - by the company's own admission - for an update, having been around since late 2008.To some eyes it still looks sharp enough but not as pretty as some of its main opposition, the hard-charging Mazda3 sales juggernaut among the more aesthetically-pleasing small car list that also includes both Korean brands.The cabin has enough space for the nuclear family and their gear - boot size at 400 litres is better than some bigger sedans.One of the first small cars to gather a five-star NCAP rating, the LX 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.The little manual Lancer was far from the drudgery some expect from this segment, but it is showing its age.The two-litre engine is lively and a little more flexible than the numbers suggest, as well as being close to its ADR fuel use figure - we finished with a figure of 7.9l/100km.The five-speed manual might be a cog short of the segment leaders (Mazda's 3 has a six-speed manual), it's a decent gearbox to use - not super-swift of shift and the clutch took some familiarisation, but my personal preference for a manual over an automatic (or in the Lancer's case a continuously-variable transmission) wasn't undermined by the Lancer's gearbox.The cabin is a comfortable occupant space, with climate control and heated front seats keeping the temperature settled - it's not overdone in terms of design flair and won't be to all tastes, just like the exterior.Foibles are few - the USB port is tough to find, tilt-only adjustment for the steering and the Bluetooth link can be a little fussy to complete, but it was nimble and rode well enough that the rugrats didn't complain.

Mitsubishi Australia’s introduction of the keenly priced Mirage five-door hatchback has rekindled interest in the larger and more luxurious Mitsubishi Lancer range of cars. The Lancer is significantly bigger than the Mirage, and is a size down on the now defunct Mitsubishi 380 sedan.While the Mirage is aimed at those looking for a suburban car, the Lancer can make long country trips with ease. In these times of downsizing, the Lancer has to some extent filled the slot left by the much-missed 380. Unless the kids are large teenagers Lancer owners tell us their cars are large enough suit their needs.Mitsubishi’s Lancer which starts at from $19,990 is built to a high quality and has earned a well deserved reputation for running for year after year without missing a beat.The semi-sporty Lancer VRX (from $29,990) that was our road test car for the last week has the convenience of Bluetooth, steering wheel controls and a smart key, so is bang up to date despite the fact that it’s been on the Australian market for over five years.Typically the Lancer’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine will use about seven to nine litres per hundred kilometres on motorways and in gentle cruising on flattish roads. Around town this is likely to rise to nine to eleven litres per hundred. These are good numbers for a mid-sized car with good interior volume.The manual gearbox felt a bit on the notchy side at first, but we found that we soon settled into its way of doing things and liked the semi-sporting feel it provides.There's the option of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which is likely to be the choice of a large number of buyers. Like all CVTs it can be an acquired taste, but once you’re used to its different operation, particularly the droning sound it produces under hard acceleration, you will probably cease to notice it’s different to a conventional automatic.Lancer’s front seats are well shaped and spacious enough for all but the largest of Aussie backsides. They provide decent support for moderately hard cornering and are easy to get in and out of.The back seat can accept three adults, but is better suited to two and a child. Legroom is good without being outstanding and it will be necessary for those in the front to move their seats forward if there are tall people back there.The cabin has plenty of stowage areas for the bottles, mobile phones and assorted bits and pieces we all tend to carry around these days.The small-medium Mitsubishi’s boot can take a handy amount of luggage and it can be expanded by flipping down the split-fold rear seats. These are fitted across the complete Lancer range. As well as the sedan we tested, Mitsubishi Lancer is also offered as a stylish hatchback.Lancer’s body styling is significantly different to its many competitors in what is one of the toughest of all vehicles classes in Australia. The stylists have given it a front that slants forwards rather than backwards in a manner we really like. A neat lower air dam and bold bonnet creases that flow into the A-pillars give it a neat and purposeful look. The squared off shape of the rear bumper and the way it tapers around visually shortens the overhang.Inside, the double-domed instrument binnacle and deep dial cluster work well both from an aesthetic and ergonomic point of view. The dash trim has a soft touch that gives it a feeling of substance, again making it feel like a larger more upmarket car than it really is.Stability and traction controls were specified by Mitsubishi Australia as standard in the Lancer for quite some time before they became mandatory in this country.The Lancer sits confidently flat when you drive it around corners with a bit of verve. However, there is a less than compliant ride at times when you hit rough bush roads. The suspension is relatively firm so probably won’t please everybody. We suggest you take a Lancer for a decent test drive on suitable roads to see what you think.Lancer’s steering is well-weighted and responsive and driving enthusiasts will enjoy the experience in what is after all a practical family sedan. Those who enjoy their driving will appreciate the control the suspension offers and, while you really wouldn't call it a sports sedan, it comes closer than you might expect.And if you've got upwards of $56,990 to spend you can get behind the wheel of a Lancer Evo, a machine with a huge amount of performance.