Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 SE (From York Press)

Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 SE

11:47am Friday 5th February 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

THE MITSUBISHI Lancer's profile is probably best recognised from the Evolution models.

Top of the tree is currently the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ-400 – an all singing, all dancing, 400bhp blur of high-tech all-wheel drive transmissions, electronic jiggery-pokery, pant-wetting performance and fiercely aggressive body styling.

Yet, as the old saying goes, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

For the Evo X model to be such an admired performer, somewhere underneath its fancy garnish must lie an impressive work-a-day base.

That will be the Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 SE. The new entry level model in the four door range (a five-door Sportback hatch was introduced in 2008) may be the caveman to the FQ-400’s nuclear physicist, but it's by no means a relic.

To start with, it's extremely proficient with tools. Bluetooth, one-touch electric windows front and rear plus air-con are standard equipment. It's also reasonably dapper.

The 'jet-fighter' styling of the front end is as sharp a piece of design as you'll find on any model. 16-inch alloy wheels are standard, as is leather for the gear knob and steering wheel.

The level of trim and equipment is impressive for an entry-level model, but when you consider this car's sub-£13,000 asking price it's a real eye opener. A smart, mid-sized four-door saloon for B-segment money is certainly worthy of note.

Of course, the Lancer 1.5 SE could prove even more of a bargain depending on where in the market you choose to position it.

The Lancer has always been a tricky model to place. In new hatchback Sportback form it’s a spacious rival to C-segment hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.

In Evo X saloon form its closest competitors are high performance D-segment models such as the Volkswagen Passat R36 or Vauxhall Insignia VXR. In standard saloon form it sits somewhere in between the C and D-segments, roomier and more formal than an average family hatchback, smaller and more affordable than a typical D-segment saloon.

It’s a niche model, but only because the UK car market is traditionally drawn along such steadfast lines.

Saloon variants of popular hatchbacks are a much rarer sight than in Europe. Less popular format or not, the Lancer saloon offers a well-measured mix of the qualities from the C and D-segments.

Sharp styling, a spacious interior, decent equipment and a small capacity petrol engine are cherry-picked from either side of the fence.

Its angular design is arguably better suited to a saloon form than a hatchback one.

Without the spoilers, low slung body kit and additional vents of the high performance models the Lancer displays neat core styling. The ‘jetfighter’ look retains plenty of road presence in its new base form.

Build quality is high. There are no obvious rattles from inside and the doors shut with a healthy thud although they can require a firmer push than normal.

In SE trim level, the Lancer comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine not available elsewhere in the four-door range.

Naturally, it’s not the most powerful of units but it’s potent enough to tow the Lancer’s mid-sized frame around. Driven sensibly it can prove to be quite a frugal combination, but the Lancer responds very well to more enthusiastic driving.

There’s a definite element of the of the Evo X models’ surefooted agility in the way the Lancer SE holds the road at speed and, although light, the steering is surprisingly responsive and communicative.

There’s a sporty feel to the gear change, too. Its short throw, direct and punchy when getting a move on.

The ride is very good, treading a careful line between responsive firmness and comfort.

A great value-or-money entry level proposition, the Lancer SE is well specified and easy to live with.

It’s a niche model that can’t compete on every level, but both C and D-segment drivers will not have to look hard to find admirable qualities.

Fact file: Mitsubishi Lancer

Model: 1.5 SE four-door, £12,848 on the road.

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol unit developing 107bhp and 105lb/ft of torque.

Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 119mph, 0-62mph 11.6 seconds.

Economy: 44.1mpg.

CO2 Rating: 153g/km

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)