Knight of the road

Oct 26 2009 Peter Hayward

STAKING its claim to fame in the Ford Focus dominated small family car class is the latest Mitsubishi Lancer, a five door hatch which the company call a sportback.

It has a good looking, rather aggressive shape and comes well equipped with side skirts and big alloys.

While never startling, the 1.8 engine delivers decent performance but it needs to get to higher revs before it will give of its best. I think it's only just about man enough for the weight of the car but it does rev willingly and very smoothly.

The five speed manual gearbox has a smooth change and the clutch is easy and light. There is also a five speed auto option but it's an extra £1,000.

On the road it can give plenty of fun through the corners with very good grip from the large tyres and composed and well-balanced road-holding.

Comfort is also good over all surfaces at speed, but it can become a little unsettled at times, especially at slow speeds in town - the place which always sorts the best from the rest.

Interior

It's bigger than a Focus inside with plenty of legroom both front and rear but taller passengers may find headroom on the tight side in the back.

60/40 split rear seats extend the load area and it comes with air con, electric windows all round, electric mirrors, trip computer, CD audio and cruise control.

FAST FACTS

Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8 GS2

Price: £14,648

Mechanical: 141bhp, 1,798cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving the front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 122mph

0-62mph: 10.4 seconds

Combined mpg: 35.8

Insurance group: 8

CO2 emissions: 188g/km

BiK rating: 24%

Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage

Marks: 8/10

Main rival: Ford Focus