Mitsubishi Lancer 2014 Review

Despite being outnumbered, outdated and outpaced by a sea of newer competitors, the Mitsubishi Lancer retains a place in the market for those wanting simple, safe and reliable A to B transport. Well-equipped for the money, and with competitive after-sales support, the Lancer has to be considered by any budget-conscious new car buyer, and starts from $19,990 (plus on-road costs).

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a tried and true Australian favourite in the small car segment. However, with the current model nearing seven years of age, we dare say the new model can’t come soon enough.

Be that as it may, Lancer sales have remained steady over the past twelve months. On average, the Lancer sells around 800 units per month, more than the similar-sized Hyundai Elantra (711), Honda Civic (713), Kia Cerato (679) and Subaru Impreza (498).

But compared to the really big sellers of the segment – the Mazda 3 and the Toyota Corolla – the numbers suggest that the Lancer could do better. For reference, the new ‘3’ sold 3587 examples in March, just short of the Corolla’s 4086.

Ignoring the scoreboard, we reckon the Lancer is still worth a look in, especially if you’re not the type to be wowed by the latest and greatest. As small cars go the little Mitsubishi is still a solid performer. It has a top-notch safety score (five-star ANCAP), most of the mod cons, and is a reliable unit that is backed by a solid five-year / 130,000km warranty, and included roadside assist (for the first 12 months).

Inside, and aesthetically, the interior could well do with a refresh. There’s a lot of hard black plastic and the styling is very ‘last decade’. That said the Lancer LX grade’s leather-faced seats, contrasting gloss-black and matte silver garnishes and dual-pod instrument panels does lend a sporty flavour to proceedings.

The seats are quite supportive and offer enough comfort on longer trips. The adjustment available keeps the driver in touch with the Lancer’s primary controls, and also provides good outward visibility. This may sound like a given, but you would be surprised how many smaller vehicles have obstructed outward visibility, particularly out of the rear window.

It is also worth mentioning that the driver and passenger seats are heated for those chilly winter mornings, and that the seat heaters, and the aforementioned leather-faced pews are included in the LX grade’s $25,240 list price.

The remainder of the kit list is equally impressive. There’s Bluetooth telephony, cruise control, single-zone climate control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a large, full-colour infotainment display set high in the centre stack.

This handy screen also doubles as a monitor for the reversing camera, and as if that’s not enough, the LX also comes with rear parking sensors. Score!

Interior space is on par with most in the segment, and cargo space is equally roomy. The 60:40 split-fold seats help load longer items, and the addition of a spare wheel under the boot floor is a welcome sight from traditionalists like myself.

Open the compartment at the other end and we find Mitsu’s aging yet capable MIVEC (multi-point injected with variable valve timing) 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Coupled in this instance to a six-step continuously variable transmission (CVT) the result is one of decent performance, but sub-par fuel economy.

Mitsubishi says the Lancer will consumes 7.3L/100km on the (ADR) combined cycle, which is significantly more than most newcomers in this class. On test, we averaged just north of 9.0L/100km, a potential deal-breaker for those placing economy as their number-one priority.

As smooth as it might well be, the CVT is really quite loud under moderate and heavy throttle inputs, detracting from what it otherwise a reasonably hushed cabin. Ignoring this (by turning up the tunes), the Lancer proved a well-mannered freeway cruiser, and even managed to hold its own on meandering back roads.

In part this is because the suspension is a little on the firm side, which helps support the body through the bends. But it’s also because the electric-assisted steering has a real sense of honesty to its feedback.

The three-spoke wheel feels solid through the bends, giving candid feedback from the 16-inch alloys (shod with 205/60-series tyres). However, the steering isn’t what you’d call heavy, and when manoeuvring in small spaces – with help from the rear-view camera and parking sensors – we found the Lancer a breeze to park.

In all honesty the Lancer plays the value for money card pretty well. It has most of the bells and whistles you’d want for the money, and is a proven performer with a level of after-sales support many younger models still can’t hope to compete with.