Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4 2006 Review

What we liked
>> New 2.4lt engine option
>> VR-X's EVO-ish styling
>> Equipment levels

Not so much
>> White faced instruments
>> Base model seats are flat
>> Pedal placement

OVERVIEW
In 2002 a revitalized, bigger and sassier version was launched and was an instant sales success, not least of all because the range included a two-door coupe variant. Then in 2003, the sedan and recently introduced wagon were restyled to incorporate the new corporate face with its strong pyramid grill centre. Still a popular choice, the maker nonetheless lost Lancer customers when the MR Coupe slipped out of the range.

For MY2006, the sedan and wagons return with a serious injection of horsepower. However, the company is at pains to point out the 2006 model year update isn't just about offering a new 115kW 2.4lt MIVEC engine across the Lancer range. In debuting the latest version of the car Mitsubishi has simplified the model line-up, subtly restyled the car at each of three trim levels and significantly boosted standard equipment.

FEATURES
Three trim levels are offered across the Lancer range. The ES kicks off the offerings and is available in sedan and wagon variants. The LS adds a few more goodies but is only available in Sedan form, while the range-topping VR-X arrives in both body styles. Unlike the outgoing Lancer model, no Exceed version will be offered.

Only the $19,990 base model ES Sedan can be had with the original 92kW 2.0lt engine option. Plump for an ES Wagon and you're automatically upgraded to the new SOHC 2.4lt MIVEC engine and the mechanical changes (such as four-wheel disc brakes and antilock brakes with EBD) that go with it. The LS and VR-X variants are 'big-block' only too.

The 2.0lt engine will remain available only until the end of 2005 – tougher exhaust emission laws that arrive next year will kill off the current engine. Nonetheless, the pricing of the bigger MIVEC mill has been kept very keen. An extra $1000 ($20,990) gets you a 2.4lt powerplant under the bonnet of the above mentioned entry-level ES sedan, while the wagon will set you back $23,490 or $25,990 for manual and auto respectively. And yes, they include all the extra goodies noted above.

Appearance-wise the ES gets a chrome rim on the grille and sporty treatment for the interior trim. Driver vanity mirror and cruise control have also been added as standard features. The 2.4lt ES gets 15-inch steel, power windows (on all windows), white-faced instrument cluster. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard but an optional four-speed automatic with 'Sports Mode' is offered.

The $24,490 (auto $26,990) LS gets more chrome, attractive 15-inch alloys and re-profiled bumpers for what Mitsubishi terms "a sportier external appearance". Inside the monotone black trim treatment is repeated, but the dash gets textured accent panels while the four-spoke wheel, gear-shift knob and handbrake lever grip are all leather clad. A Verada-sourced 2-DIN AM/FM audio system with a six-CD in-dash stacker and six speakers is fitted and standard aircon is a climate control unit with pollen filter.

The sporty VR-X model tops the range with the manual sedan and wagon priced at $28,990 and $31,490 respectively. Auto is again a $2500 option.

Featuring a unique Evo-influenced open mesh grille and new bumpers, the VR-Xs also get upgraded front sports seats, 60:40 spilit rear seat, alloy-faced pedals, fog lamps and alloy-look dash accents. Like the LS, there's the 2-DIN premium audio and automatic climate control air conditioning . The VR-X gets an upgrade in rolling stock, however, with 16-inch alloys and 195/50 rubber.

COMFORT
With plenty of room and no shortage of standard equipment (even the entry-level ES gets power steering, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, engine immobiliser, independent suspension, variable intermittent wipers, adjustable front seat belt anchorage points, and tilt-adjustable steering column) the Lancer is a big small car in terms of size and features.

Though the front seats in the base model are a little flatter than we'd like, and offer little in the way of lateral support, the pews in the VR-X are well up to tack. Even with a full-size driver in position there is still room in the back for an adult, but the bench is flat and a decent stretch will likely numb the bum.

Standard equipment across the range includes air conditioning and in the LS and VR-X, at least, the 2 DIN Verada-sourced six-stacker lets you pump up the volume.

SAFETY
Lancer's main structure is built using Mitsubishi's RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) construction, which allows the front of the car to absorb and disperse the forces in an impact, leaving the cabin safety cell intact to protect the occupants occupants.

Driver and passenger SRS air bags are standard across the range, while side and curtain airbags are a $1500 option on all models. All belts are three-point lap-sashes with pre-tensioners and force limiters fitted to the front positions.

All 2.4lt engine models come standard with ABS with EBD.

MECHANICAL
With the 2.0lt set to depart later this year, interest is focused on the introduction of the 2.4 MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic Control) variable valve timing engine across the Lancer range.

First introduced in early '04 in the Grandis MPV and more recently used in the Outlander softroader, the 4G69 series 2.4lt engine develops 115kW at 5750rpm, with maximum torque of 220Nm available at 3500rpm.

The Lancer's MIVEC system differs from that on the Evo IX. Rather than alter cam timing, it changes valve lift and duration via hydraulically operated locking rocker arms. These arms are acted upon by two different sets of intake cam lobes. According to Mitsubishi, when the engine speed is relatively low the valve-lift difference boosts in-cylinder flows for more complete combustion, lower fuel consumption and emissions and high torque. When the engine speed increases, valve-open duration and lift are increased for better top end power.

MIVEC variable cams aside, the engine and transaxle is a conventional front-wheel drive installation. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on both 2.0 and 2.4lt powerplants while a 'Smart Logic' four-speed automatic is optional across all models. The automatic transmission is Mitsubishi's adaptive INVECS II automatic but has 'Sports Mode' tiptronic-style sequential shifting on 2.4lt models only.

Suspension too is conventional; tried and tested MacPherson struts and coil springs up front and an independent trailing arm multi-link set-up on the rear. VR-X models are 15mm lower than their more pedestrian stablemates and get bespoke springs and dampers. In true Evo style, the VR-X even gets a front strut tower brace as standard.

While the 2.0lt ES carries over the disc/drum combo from the last model Lancer, the 2.4lt models get four-wheel discs - 276mm ventilated up front and 262mm rotors at the rear. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard.

COMPETITORS
The small sedan market is a busy one and, it seems, getting busier. Indeed, there's ne'er a mainstream manufacturer that doesn't play in this space. Lancer's position in the small car market overall is a little hamstrung thanks to the lack of a coupe or hatch variant. That doesn't mean buyers don't compare the Mitsu to three-door offereings, however. The situation is better in the wagon arena where the maker has some clearer air.

In Mitsubishi's market bumph the main protagonists at the budget end of sedan market are the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Pulsar, Mazda 3 and Holden Astra. To this you can add the likes of Hyundai's Elantra, the Honda Civic and Ford's excellent new Focus sedan. Like the Lancer all of these models offer a range of trim levels and entry prices. Unlike the Lancer none offer a 2.4lt at around the $20,000 mark.

Move up the Lancer range and the circa $30K area the VR-X inhabits brings a swag more players into the equation including Subaru's cheaper Imprezas, Mazda's flasher SP23 and even the bottom rung of the Camrys. At this level, even the Euros are starting to get into the act.

Spoiled for choice it seems. Check out CarPoint's new car comparator and compare the offerings for yourself.

ON THE ROAD
The basic Lancer package gets high marks for its wieldy nature and user-friendliness. This is a thoroughly capable small sedan, though it's not likely to set any hearts aflutter in 2.0lt form. The arrival of the 2.4lt engine with its rich vein of midrange torque livens up the whole equation.

Even in the base ES form the 2.4lt makes sense – good news for Mitsubishi as it expects almost 50 per cent of Lancer customers to opt for this variant. This is a willing vice-free engine that's especially lively in the 3000-5000rpm range but will rev sweetly to the redline.

Though steering feel isn't up there with tactile performers like the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic, the overall balance of the base Lancer is top notch. Surprisingly fleet-footed, the car turns-in well when pushing on and has engaging levels of grip. More importantly, given the car's target market, it delivers a refined, quiet and well-damped ride.

The VR-X sharpens the whole equation and now has the go to match its show. It's no Evo IX but it has more than enough oomph to keep sporty drivers entertained. The lower, firmer suspension makes the chassis a little more communicative, but ride is still comfortable and more refined than you'd expect given the car's boy racer add-ons.

Common to all models the five-speed gearbox is vice-free though not the most precise of gates. More of a concern is the pedal placement which makes smooth heel-toeing a challenge. Perhaps it's something to do with having to compromise the pedal placement to accommodate a two-pedal auto version. Whatever, it's not a problem that besets the Evo variant.

We didn't get to sample the auto version on the short launch program, however, colleagues reported the 2.4lt/auto package as willing with good performance, thanks again to the mill's torquey midrange.

There's no doubt the injection of horsepower, and the upgrade and trim and equipment levels have given the Lancer a new lease on life. That said, with it expected to have to soldier through to 2007 before an all-new replacement arrives, it'll need all that extra get up and go to take on newcomers that are literally a generation younger.

For the moment, the Lancer still feels tight and well built, and now you can add light and lively on its feet. As the adage goes, there's no substitute for cubic inches...