Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

The Lancer has finally got five-doors, but is it good enough to beat tough competition such as the Ford Focus and Honda Civic?

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
On the road price: £16,879 - £37,804
For : Competitive prices, practical body
Against : Dated looks, uninspiring cabin

Styling/Image
The jet-fighter grille of the Lancer looks great on the rally bred Evo – and it looks smart enough on the new Sportback too. The problems with the more practical hatchback start at the back, where the new rear end looks heavy handed. The bulbous tailgate is also at odds with the angular front end so the Lancer struggles to match its mainstream rivals for kerb appeal.

Interior/Practicality
Much of the interior is carried over from the saloon, which is a mixed blessing. The clean dashboard is simple and tidy, but it lacks the quality of its European rivals and some of the switchgear, most notably for the ventilation, feels very low rent. There’s decent rear legroom but taller passengers will find the ceiling is too low. The boot is more successful. A simple lever folds the rear seats in a single action and a split-level floor provides a flat load area once they’ve been dropped.

Engine/Performance
Engine options are limited, with buyers restricted to a 1.8-litre petrol or a VW derived 2.0-litre diesel. The 141bhp petrol is smooth and refined but with only five gears to play with, it’s a busy motorway companion. It powers the Sportback from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds. The 2.0 DI-D diesel is faster and more economical, delivering 44.8mpg on the combined cycle. However, it can’t match the best family car rivals when it comes to refinement or outright punch.

Driving experience
There’s nothing to object to from behind the wheel but, equally, there’s little to worry the class leaders either. The ride is smooth and the handling is well balanced – as you would expect from the firm responsible for the incredible EVO models. The package is let down by disappointing brakes and numb, over-light steering. It doesn’t engage with the driver enough for enthusiasts and lacks the finesse of the lithe Ford Focus or Honda Civic.

Ownership Costs
This where the Lancer makes most sense because it provides undeniable value for money and strong aftersales back-up. Included in the package is an unlimited mileage warranty, three-years of roadside assistance and competitively priced pre-paid servicing. However, fuel economy is merely average in petrol guise and high CO2 emissions also make road tax expensive.

Safety/Environment
With seven airbags the Mitsubishi scores well for passive safety features, but ESP isn’t even an option in GS2 trim, which counts against it. Higher spec levels include the safety feature as standard but it should really be fitted across the range in this family focused sector. High CO2 emissions for the petrol of 188g/km harm its green credentials, but the 2.0-litre diesel emits just 165g/km. Both models are built in Europe at Mitsubishi’s Dutch NedCar plant.

Our Choice: Lancer Sportback 1.8 GS3 (manual)

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3 Comments

2 stars my xxxx

If we all purchased cars after reading so called On line web site car experts everyone would have a Ford Mondeo ,a BMW 3 series or an inane VW Golf. The lancer sportback is often slated and for that reason I went to test drive one. End result traded in my Renault Scenic 1.5 Dci Dynamique 2009 for a 2010 GS3. Reason? - You actually have to engage with the car to drive....a bit of engine growl...a bit of road noise....its a proper drivers car without the pretention of a BMW or the boredom of yet another jelly mould Ford or Vauxhall. Cant say I will keep my GS3 Sportback forever but im sure enjoying being differant and turning heads for a reasonable priced reliable solid engaging vehicle.

By midlifecrisis on 27 March, 2011, 3:55am

Cheers

Thanks midlifecrisis I thought I had made a mistake. I am about to take delivery of a 2010 60plate diesel sportback in black. Took it out for a test drive and absolutely loved it. As good if not better that my previous mondeo estate and qashqi 2. It was extremely comfortable and quick when asked. I like the looks and it has lots of space. With cruise and bluetooth as standard an 8 month old car with 13000 miles on it for £10,300 is a no brainer. Regards Cabernet

By cabernet on 18 May, 2011, 7:34am

Lancer GS2 DI-D

This 2010 car was owned by the importer and chosen because of its low mileage (7000 when purchased), condition, value for money and perceived running costs (due to a high annual mileage -approx 21,000 of which over 12,000 are business). It was selected over a GS3 because of several factors 1. it is on 16 inch wheels so tyre costs will be less 2. It is more economical and quicker on paper than the GS3 3. Road tax is £30 a year less than GS3. It is a real ' Q' car .Despite specification lists that suggest this model doesn't have front fog lights or 7 airbags our car has them and also is fitted with a front strut brace.It certainly is well specced with the benefit of cruise control. The bluetooth phone is far more user friendly than the factory fit system in our previos car (Ford C Max 1.6 tdci Titanium X). Economy during initial ownership ( over 2000 miles checked brim to brim ) has been a creditable 48mpg in mixed driving 4up and 53mpg on a 320 mile round trip. The ride is a little on the bouncy side. From cold the VW engine is slightly noisier than the last 4 Fords owned, but the rapid acceleration, effortless cruising and better economy make up for this (Cmax 48mpg). The car is nicely screwed together, the isofix fittings are easy to use with easy to reach top tether hooks on the seatbacks.The 6 speed gearbox is light and precise. The 3 year comprehensive warranty includes roadside assistance ( unlike Ford's penny pinching 1 year roadside and reduced warranty cover after the first year).We also own a 2.8 litre BMW Z3 and this car is almost as fun to drive! Ignore the press and try one!

By risquenun on 30 July, 2011, 10:28pm

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