Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X test drive since 2008 sedan

Higher, wider, longer

Mitsubishi Lancer. Price: from $ 17 990. On sale: May 2007
 
Amazing things are happening in the automobile world. We are just accustomed to the fact that a freshly baked car, having passed a series of restyling, lives six to eight years, as the Japanese break stereotypes again. Four years have not passed since the current Mitsubishi Lancer is replaced by a completely new generation.
 
The debut of the previous Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, belonging to the ninth generation, took place at the Moscow salon in 2003. Three weeks later, the station wagon version was shown to visitors to the Frankfurt exhibition. In just two years, modernization occurred. And then two more years, the ninth generation ceases to exist, yielding to the place of the new car. Moreover, really new, which does not resemble the previous copy.
 
Incredible. The term of the short but happy life of the car was four years. It cannot be said that Lancer was an unsuccessful model. On the contrary, he competed on equal terms with Ford Focus and Renault Logan by bestsellers of the Russian market. Apparently, the common truth is that the popular Mitsubishi, due to its accessibility, brought little money to the manufacturer and sellers. In any case, we will gratefully recall the discreet of the car that won the hearts of thousands of Russians.
 
The new Lancer, unlike its predecessor, has an original appearance. The front of it resembles an old Galant. It is known that the design of the car was created with the participation of managers of the holding Rolf Mitsubishi distributor in Russia. The radiator grille is especially distinguished, which goes well with narrow optics, air intake in the bumper and fog lights. Behind the novelty also looks spectacular. The lanterns resemble the eyebrows of a displeased person. It turned out really not bad. As planned by car artists, an aggressive appearance will appeal to the Russian buyer. Probably, they were not mistaken in this.
 
Short life
 
The ninth generation Mitsubishi Lancer with the sedan body debuted in 2003 at the Moscow Motor Show. Three weeks later, the premiere of the station wagon took place, but already at a car exhibition in Frankfurt. Sales in Russia began literally immediately after the premiere. Three engines 1.3 liters (82 hp), 1.6 l (98 hp) and 2.0 l (135 hp), as well as two types of transmission 5-speed mechanics were offered. and 4-speed automatic. For Russian buyers, Lancer was available in the following trim levels: Invite, Invite Plus, Instyle. After restyling in 2005, another Intense appeared. The update affected appearance. In particular, the front bumper has changed, the steering wheel has become a three -spoke, new colors of finishing materials appeared. In the same year, Mitsubishi Lancer became the most popular imported car of Russia.
 
In addition to appearance, a solid increase in dimensions can be considered the most important change, which, according to the head of the project for developing segment cars with Rugo Nakao, indicate the transition of the novelty to a higher class. Indeed, the length of the Lancer has increased to 4570 mm, which is 35 mm more than that of the predecessor. If you measure the salon from the front to the rear wheel arch, it turns out 1715 mm. This is the largest indicator in the classroom. Behind were Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Honda Civic. The height increase was 60 mm. By the way, in the distance from the seat to the roof of Lancer, also overtook competitors. But the most significant changes affected the width, which increased by 65 mm. When you sit on the driver's place, a feeling of extraordinary spaciousness is created. The distance between the heads of the driver and the front passenger becomes more than 51 mm. The payment for a large salon was the materials from which this very salon was made. Nice plastic can be called very practical as you like, but you cannot put more than three for such work. As for ergonomic decisions, there are no complaints about them. Indications of devices are easily read, and a small number of buttons does not cause difficulties in managing a radio, air conditioning and other devices.
 
It's time to check the beginner in the case. It is worth making a reservation that the Lancer tests took place on the routes of the Japan Automobile Research Institute, which all Japanese manufacturers from time to time. We touch the place, turn the steering wheel and notice that the car somehow too quickly made a U-turn 180 degrees. Later, in an interview with engineers, it turned out that the turning radius of exactly five meters is also the best indicator compared to other Japanese rivals.
 
We decided to start our test with a version equipped with a new engine of 1.5 liters. This engine with a capacity of 109 hp. It has a proprietary electronic control system of gas distribution phases (MIVEC). By the way, the power of the old 1.6 -frail unit was 11 forces less.
 
We go to a three -lane ring six kilometers long and try to develop maximum speed. According to the passport, acceleration to hundreds should occupy 11.6 s. Based on the subjective sensations, the declared indicator corresponds to reality. True, with rapid acceleration, the growling of the engine becomes too loud. Yes, noise insulation could be better. Very soon, the speedometer arrow reached the maximum mark in 191 km/h. Rather, the speedometer showed 195 km/h, but such a small deviation is not considered sin.
 
Let's start checking controllability. To do this, the Japanese built a small highway consisting of a straight line, eight and snakes. Here Lancer showed his best qualities. The car passed the turns, not even allowing the thoughts of skidding. For this car, a completely new suspension design was developed. The front was installed by McPherson. A multi -link scheme was used from behind. The wheelbase has grown by 60 mm. This significantly increased stability. To a large extent, the improvement of controllability is facilitated by an increased suspension by 10 mm.
 
The main difference between a two -liter version, paradoxically, is dynamics. Otherwise, both cars differ little. When accelerating, a new motor, which has become more powerful by 15 hp, growls much quieter. Acceleration up to 100 km/h takes two seconds less than that of a 1.5-liter version. And the maximum speed is 200 km/h.
 
Now about the most interesting about prices. The most affordable invite option with a mechanical transmission and a 1.5-liter engine costs $ 17,990. Invite with an automaton will cost $ 19,300. The price of the cheapest two-liter machine is $ 20140. And for the most expensive Intense CVT, $ 24,300 is asked. The new Lancer actually ceases to compete with the focus. The Japanese goes into another price category, where no less formidable rivals are waiting for him. It's a shame that Lancer with a universal body is excluded from the program.
 
Osamu Masuko, President of Mitsubishi Motors:
 
I know that the former Mitsubishi Lancer twice won the Russian title of a car of the year in 2005 and 2006. The new model is a strategically important area. On the same platform, the Outlander XL crossover and the Delica minibus were created. In other words, we make the main bet on the segment C, which, according to our calculations, will actively develop all over the world. I think Russia will become the main European market for Lancer. But this does not mean that we will stop working on the creation of SUVs. Famous models will be modernized. New products will appear. As for our business partners, our plans are to continue cooperation with the Rolf group. Today, this company has the most powerful dealer network in your country. Soon the Mitsubishi model range in Russia will be expanded. This means that we will sell cars even more.
 
We do not love
 
Enough: two engines are offered to choose from customers: 1.5-liter (109 hp) and 2-liter (150 hp). A 1.3 -liter engine will not be put on Lancer.
 
Recognizable: the design of the steering wheel does not allow to doubt the car belonging to the Mitsubishi family. Indications of devices are well read both in the dark and in sunny weather. But the information on the radio display is almost not visible during the day.
 
Spacious: enlarged dimensions give comfort to all passengers of the new Lancer. In terms of salon, the novelty wins from all Japanese competitors.
 
Driving
 
The new suspension does not allow to doubt excellent handling. The car has become much more stable.
 
Salon
 
The quality of finishing materials causes the quality of the finishing.
 
Comfort
 
Increased dimensions allow you to achieve comfort for the driver and all passengers. Even sharp restructures do not much bother the inhabitants of the salon.
 
Safety
 
At the EURONCAP Crash tests, Mitsubishi engineers want to earn 5 stars.
 
Price
 
The cost of a car in relation to competitors seems to be very profitable.
 
Technical characteristics Mitsubishi Lancer
 
Dimensions, mm 4570/1760/1505 mm
Gasoline engine, 1499 (1998) cm3, 109 (150) L.S./6000 min-1
Mechanical transmission, 5-speed (automatic, 4-speed)
Dynamics 0-100 km/h, with 11.6 (9.5)
Maximum speed, km/h 191 (200)
Competitors Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic
 
Advantages and disadvantages
 
+ Excellent handling, spacious salon, aggressive design.
 
Noisy one and a half liter engine, cheap materials of the interior decoration.
 
Our opinion
 
The new Lancer is undoubtedly awaiting success. True, other people will already buy this model. If earlier the main competitor was the damned friend of Focus, now the Japanese will fight with other samomi (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Honda Civic). In the same price segment is Opel Astra.
 
 
 
Text: Stanislav Pavlov
Photo: Mitsubishi
  

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [May 2007]