Test drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV 1996 - 1998 sedan

Unknowman Ulan

Some models of corporation cars - for example, Galant or sports eclipse, are also certainly popular. Small middle class cars, which include the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan and its version of the COLT hatchback (in their homeland and some markets - Mirage), are almost unknown to our buyer. Meanwhile, it was the third -generation Lancer/Colt of the Lancer/Colt of the Lancer/Colt of the Mitsubishi in Europe in Europe. Of course, we are still far from European practicality, but some movement in this direction is already happening. And we can hope that the appearance at the end of last year Mitsubishi Lancer of the third generation in our market will accelerate this process.

The new Lancer is promoted to the Russian market as a car of the 1997 model year under the slogan car without compromises. The manufacturer claims that the machine is so modernized that it can be considered not a modification, but a new model.

The car looks elegant and somewhat conservative. The body has become 20 mm longer and 10 mm wider and higher. It differs from the previous model, but the family traits are preserved. In the external design, primarily in the rear flashlights, the elements of the corporate identity that first appeared on models of a higher class - Mitsubishi Carisma were used. The Lancer salon cannot be called exquisite, but you should not wait for anything special from a car of this class. Everything is modest enough, but made in conscience.

The car is offered in three configuration options, we got the most sophisticated - S83. The list of installed equipment has everything that can occur to the buyer of a car of this class: air conditioning, adjustable tilt of the steering column, front airbags, tinted glass, electric windows in all doors, electric drive and heated side mirrors, immobilizer and even dust filter in the dust filter in all doors. Salon ventilation system.

The driver's seat in Lancer is just in design, but quite convenient. Adjustments are enough even for a high driver. There is not much space behind, especially for three people, but you can sit. The back of the rear seat is split (60:40), if it is folded, access to the trunk opens.

Serious measures have been taken to reduce engine noise. It is installed on hydraulic supports, and the salon is well -sounded. The engine is practically not heard on the go, but still in the salon it is sometimes quite noisy. The main noises come from the rear shelters when wet snow or mud from under the wheels begin to whip along them. The Japanese, apparently, did not count on our roads.

In Japan, the range of engines for Lancer is very wide - up to 1.8 liters of a 16 -valve turbocharged with a capacity of 205 liters. With. However, machines supplied to European markets are equipped only with a 4G13 4G13 with a working volume of 1.3 liters and a capacity of 75 liters known in the previous model. With. The engine with multi -point injection was launched without any problems, when at the end of December the temperature in Moscow reached almost -30. It may seem that the engine power is small, but this is not so: only one of the direct competitors (Nissan almera) is larger, the rest (Ford Escort, VW Golf, Toyota Corolla, etc.) are inferior in this indicator. With this engine and a new 5 -speed mechanical gearbox, Lancer has quite decent dynamic characteristics: acceleration to 100 km/h - 12.5 seconds, and the maximum speed is 170 km/h. Of course, Lancer is not a rocket, but you will not have to blush at traffic lights. Another plus is that the Lancer motor calmly digests our AI-92 (the engine of the mentioned Nissan Almera requires AI-95). Of course, in Moscow with AI-95 there are no problems now, but this is in Moscow.

One of the new third -generation Lancer is a multi -link rear suspension from the so -called. The effect of passive steering. The front is traditional for machines of this class of Macpherson with a reptile stability stabilizer.

We managed to travel to Lancer in different road conditions - both on dry asphalt and on the only fallen abundant snow. The suspension of the new model turned out to be quite tough, and in the turns on an uneven road the car pulled a little to the side. As it turned out, the car was partially adapted to our road conditions - the clearance was increased, and more rigid springs were installed. This affected her behavior. Not too much, but still noticeable. Lancer weighs the whole ton, hence the reaction to stiffer springs. But you have to choose. Either you use all the delights of the pendants and your car will destroy open hatches and pits, or come to terms with the fact that you have lost a little in comfort and handling. By the way, in a loaded car (driver plus three passengers), this effect disappears, however, the car clearly loses in dynamics.

At high speeds, despite the low weight, the car holds the road quite reliably. Unlike his predecessor-he began to swim already at a speed of 110--120 km/h. There are no complaints about the brakes. With active slowing, the machine is very stable. The hydraulic wrap is moderately powerful and does not interfere with feeling the car well in the bend.

And one moment. As an option for Lancer, an automatic gearbox is offered. It is believed that ladies like the machine, and men turn their nose from him. But not from this. Automatic box Lancer - InVecs -II - adaptive, adjusting to the road conditions and style of the driver. Nothing of the kind on cars of this class had previously been offered.

Savva Simonov
 

Source: Motor magazine [No. 2/1997]