Test Drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII 2000 - 2003 Sedan
Happiness of the middle class
Mitsubishi Motors Uurope, the division of the Japanese company Mitsubishi, for the first time in its history, arranged at the Russian Motor Show-2003 European Premier of the New LaNcer 2004th Model Year. Sales of new Ulanov began in Russia back in August, ahead of even Europe, where the cars began to be supplied from Japan only from September. By the way, this is one of the features of Lancer is made exclusively in his homeland, unlike the main competitors from Toyota and Nissan. For the thirty years of presence in the old world, Mitsubishi Motors managed to realize more than 700 thousand lancers, mainly classic sedans and universal. In our country, Mark Mitsubishi last year came out in second place among Japanese manufacturers and on the fourth among all new foreign cars (8167 cars in 2002 and 7082 for the first half of this year). The forecast for 2003 is even more optimistic dealers plan to sell more than 15 thousand cars, of which the share of new lancers will have 1500 sedans and 100 universal, in the next year more than 7 thousand cars. With such indicators, the Russian market occupies the fifth place in Europe. Type of body carrying, 5-door sedan and station wagon. The main features of the design of the 9th generation of sportiness, excellent handling and bright personality. Many of their driving features are taken from the super-sustained in the Mitsubishi LaNcer Evolution racing rally. For Russia, from the whole model range, traditionally preferring sedans (almost half of all sales), and the rest of Europe (emphasis on stylish sports universals) both of these body options are envisaged. Thus, Mitsubishi more and more from the faceless in their mass of 5-door hatchbacks, developing a popular transport segment for an active lifestyle Lifestyle Station Wagon.
Two gasoline 16-valve engine volume 1.3 (82 hp) and 1.6 (98 hp) provide Lancer to a decent acceleration to 100 km / h for 13 and 11 seconds, respectively. Gearbox Simple 5-speed mechanics and 4-speed sequential automatic machine Invecs-II Sports Mode, which is installed only on powerful versions. In sports gear, the gearbox allows you to hover the lever manually. Both pendants front MacPherson and rear multi-dimensional independent with transverse stability stabilizers. It is pleasant that in such an inexpensive car, discoam ventilated brakes with a vacuum amplifier both on the front wheels and to the rear are installed. 15-inch wheels, including alloy on the order, shit in the bus dimension 195/60R15. Modern security systems include frontal inflatable pillows, a hydraulic switch with a progressive characteristic, ABS with EBD (electronic brake force distribution system), protective shockproof bars in all doors, seat belts with pretensioners for the driver and front passenger. The Lancer body is designed by the RISE brand technology, which includes the front and rear zones of the processed deformation, with a solid power frame. Also, the base bundle includes electric windows of all doors, adjusting the steering wheel tilting and driver's seat height, electronic immobilizer, multiparable halogen headlights. A complete list of options for the new Lancer takes two pages with small font.
The average fuel consumption in LAncer is 6.5 (with a motor 1.3) and 8 liters (1.6) per hundred. Quite a decent result. For countries with a cold climate, Mitsubishi retrieves cars with a rechargeable battery and heated front seats. The wheel base of the new Lancer is a bit more, which made it possible to increase the space for the legs of the front and rear passengers, and by increasing the overall length also in the head zone. Independent suspension of all wheels and widespread use of sound insulation materials, such as silicone seals in the doors, significantly reduce the noise level. The backs of the rear seats are folded in the ratio of 60:40. The interior decoration is infertility and practical, as is like an economical compact car for every day: Gray fabric of seats and side upholstery, gray velor carpet. This, probably, should be an economical, inexpensive and reliable car for the average family.
A source: Magazine "Wheels" [№73 / 2003]
