Sporty looks; powerful 2.4-litre engine; lots of kit ticks the ‘value’ box
Chassis is not the segment’s most dynamic
Mitsubishi hasn’t left much on the parts shelf with the latest Lancer VRX – the good-looking small sedan is massively equipped. And 2012 model year updates have added a standard reversing camera plus freshened interior and exterior style.
Taking on the likes of Ford Focus, Holden Cruze and Mazda3, the Mitsubishi Lancer compares well – especially in the value-for-money equation.
And special praise for Mitsubishi adopting a reversing camera across the entire Lancer range for 2012 (standard on VR, VRX, Aspire and Ralliart versions, optional on entry-level ES). The dangers to toddlers straying behind reversing cars cannot be exaggerated and this acknowledged safety feature is a real plus for family buyers.
Mitsubishi Lancer Overview
Coming from the same gene pool as Mitsubishi’s iconic, ultra high performance Lancer Evolution, the regular Lancer sedan version is off to a strong start. Car Showroom tested the sporty VRX version (CVT automatic) which is priced at $33,490 ($30,990 for the five-speed manual).
The VRX specification is hugely impressive with additions such as the 2.4-litre engine, leather sports seats (heated fronts), nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio, 18-inch alloy wheels and some sporty Ralliart-style bodywork extras.
Included in the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer model year upgrades – addressing a criticism of the previous model – Mitsubishi has significantly ramped-up interior quality with the addition of, for example, gloss black trim highlights.
While not the newest design in the segment, the Mitsubishi Lancer still looks sharp and our VRX model test car with its Ralliart front end, spoilers and 18-inch alloys provided a sporty on-road stance.
Mitsubishi Lancer Engine
ES and VR grade Mitsubishi Lancers are powered by a 113kW/197Nm 2.0-litre engine, however the VRX scores the 2.4-litre powerplant. With 125kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4100rpm, Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre is a handy performer – comparing well with the 2.0-litre engines of its rivals (Ford Focus 125kW/202Nm and Holden Cruze’s 120kW/360Nm).
Our VRX grade test car drove through Mitsubishi’s CVT automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters for manual changes. Acceleration was impressive and the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX delivered a nice, sporty exhaust note.
Fuel consumption is rated at 8.5l/100kms for the automatic as tested or 8.7l/100kms for the five-speed manual.
Mitsubishi Lancer The Interior
The VRX grade Mitsubishi Lancer scores points with the addition of leather seats. Fronts are sports seats with extra support and the driver scores electronic adjustment for slide, recline and height.
Like all Lancers there is a sporty feel behind the wheel – a nice three-spoke design (rake adjustment only) and the paddle shifters for manual cog-swapping of the CVT are handily placed. Instrumentation is conventional gauges with a nice colour display between for fuel level etc.
VRX versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer score the nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system (which includes a massive boot-mounted speaker). Satellite navigation is available with the optional multi-communications system.
Rear seat accommodation is on par with others in this class for space and the VRX specification includes privacy glass.
Same for the boot – 400-litre capacity, about the same as rivals - but the wide opening assisted the ‘golf bag’ test (it fitted!). The rear seat split-folds 60/40 for loading versatility.
Mitsubishi Lancer Exterior & Styling
Mitsubishi is undergoing a styling resurgence and the Lancer – as well as the ASX compact SUV – is a pointer to the future. Like the newer ASX, the Lancer exhibits modern looks without pushing the boundaries towards ‘quirkiness’.
For sure the Lancer VRX model tested gets a sports-oriented injection thanks to the black Ralliart front grille and spoiler and the large boot-mounted wing. Combine those with the 18-inch alloy wheels and the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX looks effective.
Mitsubishi Lancer On The Road
Turn the key and the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX’ 2.4-litre four cylinder springs to life with purpose. No ‘namby-pamby’ little 1.0-litre in this baby – the Lancer ASX recalls its racy ‘Evolution’ model stablemate with a racy exhaust note even at idle.
Around town, using the CVT as an automatic, the Lancer responded well for the daredevil merging onto Melbourne’s Monash freeway in rush hour. Mid-range performance wasn’t as racy as some rivals but still the Lancer VRX was no slouch – just the usual hesitation you get with CVTs.
Our tight CBD car park presented no challenges, especially with the new reversing camera (image displayed in the rear-view mirror) to help.
Over our high speed mountain roads test loop we swapped to manual shifts and the Lancer VRX responded with nice acceleration, although, like others, we would have liked more rapid downchanges. Mitsubishi runs the usual MacPherson strut front/independent rear suspension design and chassis balance was reasonable.
Grip levels were good with just the expected understeer at the limit.
Mitsubishi Lancer Challenges
Mitsubishi Lancer is a ‘tweener’ – certainly a step up from the lower grade ES and VR models but not a Ralliart or Evolution version. In the context of on-road dynamics it just needs some tuning (and a slicker CVT) to improve its sharpness.
Mitsubishi Lancer Verdict
Overall the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has stepped up to the plate. VRX now has an interior to match its sporty exterior and handy 2.4-litre powerplant.
As always you have to consider the dollars and there’s no doubt the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX buys a lot of car for its $30,990 sticker ($33,490 for the automatic we tested).
Mitsubishi Lancer The Competition
Mitsubishi Lancer VRX shapes-up against some big-name rivals so you’ll need to carefully compare different specifications to get a true value comparison.
At Car Showroom we’re huge fans of the just-launched Ford Focus and Mitsubishi Lancer VRX takes on Ford’s European-designed small sedan in either Trend (from $24,490) or Titanium (from $32,590) grades. Ford Focus is the newest arrival in this market segment and it’s bristling with contemporary European design inside and out.
Also a new arrival is Volkswagen’s new Jetta. The Comfortline model grade compares with the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX but the Jetta doesn’t have the sportiness of the Lancer’s Ralliart additions.
And the recently-arrived all-new Hyundai Elantra is a ripper small sedan and great value. Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre engine in the Lancer VRX does out-punch the Elantra’s 110kW/178Nm 1.8-litre however.
Holden Cruze is an outstanding local product – well-built and in CDX guise sharply priced when compared to the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX. Again be careful to tick all of the specification boxes because the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX is comprehensively equipped.
Kia Cerato SLi sedan is handily priced and its 115kW/194Nm 2.0-litre engine is a pearler.
But perhaps the most direct rival for the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX is the Mazda3 SP25 sedan ($31,435 in auto). You can tick lots of performance from Mazda’s 122kW/227Nm 2.5-litre engine, outstanding on-road dynamics and the usual Mazda style and quality.
