If Mitsubishi trained chefs instead of building cars, the firm’s signature dishes would surely be turbocharged curries.
The hot Evo line-up has been a smash hit for the firm, but buyers after something milder have been poorly catered for – until now. The all-new Lancer is designed to redress the balance, so how do lesser versions of the family saloon rate?
Clearly the brand is keen to tap into its sporting heritage, because the exterior of our 2.0-litre diesel test car has taken its design cues from the flagship Evo X. There’s no rear spoiler and the upper section of the front grille features chrome trim, but the boxy saloon shares the purposeful and distinctive look of the all-wheel-drive range-topper.
The interior is also an improvement on that of its bland predecessor, and the driver gets a pair of neat Alfa Romeo-style instrument dials. However, the switchgear is cheap and the simple cabin still fails to match the best European rivals.
But the saloon is 10cm longer than a Volvo S40, and rear space is good – you also get a decent boot. Build quality is solid, although the hard plastics in the cabin are accompanied by two traditional failings of Japanese cars. There’s no reach adjustment on the steering wheel and only stepped increments, rather than a smooth movement, of the seat backs.
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