Lancer is suited and booted

For a car that's been around since 1973 the Mitsubishi Lancer has a pretty low profile on UK roads.

Apart from the high-peformance Evo offshoots, which are unmistakable in their rally-inspired livery, when was the last time you saw a regular Lancer on the road?

Even Mitsubishi accepts that the Lancer has 'not been consistent or attractive enough in the eyes of potential customers.'

So it has taken the opportunity to use the launch of the eagerly-awaited Evo X to relaunch the Lancer saloon as a competitor to the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda3 and anything else in the so-called C-segment of the market.

As a rule, we tend to go for hatchbacks rather than saloons in Britain, but there has always been a market for the traditional four-door car with a proper boot.

And because it is quite a spacious car Mitsubishi reckons the Lancer may even tempt a few drivers out of their Volvo S40s too.

The engines start with a petrol 1.5 but most buyers are expect to opt for the new 1.8 petrol or 2.0 diesel. The latter is the venerable Volkswagen 140PS unit that has also seen service in the Mitsubishi Outlander, various SEATs and other VAG group vehicles.

There are four levels of trim - all branded GS. The saloon will only come in GS3 or GS4 form, which means they will be comprehensively equipped.

A GS4, for example, comes with a 30GB hard drive based music system that also incorporates sat nav, heated leather seats, climate control air con, sports suspension, privacy glass and front fog lamps.

It also comes with a sports body kit which includes a rear spoiler and 18-inch alloys, meaning that its not far off the Evo in the looks department.

The more powerful car can be distinguished by its more intricate alloys and menacing, fighter jet-inspired front.

The mainstream Lancer does not get the Evo's Super All-Wheel Control but it does have stability and traction control as standard.

The body structure is 50 per cent more rigid than the previous Lancer and Mitsubishi is confident of achieving a five-star safety rating.

Inside, the dash is a lot better than that in the old model -Êbut then again almost anything would be. The cabin is a far more attractive environment -Êeven if build quality isn't quite up to Ford Focus levels.

The steering wheel does not adjust for reach and reclining the seats themselves is a fiddly business. At least they are comfortable.

Visibility is fairly good apart from the fact that the rear spoiler is right in your eye line.

It's no Evo but the Lancer offers a tidy drive with body roll kept well under control and user-friendly steering. The clutch and gearbox are lighter to operate than that of the Evo.

The VW diesel engine has always been a capable unit but does sound fairly crude by modern standards.

The 1.8 petrol is lighter to drive and more sporty sounding and there's not a huge hit in terms of economy. Performance is similar, with both cars able to hit 60mph in under ten seconds.

Where the Lancer could really score is with its size. It really is spacious inside and could give rivals from the next market segment up a run for their money.

Running costs should be reasonable. The service intervals are 12,500 miles and a £200 Mitsubishi service plan covers the first three scheduled visits to the garage.

The Lancer saloon is a much better effort from Mitsubishi even if the Sportback hatch - not due in the UK till September - looks like being the bigger seller.

By Peter Carroll