Originating from Mitsubishi’s European design studio, the Sportback also boasts the five-star safety, great performance and handy technology included in the entire Lancer lineup.
Highlights
Lancer Sportback is available in the same model variants as the sedan – entry-level ES, mid-range VR and sporty VRX. Car Showroom tested the VRX version fitted with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic.
Combine those great looks with its comprehensive standard features, nice on-road dynamics, impressive safety features and a variable interior offering plenty of load space and it all adds up to a standout small car. Very handy for Mitsubishi in the current market where Australian new car buyers are attracted to small car in ever increasing numbers.
Under The Hood
The VRX Sportback enjoys the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine fitted to the range-topping Asipre sedan. Good for 125kW of power and 226Nm of torque, it’s refined and spritely both around town and on the freeway. Mitsubishi claims fuel economy of 8.5 l/100kms on the combined cycle.
Those figures give the Lancer an edge over rivals like the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic.
Lancer ES and VR models are powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre powerplant which delivers 113kW and 198Nm.
The Interior
Our VRX Sportback was fitted with the optional nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system and sunroof. The large boot-mounted speakers do intrude just a little and are wisely fitted with protective grills so large loads don’t cause damage.
We had to use the split fold rear seats to accommodate a full-size set of golf clubs but with the rear seat completely folded, the flat load area is voluminous and certainly gives the Sportback extra load versatility compared to the sedan.
The passenger compartment is typically Lancer – nice trim materials and good instrumentation. Rear seat accommodation is adequate for young children but gets squeezy when adults climb aboard – it’s the same for rival vehicles.
VRX models boast Smart Key entry and Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity with steering wheel controls. Paddle shifters for manual changes of the CVT transmission are mounted on the steering column with large alloy grab handles.
Mitsubishi’s Multi-Communication System with satellite navigation integrated with lighting, telephone, audio and air-conditioning settings is a $4,750 option.
We’re fans of Mitsubishi’s steering wheel-mounted cruise control system which uses four simple buttons.
Exterior and Styling
Attractive and stylish, the Lancer is a contemporary execution of the hatchback theme. It shares the sharp front-end treatment of the Lancer sedan, but the rear styling is all flowing curves with modern tail-light clusters and a gently sloping hatch which is deeply cut to allow for easy loading of heavy items.
ES and VR models are fitted with 16-inch wheels while the sporty VRX we tested gains sports suspension and its 18-inch alloy wheels add to the overall sporty theme.
On The Road
Safety is a big part of the Lancer story. Like its sedan brother, the Sportback features stability control as standard in all models. ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are also standard and the VRX model we tested comes standard with seven airbags.
On the road, the Sportback delivers a high standard driving dynamic – ride and handling of the VRX with its sports suspension, 18-inch alloys and 16- inch disc brakes (fronts ventilated) is amongst the best.
Mitsubishi’s CVT transmission works well and, combined with the 2.4-litre powerplant, the Sportback is responsive when merging into gaps on the freeway.
Challenges
Compared to the Mazda 3, the Lancer is a little let down by the drivers’ seat which we found lacks under-thigh support – it needs an extra adjustment in that area and we would like the steering wheel to be adjustable for reach as well as height.
Pushing hard, the 2.4-litre engine does get a bit raucous at high revs.
Verdict
We’re fans of the Lancer and the Sportback adds just a little extra style plus a lot more versatility to the range.
This is reinforced when value-for-money is considered – the Lancer gives you a lot of car for your cash.
Nice to drive, well-equipped and boasting comprehensive safety features, the Lancer VRX stacks-up very well.
The Competition
In our minds, the Mazda 3 is Lancer’s most direct rival and to compare spec-for-spec to our VRX you would be looking at the SP23 variants.
The Honda Civic Sport also enters the equation – its 2.0-litre powerplant doesn’t quite match the Lancer’s 2.4-litre and the auto is a conventional five-speeder. Some might find the sports suspension a little too firm for their liking.
With so many special deals around, our best advice is to research all three, drive them and factor in your lifestyle before making a decision.
Thumbs-up:
Nicely styled; powerful engine; extensive safety features; value-for-money
Thumbs-down:
Front seats not the most supportive; engine gets noisy at high revs
