Mitsubishi Lancer - Is it a pick or skip?

The Lancer has been a part of the Mitsubishi lineup for a while now. Despite its compact status, this car comfortably seats five adults and has a boot area that fits passengers’ belongings easily. However, when one goes out in the auto market to buy a sedan, Lancer is overlooked, and buyers get lured by cars like Honda City, Ford Focus, and Toyota Corolla.

So, is the Mitsubishi Lancer a good purchase? Or it can be skipped upon for its rather known competitors. To find the answer to this question, let’s see what all the Lancer has on offer for the buyers and then also discuss its weaknesses.

Reasons to buy Mitsubishi Lancer -

 

1. An affordable price tag

Mitsubishi Lancer holds a competitive price tag that makes it a perfect pick for buyers who want a sedan, but at the same struggle with a tight budget. In the UAE market, Lancer is available at a starting price of AED 41,895, this amount varies according to the features and trim options - GT, GLS, and GLX picked by the buyer.

2. A decent fuel economy

Mitsubishi Lancer is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC ECI-MULTI engine that produces a maximum power of 148 PS. With this very mill, the sedan offers a decent fuel economy of 11 kmpl in the city and 15 kmpl on the highway.

3. Attractive cabin

The ongoing Lancer looks way better than its previous version. Although the exterior looks more or less the same, it’s the cabin where most of the revision work seems to happen. The redesigned and stylish center console looks very attractive and is way better than the old setup. The leather covered steering wheel, and shift knob provides a comfortable grip thus enhancing the driving pleasure.

4. Comforting feature

The Lancer is packed with many features that make every journey long or short equally comforting for both the driver and passengers.

- The Lancer provides for a spacious cabin, thanks to which passengers especially at the rear enjoy higher hip point, and increased leg and headroom. Front occupants will sure appreciate the lumbar support provided by Lancer’s sport seats

- The automatic climate control system adjusts cabin temperature, keeping the driver free from the air-con dial adjusting task

- The front seats come with a heating function that makes sure that the driver and co-passenger are warm during the colder months

5. Safety and security features

It’s not just about comfort and convenience, the Lancer doesn’t hold back when it’s about passengers and driver’s safety. Here are a few of its anti-theft and safety tech -

- Engine immobiliser and anti-theft alarm

- Seven airbags that protect upper-, lower-body, and knee area during a crash

- Making the reverse process safer and simpler is the rear-view camera

- Lancer’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution body is designed to absorb collision energy before it reaches the occupants

- The Anti-Lock Braking system maintains constant control over the vehicle, and the Active Stability Control monitors tires grip

- Ensuring clear visibility are the heated side mirrors

- Automatic rain sensing wipers adjust themselves to the rate at which rain droplets hit the windshield

6. Crash test

When it comes to crash protection, the Lancer has earned great reputation in the field. This sedan is well-equipped with features to protect occupants during a collision. Indicating its crashworthiness is the outstanding ratings from acclaimed organisations. In the year 2015, Lancer received a 5-star crash rating from National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

7. Warranties

Mitsubishi Lancer is a complete package and comes with great warranties -
- Powertrain Limited Warranty with a coverage of 10 years or 160,000 km
- Anti-Corrosion/Perforation Limited Warranty with a coverage of 7 years or 160,000 km
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty with a coverage of 5 years or 10,000 km
- Roadside Assistance coverage of 5 years

Reasons that can make you skip the Lancer -

 

Like the points defending Lancer to be a good sedan, there are some arguments that take away its limelight. Below, we are stating a few points because of which some people don’t pick the Lancer and choose to buy another car in the segment.

1. Speaking strictly about the design, the Lancer has not evolved much in the course of past ten years. Apart from its front fascia and wheels, rest all elements are same as before. According to auto critics, Lancer is plain and not as appealing as its competitors

2. During high speed its engine becomes noisy

3. The cabin quality is low both in terms of design and material

4. This car can get pretty expensive as buyers add more features to it

5. Compared to its competitors, its trunk capacity is smaller

Conclusion -

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a great pick for buyers who are looking for an affordable sedan that comes with high performance and adequate comfort and safety features. However, when it comes to style and modern feel, it ranks low than its competitors.