The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
22-February-2009
- Vital Stats
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$21,490 - $32,790
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Un-leaded
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Big - 344 litres!
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4
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Review by Janina Geraghty
3 words to describe the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
Stylish, sporty, smart.
What was your first impression?
It's hard to walk past the Sportback without doing a double-take. It has a very stylish exterior with sleek lines, distinctive new sporty Lancer front, rear spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, chrome exhaust, and it looks great in all 8 available colours.
What about the interior?
It's like slipping into a little black dress - a classic look that suits just about everyone and all occasions. It's got a clean, simple and modern dash with an easy-to-read display that doesn't require a Computer Science degree to figure out; comfortable cloth seats with adjustable head rest and height-adjustable driver's seat plus tilt-adjust steering column and a great sounding 6 CD MP3 audio system with steering wheel controls that begs for Kings of Leon played extra loud!
How was the drive?
I first drove the automatic VR, which I found a little slow to take off from the lights, but then, I personally prefer manuals for the control factor. The manual has smooth gear changes and is a better drive in my opinion. Once on the move, you can feel the power so it's a good thing the Lancer Sportback has cruise control to keep your speed in check on the open road.
Power steering makes it smooth to drive and park. Visibility is not a great factor with hatchbacks in general, but the rear and side view mirrors on the Lancer are a good size, ensuring reasonably safe reversing and lane changing.
Speaking of safety...
The Lancer Sportback has a 5-star ANCAP rating (out of a possible 5) and it's not hard to see why. The Sportback has the latest in driving technology acronyms such as ABS, EBD, ASC and ATC to help prevent an accident. Basically, these features prevent skidding and losing control of the car in dangerous situations by use of sensors attached to computers that react when we don't. In the event that you should actually crash, there are up to 7 airbags to protect the driver and all passengers.
For mum's peace of mind there are 3 anchor points in the back for child seats and childproof locking on back doors as well as centralised window and door locking from the driver's seat just to make sure everyone and everything stays inside!
What about the cool stuff?
Auto-rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlamps, in-door cup holders in the front, middle armrest cup holders in the back, vanity mirrors for driver and front passenger and hands-free Bluetooth with steering wheel controls on the VRX model are just a few of the clever features.
Is there room for my junk in the trunk?
Plenty. Enough room for groceries plus umbrella stroller or a couple of garbage bags full of old clothes for the goodwill bin. Easy-access lever folds the back seats to make room for larger items or holiday luggage.
Price
Not only is the Lancer Sportback reasonably priced to buy (starting at $20,990 plus on-roads for the ES model), but it's also cost-efficient to run. Fuel consumption is 8.5 litres of fuel per 100km with the automatic model.
The Mitsubishi warranty service requirement is every 15,000 km as opposed to the standard 10,000 km. Genuine parts are readily available and competitively priced.
Any negatives?
It was hard to fault the Sportback, but I do think all hatchbacks should come standard with rear-park assist, as the design doesn't allow good visibility out the back. However, rear park assist is available as an extra accessory.
The spare tyre is also just an emergency tube that's enough to get you out of trouble. I guess on the upside, it's smaller and lighter so a lot easier to change if you are stuck with a flat tyre.
If personified, who would the Lancer Sportback be?
George Clooney. Stylish, performs well and appeals to women of all ages!
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