Back to its roots

Were I a fleet manager, the previous generation Mitsubishi Lancer would have been a godsend, and possible saviour of the company. I’m not talking about the ferocious rally-bred Scooby-rivalling Evo versions, but rather its polar opposite that also shared the Lancer name. Easily one of the most boring and insipid cars ever created, I would have been able to improve financial results by threatening to give one to the worst-performing rep of the last year.

Right now I would have been cursing Mitsubishi for taking away one of the most effective forms of automotive punishment ever. The new Lancer looks pretty interesting, and might be the kind of car that private buyers seeking a family car with some charisma might even consider. In styling terms, they've also brought it a lot closer to the Evo X version, which is due here soon. The front end seems like a more menacing interpretation of Volvo's styling theme, while the rear just shouts Alfa, but the overall effect it creates is undeniably sporty.

If you want to retain that racy mood upon stepping inside, we recommend you don't look anywhere past the sporty instrument cowling — the rest of the dash is almost as bland its predecessor's, and the materials throughout the interior reek of cost cutting. It's cheap and bland, though ergonomically very efficient, with all the major controls placed high up on the dashboard.

The black seat trim does lend a slightly sportier mood though, but the flat seats are not the most comfortable, nor the most supportive in the business.

Interior space is nothing more than average for the class, but the boot is surprisingly practical, with a load volume of 400 litres.

As a driver's car, the Lancer has taken a decent step up the sporting ladder by offering a 2.0-litre engine, in addition to the 1.5-litre that replaces the old 1.6. This multivalve engine range is sophisticated, and features MIVEC valve timing control. Its outputs of 114kW and 199Nm are really good for a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and performance is suitably brisk. Though only a five-speed, it shifts smoothly and the ratios achieve a good balance between off-the-mark sprinting and low-rev highway cruising.

The chassis is also well balanced thanks to multi-link rear suspension. Road holding is safe and confidence-inspiring, even though the steering feels as lively as a stag party with no booze, while the ride quality is superb.

If you can look past the Lancer's cheap-skate interior, it's actually a very good package that combines all the sensible attributes you'd expect in a family car with aggressive styling and good performance. Don't bother buying the 1.5 GLX, when just R15 000 more gets you this 2.0-litre, and at R175 000, it undercuts most rivals quite nicely.

Just bear in mind that it's not as well equipped as some of its R200K rivals, as the Lancer’s skimped on items like leather seats, cruise control and side airbags, though you still get climate control and a multi-function steering wheel.

If you're a fleet manager, you might just end up using the new Lancer as a reward for that rep who raked in the most last year. And don't bullshit me, you'd probably get one for yourself too…