2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES review from Australia and New Zealand

The mechanics left grease marks on the roof trim. Apart from that, nothing yet.

So far the Lancer has been a joy to own. It is certainly not the most contemporary vehicle in its class, but who else can offer the combination of performance, quality, standard features, safety and 5 years warranty at a price that makes even KIA nervous.

The 2.4 litre motor puts out a hefty 115kw and 220Nm, giving the 1250kg car a power to weight ratio that embarrasses other vehicles in this price range. The Lancer still achieves respectable fuel economy, so far averaging around 7.5l/100km on mainly rather brisk highway driving. Once 3500rpm is on board, the MIVEC system kicks in and switches to a more aggressive intake timing. The effect is clearly noticeable and endows the little white chariot with a pleasing exhaust growl. I live in rural NSW and enjoy the superb overtaking power to get around B doubles on some dodgey straights. This thing is seriously powerful, easily capable of dispatching of the electronically limited top speed of 180km/h in fourth gear! (not reccomended though.) and a 0-100 in Around 8.5 seconds. Five years ago you had to have a big Aussie six to get that kind of performance.

The car has confident handling, though lacks the razor sharp dynamics of some of the newer (and more expensive) competitors such as the Mazda3. I am not too concerned by this as I didn't buy the car to race in Bathurst and I enjoy the supple ride quality on our rough country roads. Handling doesn't get sketchy until you approach very naughty speeds. I read a lot of reviews trashing the lancers handling, but I have found unless you drive the car like an idiot it will never be an issue. Car writers seem to be focused on how the car performs on a race track and not living with the thing everyday like the rest of us.

I also find the interior very comfortable and ergonomic, though perhaps a tad uninspiring. It has a certain simple style that I feel is lacking on many of the overly fussy contemporary Japanese offerings, though I am sure any European would scoff at the functional sterility of the cockpit. It is assembled to toyota-esque standards, free from any squeaks and rattles and using quality plastics (well compared to my old ford anywayThe seats are a little flat and unsupportive though I can't complain about the comfort level after a couple of four hour drives. The streo is sounds impressive for standard kit too.

I was innitially going to buy a used ca.,however I soon realised the value that the mitsubishi offered. For 20k drive away I got the car with alloys and a spoiler, tints, mats and mudflaps thrown in. Standard features include dual airbags, cruise, power windows, a/c and CD with MP3 to name, but a few. I am disappointed that split fold seats were not offered, but I can live without it as the boot is reasonably spacious. The clincher for me is Mitsubishi's fantastic 5 year warranty (10 years on the drivetrain). I was looking at used Mazda3's etc, but for the same money I could only get a 3 year old model with no warranty. I could not think of anything worse than parting with my 20 grand and throwing a conrod as I leave the driveway... call me paranoid.

Overall, I cannot be happier with my new car. Sure some are more stylish and engaging to drive, but you pay for the privilege. I am confident the Lancer will provide me with many years of worry free and economical motoring for a very modest outlay.