LANCER VRX 2.0 HAS THE LOT

Racy good looks and creature comforts galore could easily put the new Lancer VRX 2.0 in a class of its own. Mitsubishi, determined to shake off the dreary image of recent Lancers, has clearly worked hard on the Lancer’s design and has come up with something very classy. The seriously mean looking front has heaps of sex appeal and should win over a bunch of new customers.
There are 3 models in the new Lancer range – ES, VR and the VRX which we tested. Each is powered by the same 2.0 litre MIVEC engine (113kW/198Nm) with the choice of a 5 speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable auto (CVT). The CVT has a 6 speed ‘Sports’ mode which effectively puts a series of stops in the continuously variable process allowing you to drive the Lancer like a clutch-less manual. Changes are made by tapping up or down on the shifter or, in the VRX on the F1 style paddles.
Power windows, cruise control and air-conditioning (climate control in VR & VRX) are all standard fare across the range. Our VRX had the optional Rockford Fosgate Premium sound system which in the VRX is curiously packaged with the glass sunroof at $2,300 for the two. Sound system aficionados will quite likely go weak at the knees when they open the Lancer boot and catch sight of the humungous sub-woofer, but the sound system is seriously good. As well as the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel the VR and VRX have full audio controls there too. The VRX goes one better with Bluetooth controls also on the wheel as well as a hands free voice recognition system. Unlike some we’ve known, the Bluetooth system was easy to setup and use. Two additional features that set the Lancer apart are rain sensitive wipers and dusk sensitive lights – features you don’t expect to find in this class of car.
Mitsubishi are to be commended for offering ABS (with EBD & Brake Assist) and Active Stability & Traction Control as standard across the range together with dual airbags up front and a driver’s side ‘knee bag’. Side and curtain airbags are an option in the ES but standard in the VR and VRX. We have yet to see any crash test results for this new model.
Driveability doesn’t quite live up to the great new looks – while generally steering quite comfortably, when pressed there is a tad too much body roll for our liking, combined at times with a healthy serve of torque steer when powering out of corners. Overall though, for every day driving, handling is predictably neutral. The front buckets are comfortable and offer good lateral support when cornering hard. Rear vision unfortunately is restricted in the VRX by the addition of the rear spoiler, which one suspects is purely cosmetic. The spoiler combined with the three rear headrests seriously compromises the view through the rear view mirror. The trend to larger external rear view mirrors – generally to be commended – unfortunately creates another substantial blind-spot, particularly when making right hand turns. The solution down the track will be rear view cameras with internal displays – something which is on our wish list and we’re sure is already on the drawing board.
Mitsubishi quote between 7.7 and 8.5litres/100kms depending on model and transmission combination. Our VRX with CVT is rated at 8.5l/100km and we were pleasantly surprised to record 8.8l/100km over some 500kms of quite varied driving.
The VRX is packed with features as standard which quite frankly overhaul many European cars currently on the market but it still weighs in at a very reasonable $28,990/$31,490 (manual/CVT) plus on roads. The VR is priced at $25,290/$27,590 and the ES $20,990/$23,290. Mitsubishi provides a 5 year/130,000km warranty, a 10 year/160,000km Powertrain Warranty and a 5 year Perforation Corrosion Warranty. On top of this, they also provide a free 24/7 Roadside Assist service for 5 years or 130,000km.
Where do you start - if it had a red ribbon round it you’d find inside everything you ever wanted for Christmas and then some!
Out of the daggy looks closet, this Lancer should attract a whole new market particularly those looking at excellent value for money.

Tested April 2008
Vehicle provided by Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd