While the Evo models tend to grab the headlines, Mitsubishi is also keen to attract buyers who are looking for practicality and value for money, rather than outright performance. The result is the Lancer Sportback - a five-door hatchback based on the saloon. Sharp is a word that is used a great deal in the information pack; sharper handling, sharp dynamics, sharp styling are just a few examples. All of which are true and the new car is quite different to most other C-segment vehicles although there is a hint of Audi about it. Starting with the chiselled features of the front end; gone is the so-called, ‘Mount Fuji’ grille; in its place is a new ‘Jet Fighter’ grille with a wide trapezoidal mouth, which is said to resemble the air intakes of a jet fighter.
There are two petrol engines available a 1.5-litre and a 1.8-litre both can cover the 0-62mph in less than 12 seconds. A five-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard with an optional CVT automatic. The far better choice is the 2.0-litre diesel. It's badged DI-D but it is actually a TDI engine borrowed from Volkswagen. Although slightly noisy, the 140bhp unit it does at least offer decent in-gear pace plus a slick six-speed gearbox returning an average 45mpg. On the plus side it is comfortable to drive, has good passenger space and a decent boot - standard equipment is generous too with all models getting air conditioning, cruise control and electric windows. The Lancer Sportback feels quite sporty on the road thanks to firm suspension and only a moderate amount of body roll in corners. Fortunately the ride quality isn't adversely affected and it smoothes out bumps and rough surfaces well. On twisting routes the Mitsubishi is enjoyable to drive and surefooted. The steering is responsive too but overly light and lacks feel.
There are three trim levels - GS2, GS3 and GS4. The base-level car comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, steering wheel mounted stereo controls, cruise control, electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors, electric windows front and back, leather steering wheel and gear lever, auxiliary input for MP3 players, power steering, remote central locking and a CD stereo. The GS3 adds 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control, front fog lights, stability and traction control and privacy glass while the GS4 has a touch screen sat-nav system, a 30GB music hard drive and heated leather seats.
While the design of the cabin is neat with well laid out controls and an easy to use stereo, the build quality is good and the interior certainly feels solid. The front sports seats are comfortable and supportive without the sense of brutal expectation you get from the more focused Recaro. The rear seats are much the same, especially the outer ones, they have the usual 60:40 split with just the centre of the backrests that fold, leaving the large side and shoulder bolsters in place. This of course increases the capacity of the huge boot the exact size of which is undisclosed but you can get at least three sets of golf clubs in this cavernous area. Despite the boot size, and, as a result of the larger, ‘one size fits all’ platform, there is plenty of leg and shoulder room for the rear passengers, who can travel in comfort thanks to the beefed up body structure and sports-tuned, but easy-riding suspension. The Lancer Sportback is a new breed of Mitsubishi.
