Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT Road Test: A Summary

By Dr Long

This is upon request from some readers who found the last Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT report too lengthy for their busy lifestyles (working life et al).
I shall be attempting an ‘abstract’ version now:



Styling: 5/5
Simply gorgeous from all angles externally, compared the last (8th) generation Lancer. The shark nose plus headlights is ever menacing while sidelines are taut and modern. Evo X-like looks is refreshingly sporty, even upmarket to a certain extent.

Interior: 3/5
Leather seats soft, cosseting and supportive. Dashboard design a little too plain. Plastics on door trim needs a soft-touch wrap on upper border.

Engine: 3/5
Needs more low-end grunt to work better with the INVECS-III CVT. Muffler note at low revs and engine drone towards redline uninspiring.

Ride and Handling: 4/5
Ride quality pleasant despite on 215/45 R18 tyres. Damping and suspension rebound control good for a Japanese sedan. Confident handling into twisties of B- and trunk roads; could be better though on highway blasts.

Brakes: 4/5
All round discs do the job well. ABS equipped. Wouldn’t mind vehicle stability control module/software though (cost is still a factor here).

Equipment: 3/5
No complaints for its RM112k (w/o insurance) asking price.
Steering column mounted large-sized paddle shifters a first-in-class. (Possibly nicked from upcoming Evo X)

Practicality: 4/5
Good enough for bachelors, young couples or even young families. Could use a little more boot space.

Desirability: 4/5
With looks than can ‘kill’ and at a price that’s equally ‘lethal’ to its competitors, waiting list is 4-5 months at time of writing. Need we say more?

Specifications:

Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GT

Engine: 4B11 1,998cc DOHC 16V MIVEC (all-aluminium block)
Maximum power: 155ps @ 6000rpm
Peak torque: 199Nm @ 4250rpm
Transmission: INVECS III-CVT with 6-speed manual ‘Sports Mode’

0-100km/h: 10.2secs (as tested)
Top speed: 200km/h (claimed)
Price: RM112,806.10 (OTR w/o insurance)
Verdict: Handsome, freshest value-buy of the season (C-segment). Road holding and ride inspiring.

Full-length test review here:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/08/full-road-test-mitsubishi-lancer-20-gt.html

*For a test-drive and sales consultation (Peninsular Malaysia only) please contact: Dylan Chang at 016-2233771