Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 DI-D GS4 (2008) CAR review

While the new Lancer Evo X hoovers up all the headlines, Mitsubishi’s ‘standard’ new Lancers are getting ignored. And it’s a pity because the diesel in particular is worth a closer look – and no we’re not kidding.

The Lancer’s new platform, shared with the Outlander and co-developed with the former DaimlerChrysler corporation is well engineered, the standard kit is impressive and the styling has gone from oh dear to oh my!

It’s a handsome car – and potential buyers will be seduced by its looks – but the (non-Evo) Lancer has the unenviable job of erasing memories of the previous-generation car, surely the most dreary vehicle since, well, ever.

That’s a tough job. Can the new Mitsubishi Lancer really score some new fans?

Well, first impressions are good. Out goes the old Lancer’s almost laughably harsh interior plastics and in comes some fine, soft-touch materials. Push and prod the new dash and there’s a pleasing tactile quality unheard of on any Mitsubishi thus far. The touch-screen HDD sat-nav is excellent (standard on the GS4) and the controls feel solid and weighty – but not up to Civic/Focus standards. It’s a fine interior, if aesthetically unspectacular.

Standard kit on the GS4 model includes a 30GB music server, heated leather seats, climate control, iPod input and an on-board computer that allows the driver to personalise interior light delays, wing mirror retraction and wiper operation. IT geeks will love it.

Click 'Next' below to read the rest of our Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 DI-D GS4 drive