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| Road Test Mitsubishi Lancer GS3 1.8 CVT Four-Door |
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In A Posh Frock
The new Lancer, launched here early in 2008, has given itself airs. It costs considerably more, there's a wider range of engines and trim levels, and it looks much better. Its styling is closely related to that of the Evolution X - so much so, in fact, that if you see a line of higher-specification Lancers with a couple of Evos mixed in, it can take a second glance to establish which is which. I'm sure that this will open up the Lancer to potential buyers who like to drive around in something smart. That especially applies to the GS3 tested here and the still better-equipped GS4, both of which have 18" alloy wheels, front foglights, a body kit (including an Evoesque rear spoiler), privacy glass and sports suspension. Lower-spec Lancers will be along later and will be less flash; in its current forms the Lancer undoubtedly looks like a quality car with an implication of big-time driving enjoyment. As so often happens, though, looks are deceptive. However different the two cars may look, the new Lancer is very similar to the old in the sense that it has clearly been built down to a price. For a start, Mitsubishi interiors very often look cheap. This one is no better than the average, something that the use of carbonfibre-effect trim details can't disguise.
On top of that, the steering wheel is not adjustable for reach (very common Mitsubishi practice but nevertheless astonishing for such a recently-developed model) and the seat back can't be made upright enough, or at least not upright enough for me. Your own body shape may be such that these things don't matter, but they don't suit mine at all, and I couldn't make myself properly comfortable.
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