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Motability

Mitsubishi Lancer Estate 1.6 Elegance

For:
A reasonable load-carrier that offers a 2.0-litre engine and sports suspension not available in the saloon.

Against:
Dated, noisy and not especially smooth-riding. Running costs can be high



Performance

There's a 1.6-litre engine, with manual or automatic gearboxes, or a manual 2.0-litre that's not available in the Lancer saloon. Both are undemanding when you're pottering about or cruising, but need to be revved hard for overtaking or hill-climbing. The 2.0-litre is the stronger, but not noticeably more flexible.

Ride & handling

The controls are light and smooth and the gearbox is sweet and precise, so it's easy to operate. The ride of the 1.6 is reasonable on main routes, too, though restless on badly surfaced roads. The 2.0 with its sports suspension is better controlled and a bit less dull to drive, but not as cosseting on poor surfaces.

Refinement

Peace and quiet is not in the Lancer's repertoire. Give the engine any revs - as you must up hills or for overtaking - and it roars unacceptably, while there's also excessive wind noise at motorway speed. Rear passengers also have to put up with road noise that drowns out the conversation of people in the front.

Buying & owning

The Lancer is cheap to buy, but some running costs could be expensive. Insurance groups are quite high, servicing is needed every 9000 miles and fuel economy is nothing special, particularly with the automatic. There remains, too, the spectre of heavy depreciation for a car that's unlikely to be in heavy demand on used forecourts.

Quality & reliability

Mitsubishis hardly ever break down, so the three-year unlimited-mileage warranty with breakdown and recovery cover is something you'll probably never need to call upon. The trim all seems durable and well assembled, too, though the materials are unappealing, giving the car a budget feel.

Safety & security

Passive safety features include four airbags and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points. Stability control isn't available. In past What Car? Security tests, Mitsubishis haven't kept thieves at bay for long, although their immobilisers have proven effective at preventing cars from being driven away.

Behind the wheel

Most people will have no difficulty finding a reasonable driving position, though the seat is fiddly to raise or lower and there's no reach adjustment of the steering column. With the exception of the tiny stereo buttons, the controls are easy to find and use. An unsightly and unnecessary boot-mounted wing blocks your rear view.

Space & practicality

The Lancer estate is a decent enough four-seater, especially because its flatter roofline creates a bit more rear headroom than buyers of the saloon enjoy. It has a fair-sized load area that can be expanded by dropping the split rear seat, but the sides are made narrower by the wheelarches.

Equipment

Mitsubishi is selling the Lancer on a value-for-money ticket. Prices start at less than £10,000 and it doesn't cost much to upgrade to an automatic or get plusher trim. A CD player, air-conditioning and four airbags are standard alongside electric windows and mirrors, and remote locking.

Running Costs

Town mpg

31.7

Out of Town mpg

48.7

Average mpg

40.4

Tank Capacity (gallons)

11

CO2 Rating (g/km)

166

Insurance Group

9

Typical Insurance Quote

£437

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

33

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£291

Pence Per Mile

38.81

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£1026

Servicing Intervals

1yr/9k

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/UL + 6yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Estate

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1584/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

96/5000

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4485

Width (mm)

1715

Height (mm)

1480

Boot Space (min ltr)

344

Boot Space (max ltr)

1079

Turning Circle (m)

10

Towing Weight(kg)

1200

Kerb Weight (kg)

1285

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