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The Lancer EX has a strange effect on us, where by looking at it meant suddenly forgetting past Lancers that were cheap, not so stylish, stodgy, and lacking in luxury and space.
The EX is big. I have never seen, or sat in a bigger Lancer in my life. The car has been, stretched, literally, in every direction, to Galant-like proportions (hence the JDM moniker - Galant Fortis). The Lancer automatically gets 56 percent more in terms of torsional rigidity (50 percent bending resistance) than before. If they make cars any stiffer, rocks will crack upon impact.
The EX is big. I have never seen, or sat in a bigger Lancer in my life. The car has been, stretched, literally, in every direction, to Galant-like proportions (hence the JDM moniker - Galant Fortis). The Lancer automatically gets 56 percent more in terms of torsional rigidity (50 percent bending resistance) than before. If they make cars any stiffer, rocks will crack upon impact.
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Mechanics
The new, MIVEC aluminum-blocked 4B11 sits far more forward in the engine bay as compared to the GLX. The 2 litre 4 pot gives you 152 horses, while you get 198nm 2,250rpm later.
The 4 wheel disc brakes are a direct liftoff from the Outlander, while the 5 speed manual pretty much outclasses many stock hot hatch transmissions we've tested, but more of that later on.
Inside
For starters, nearly everything is shrouded in leather. Save for the dashboard, the two toned seats, door panels, gearknob and steering wheel for one, hints towards its luxurious leanings. We were greeted by the simple welcome message, and in English too!
This quickly evolves into a pretty elaborate trip computer that you can adjust via an "info" button on the right of the tachometer. What irks me though, is the the incessant amount of beeping that happens out of nowhere when you turn the key.
The quality of the Rockford Fosgate car audio system, comprised of front component speakers, two way rears and no less than a ten inch subwoofer in the booth is something to be reckoned with, so do things like climate control, nice furry floormats, rear air-conditioning, 18 inch wheels and (surprise!) Bi-Xenon HID headlamps.
The new, MIVEC aluminum-blocked 4B11 sits far more forward in the engine bay as compared to the GLX. The 2 litre 4 pot gives you 152 horses, while you get 198nm 2,250rpm later.
The 4 wheel disc brakes are a direct liftoff from the Outlander, while the 5 speed manual pretty much outclasses many stock hot hatch transmissions we've tested, but more of that later on.
Inside
For starters, nearly everything is shrouded in leather. Save for the dashboard, the two toned seats, door panels, gearknob and steering wheel for one, hints towards its luxurious leanings. We were greeted by the simple welcome message, and in English too!
This quickly evolves into a pretty elaborate trip computer that you can adjust via an "info" button on the right of the tachometer. What irks me though, is the the incessant amount of beeping that happens out of nowhere when you turn the key.
The quality of the Rockford Fosgate car audio system, comprised of front component speakers, two way rears and no less than a ten inch subwoofer in the booth is something to be reckoned with, so do things like climate control, nice furry floormats, rear air-conditioning, 18 inch wheels and (surprise!) Bi-Xenon HID headlamps.
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Driving Impressions
First, the manual - an almost BMW-like notchy, tight, and resplendently satisfying shift affair that frees you from errors and any form of looseness.
A spirited drive is what this car is, but not so much a fast one. The Lancer gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds with more than half a tank worth of fuel and a passenger, with the air-conditioning comfortably turned on.
The only tradeoff with the GT's sprightly acceleration means you hit 3300rpm by the time 120km/h is attained - good for those north south highway sprints but bad for relaxed cruising at higher speeds.
Having a GT corner with the ASR off, combined with smooth heel and toe downshifts will result in serious Gs where you can punt the GT hard and fast with minimal steering work, even if the tail decides to step out.
The only major gripes that I have, is with the sound of the engine, lack of low end torque and the steering, which does not have a precise centre.
First, the manual - an almost BMW-like notchy, tight, and resplendently satisfying shift affair that frees you from errors and any form of looseness.
A spirited drive is what this car is, but not so much a fast one. The Lancer gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds with more than half a tank worth of fuel and a passenger, with the air-conditioning comfortably turned on.
The only tradeoff with the GT's sprightly acceleration means you hit 3300rpm by the time 120km/h is attained - good for those north south highway sprints but bad for relaxed cruising at higher speeds.
Having a GT corner with the ASR off, combined with smooth heel and toe downshifts will result in serious Gs where you can punt the GT hard and fast with minimal steering work, even if the tail decides to step out.
The only major gripes that I have, is with the sound of the engine, lack of low end torque and the steering, which does not have a precise centre.
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Why EX, again?
For the $75,000-$82,000 price range, there are a million other cars than the EX GT. For example, the Honda Civc 2.0 Si, the Nissan Sylphy, and even a Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 if Germans are your cup of tea.
However, if you like Mitsubishi, then you will appreciate that this is a car, crafted with attention to detail and the bodywork, foglights, sport seats, anti-roll bars, aggressive suspension geometry and 215/45R18 Yokohama Advan tires.
If you like driving, do yourself a favour and get the manual. You won't regret it.
For the $75,000-$82,000 price range, there are a million other cars than the EX GT. For example, the Honda Civc 2.0 Si, the Nissan Sylphy, and even a Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 if Germans are your cup of tea.
However, if you like Mitsubishi, then you will appreciate that this is a car, crafted with attention to detail and the bodywork, foglights, sport seats, anti-roll bars, aggressive suspension geometry and 215/45R18 Yokohama Advan tires.
If you like driving, do yourself a favour and get the manual. You won't regret it.
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Specifications -
Price: $78,988
Engine: 2 litres, 4 Cylinders, 16-valve
Power: 155Bhp @ 6000rpm ( 77.6bhp/litre)
Torque: 199Nm @ 4250rpm
Transmission: 5 -speed Manual
Length/width/height: 4570 / 1760 / 1490 mm
Wheelbase: 2635 mm
Kerb weight: 1325 kg
0-100km/h: 9.6 sec
Price: $78,988
Engine: 2 litres, 4 Cylinders, 16-valve
Power: 155Bhp @ 6000rpm ( 77.6bhp/litre)
Torque: 199Nm @ 4250rpm
Transmission: 5 -speed Manual
Length/width/height: 4570 / 1760 / 1490 mm
Wheelbase: 2635 mm
Kerb weight: 1325 kg
0-100km/h: 9.6 sec
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