Listing all the features that come as standard on the Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1.5 Sports would take up an entire page of this magazine, so here are just a few noteworthy ones: 16-inch alloy wheels, a full bodykit, front fog lamps, automatic headlamps and wipers, keyless starting, climate control and an integrated stereo system with steering wheel remote controls.

It really is immensely well equipped. Membership to the new Lancer EX range may start with this 1.5-litre model, but owners certainly wouldn't be slumming it in the car.

They'd take longer to reach their destinations than if they had plumped for the 2.0-litre, though.

While both variants have the same big body (longer and wider than a Honda Civic's), the 1.5 has 46bhp less power on tap. Its 109bhp engine, sourced from the Colt compact hatchback, looks almost lost under the long bonnet.

Not unexpectedly, the car feels a bit flat compared to the 2.0. A firm prod on the throttle is needed to get moving smartly from a standstill, and even flat-out acceleration sees it gather speed with little sense of urgency.
The MIVEC powerplant isn't the quietest thing, either. It produces a tinny buzz under load, but this thankfully recedes once cruising speeds are reached.

Given its small engine, the Lancer 1.5 proves surprisingly adept on the highway. Overtaking isn't as stressful as you might expect since there's sufficient mid-range torque, and the four-speed automatic gearbox proves both responsive and refined.

It also rides well, being free of the occasional thumpiness that afflicts the larger-wheeled 2.0 models. Steering feel hasn't suffered from the switch to electric power assistance from the 2.0's hydraulic set-up, either.

So while it can't quite live up to its Sports tag on the straights, the car feels reassuringly taut in corners. Its chassis balance is right up there with the class leaders', and excellent damping keeps body movements well in check when making quick direction changes.

A strip of carbon fibre-look trim running the width of the dashboard marks out the Sports version on the inside - the $2,000 cheaper Elegance has 'wood', which isn't as nice.

Everything looks and feels pleasantly high tech, from the stylish trip computer display between the main dials to the way the indicators flash three times with a nudge of the stalk, just like those on expensive European cars do.

Some of the textured plastics are quite hard to the touch though, and this lowers perceived quality a little. Pity, for the Lancer is really very well made.

It's also extremely good looking, and this fact alone will open many a buyer's chequebook. The 1.5 isn't for people in a perpetual hurry to get somewhere, but those after a solid and roomy family saloon that's packed to the roof with features need look no further.

Honda Civic 1.6 (A) $74,500 with COE
Hugely popular, and it's easy to see why. The Civic is roomy, fantastically put together and even the entry-level 1.6 is lively to drive. The locally-fitted stereo looks out of place in the futuristic dashboard, though. Expensive, but worth it.


1,499cc, 16V in-line 4
109bhp at 6,000rpm
143Nm at 4,000rpm
4-speed automatic
178km/h
12.5 seconds
$62,488 with COE
3 years / 100,000km
Cycle & Carriage Automotive
6473-9722

PLUSES Sporty styling and nimble handling, spacious cabin is loaded with standard equipment
MINUSES Slow initial acceleration, loud engine, hard interior plastics
VERDICT Doesn't have the power to match its racy looks, but great value for money overall