2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Review

overall rating
average
Live Life Drive Rating
Price
from: RM111,378
to: RM119,624
Installment
from: RM1,062/mth
to: RM1,141/mth

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer at a glance

As much as we like the Mitsubishi Evolution looks, the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer has flaws that make it merely average among the stiff competition. The mediocre handling, below-par ride quality and noisy interior are hard to ignore.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer quick specs

Body Style Sedan
Class Mid-size Family
Assembled -
Engine Range -
Fuel Options -
Seating Capacity 5

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance
Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

Styled to resemble the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer can attract those more interested in the Evo's looks than the performance. Relative to the previous Lancer, the current-generation Mitsubishi Lancer looks bigger and more grown up, emanating more road presence. The interior looks simple and clear, but pales by comparison to the handsome exterior.

Handling

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer may be Evo-like look-wise, but its handling is miles different. The grip levels are good, but the steering is too light and short on feel for any real involvement. Body roll is also more pronounced than experienced in competitors. Overall, the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is fine for transportation, but not for entertainment.

Comfort

The suspension allows too much road bumps and imperfections to filter into the cabin. The ride quality is far from cosseting, except on the smoothest of roads. Refinement is perhaps the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer's main weakness, as road and engine noise intrudes heavily, at all speeds. The cabin is easy to get comfortable in, with plenty of seating adjustments, but the steering does not adjust for reach. The uncluttered dash has controls that are simple to read and use.

Quality + Reliability

Build and assembly quality is superb, and while cabin materials feel durable, rivals' cabins simply make use of more nicer-looking and soft-to-the-touch materials. Mitsubishi has an outstanding reputation for mechanical reliability, and the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer should remain hassle-free for years to come.

Performance

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer GLS and GT are powered by a 2.0-litre 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine, which produces 153 bhp at 6000 rpm and 199 Nm at 4250 rpm. The on-road performance is strong, with ample power for overtaking and cruising. The engine is paired to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with six-step Sports Mode, but paddle shifters are only available on the GT.

Roominess

Front driver and passenger will have no complains regarding head- or leg-room. The rear can accommodate three passengers with plenty of legroom, but headroom is limited for taller passengers. The boot capacity is decent, however intruding rear wheel arches make the boot long but narrow. 60:40 split-fold rear seats and the trunk-through function allow for more flexibility when it comes to loading space.

Running Costs

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer's fuel economy is no more than average in the mid-size sedan class. Maintenance and servicing should be affordable. Depreciation, however, remains the biggest running cost. The Mitsubishi Lancer is likely to lose significantly more value in a shorter time compared to the class-leading Honda Civic and Toyota Altis.

Value for Money

The mid-size sedan segment is a crowded one, with many capable cars to choose from, including class-leaders Honda Civic and Toyota Altis. The Mazda3 and Nissan Sylphy are also prominent alternatives. The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is competitive in terms of pricing, undercutting all except the Sylphy. But bring in the mediocre handling, below-par ride and refinement and less-than-appealing cabin materials, and the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer becomes merely average among the stiff competition.

Equipment

The GLS gets front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, black fabric seats, fully automatic air-conditioner, power windows, central door locking, keyless entry, reverse sensor, and six-speaker CD & MP3 player. The GT adds rear spoiler, paddle shifters, leather sport-type seats, and six-CD & MP3 player. Safety equipment list includes ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake-assist and two-stage dual front airbags.

Environment

Once again, the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer scores average here. Carbon dioxide emissions and fuel economy, while reasonable, simply lag “greener” rivals from Honda and Toyota. Mitsubishi is behind fellow Japanese automakers when it comes to environmental awareness.

Live Life Drive Verdict

Handsome good looks
Strong engine performance
Above-average room
Mediocre handling
Subpar ride and refinement
Disappointing cabin materials

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