Mitsubishi Lancer: Tenth Shaft
A rare case: sales of the new – the tenth – generation of Mitsubishi Lancer start first in Russia, and only then in Europe and, by the way, in Japan itself (only in 120 countries). However, when you find out the record sales of the current version of the Lancer in our country, the question of why we are the first in the Old World (the car appeared in the USA in the USA) does not arise.
The management of the company Mitsubishi made such an extraordinary decision on the basis of economic benefits (we plan to sell 26,000 cars), taking into account the demand of Russian motorists for the Lancer model. Although why not ordinary? The time will come, and other eminent manufacturers will do the same, because many reputable experts say that the Russian car market is the most promising today.
So what is the tenth generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer different from the previous one? First and foremost, of course, looks. The new car has become even more sporting. For the sake of today’s car, he got a “predatory” grille, stretching almost from the hood to the bottom of the front bumper. The bulging ribs on the sides emphasize the dynamic character of the car. Naturally, a powerful spoiler was installed on the trunk, although it was previously put on 2-liter versions (the rule has not changed for the new one), but this wing has become much more expressive – and lower, and wider, and besides, with a pronounced aerodynamic pattern . In general, in terms of design, there is practically nothing to complain about. Moreover, the manufacturer claims that the rigidity of the body of the new generation Lancer compared with the previous one increased by 56% for torsion and 50% for bending.
No less pleasant was the impression of the interior of the novelty. All its elements are carefully verified and leave no doubt that you are in a car with a legendary rally history. No, of course, inside is not as ascetic as in racing cars, but sports trends are easily guessed. However, it’s not just the design of the cabin. The 2-liter version of the car with a capacity of 150 “horses” (these are the first to go on sale already in June of this year) are equipped with a CVT Sport Mode variator, which can be controlled without removing hands from the steering wheel. For this, two “petals” with “plus” and “minus” icons are provided, as in Formula 1 cars. To switch to the “manual” mode, it is enough to slightly pull them towards you to go to a lower or higher gear, and to return to the automatic mode, just hold your fingers on the “plus” lever. Very convenient, not to mention the fact that such a system literally provokes the driver to a more aggressive ride. Actually, the “tenth” Lancer and is intended for such. Of course, for less “advanced” customers, there is a 4-speed automatic adaptive gearbox INVECS-II Sport and a standard 5-speed “mechanics”. The power of a 2-liter unit, equipped with an innovative electronic valve timing control system, is quite enough for confident acceleration. The new Lancer has a completely new suspension design: MacPherson racks in front and multi-link scheme in the back. The wheelbase increased by 60 mm, which increased stability during cornering. The suspension travel increased by 10 mm, which improved the car’s handling.
In the front suspension uses a flat cross, and in the back – multi-level. This led to an increase in lateral stiffness of the mounts. Thus, the new suspension design improved handling and increased driving comfort – no rolls in corners, excellent road holding and other “habits” of a true sports car. Even the noise of the engine supports this image – in any case, the previous generation was notable for less sound. In the end, you come to the conclusion that such acoustic effects are not the result of poor sound insulation, but a “trick” foreseen by the manufacturer.
With all these fashionable “frills”, the new Lancer retained its practicality and even increased it. Now it has noticeably grown in size (35 mm longer, 60 times longer, 65 times wider than its predecessor), as a result, the interior has significantly increased. Between the front seats was added 25 mm, and the width of the upper part of the cabin has grown by a whole 51 mm. True, with regard to the length of the cabin, the total legroom in the front and rear rows of seats is the same as that of the current Lancer, which already leads the class in this parameter. Despite the fact that the body has become larger, a small turning radius is preserved – only 5 m. The turning radius of the new model is the same as that of the predecessor – the smallest in the class. It is clear that this indicator provides the convenience of turning and parking in cramped urban environments.
Somewhat later in Russia there will be versions of the “tenth” Mitsubishi Lancer, equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing 107 hp. Such will be offered just with the aforementioned manual gearbox. They will be the “base”. But their equipment looks no less worthy than the “tricked” 2-liter versions.
