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THIS is
class. This has breed. This has pedigree. This is the
ninth evolution of the Mitsubishi Lancer.
Born in
the days when small cars were the toys of rich boys, and
after turning itself into the longest-running cult cars
in the Philippines, the Mitsubishi Lancer launched its
ninth version last week at the One Esplanade in a hoopla
worthy of an automobile adored by at least three
generations of car lovers.
A far
cry from the L- and the box-type models, the new Lancer
EX sports a sleeker look more attuned to the design of
the 21st century.
“Macho”
is the term used to describe this car, and its features
did not fail the masculine description. From the front
features that stare straight out at the road, seemingly
wanting to challenge distance, to the solid rear that
puts it in your face when it zooms past you.
As
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines president Masahiko Ueki
said about the EX, “This is the Lancer that a whole
generation has been waiting for. It is a fulfillment of
a dream for them, and a promise from Mitsubishi that we
shall give them the car they have loved for more than
three decades.”
The new
Lancer EX comes with a powerful 2.0L Mivec engine with a
lightweight aluminum block. Mivec (or Mitsubishi
Innovative Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
technology is exclusive to Mitsubishi. It performs in
such a way that it adjusts the timing of both the intake
and exhaust camshafts for optimal performance at both
low and high rev ranges.
This
powerhouse packs a maximum output of 155 ps at 6,000
rpm, churning out max torque of 199 Nm at 4,250 rpm.
Attached to this plant is a choice of transmissions: the
Invecs-III CVT with six-speed Sportronic for the
high-end GT-A and the MX, and a five-speed manual for
the GT variant.
Looking
at the eyes of the EX, one would see a bright glow that
illuminates the road for safe night driving accompanied
by dimple-like low lamps posting black mesh grilles. The
lines flow through the body in a smooth, stylized manner
without betraying the masculine stance, and this car
stands on four alloy wheels, 18 inches for the GT-A and
GT and 16 inches for the MX.
Slide
into the drivers seat and you will be amazed at the
technology that has evolved in the Lancer. The steering
wheel now sports audio controls that allow you to
customize your sound preference without lifting your
hand from the wheel.
The
instrument panel has more than the usual gauges with a
multi-information display that tells you everything at a
glance, from current gear position to fuel level and
drive range. Climate control is also a breeze and right
at the palm of your hands, giving separate degrees of
heat or cold to passenger and driver.
The
soft, black fabric seats are a good relief from the
usual leather seats that really do not fit the tropical
climate of the Philippines. Finally a manufacturer
figures this out and gives a seat with fabric that
breathes and conforms to the temperature fit of the
region.
Of
course, what is a Lancer without its fabulous sound
system? Sporting a nine-speaker system Rockford Fosgate
Premium Sound System, its 650 watts of sound delivers
in-car entertainment as good as the best of them.
As
expected, the safety package of the EX is
unquestionable, carrying with it all the safety features
of every Mitsubishi car, from the dual-stage air bags to
seat belts and high-end braking system.
Still
and all, after all this talk of features, specs and
technology, what separates the Lancer from all the rest
is very simple. It is a Lancer! I don’t mean to be a
macho freak, but this is the car of “the man” in the
days when we were boys. We played with it. We drove it
to the hilt. We followed its evolution and its various
tangent variants like the Evo. We even put up with the
not-so-great models. Now, we have a promising one. And
from the look and feel alone, I think this one, just
like the box-type, is a keeper. |
