The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan from Japan that struggled in the sales charts locally, despite a legacy that few automotive nameplates can compete with. The Lancer has a storied history, mostly because of the fire-breathing Evolution models that found success in the World Rally Championship during the 1990s and early 2000s, spawning now-iconic road-going performance sedans powered by the near unbreakable 4G63T 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
The Lancer range goes back way further than the early 90s though, with the first-generation A70 models being released in 1973 as front-engine, rear-wheel drive compact cars. The second-generation EX Lancer arrived in 1979 before it was replaced by a succession of three Colt-based generations of the Lancer, the second of which spawned the first-generation Evolution and the following five generations of the Evolution.
In the year 2000, the more recognisable sixth-generation Lancer made its debut with a range of in-line four-cylinder engines and was front-wheel drive, apart from the Evolution model, which would have the Evolution VII, VII and IX based on this platform.
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In 2007 the final iteration of the Lancer was introduced, and it is this model that we will be focussing on in today’s piece. The Lancer was updated in 2013, adding standard specification to the package before sales of the model ceased in 2017. The Lancer still offers a reliable, spacious, and affordable solution for those looking at a compact sedan. We have compiled this list of 5 features that you should pay close attention to when test driving an updated Mitsubishi Lancer.
1.Touchscreen
The touchscreen infotainment system will appear positively archaic when compared with more modern systems considering this was introduced 8 years ago. However, with Bluetooth and USB functionality, the system in the Lancer at least looks modern and allows for basic media functionality.
2.Multifunction steering wheel
While many cars now come with this feature as standard, those in the market for a used product may notice that multifunction steering wheels were not as common nearly a decade ago. Aside from the obvious convenience of being able to adjust media, volume as well as answer phone calls from the steering wheel, it also means that your hands don’t have to leave the steering wheel unnecessarily to adjust things.
3.Keyless entry
Another nicety as standard is keyless entry, allowing you access to your vehicle even if your keys are in your pocket, which is particularly convenient on a shopping trip where bags may prevent you from grabbing your keys. Products with keyless entry often also have an auto-lock feature, meaning that if you walk away from your car and forget to lock it, the vehicle will lock itself automatically when there is no longer a key fob within its vicinity.
4.Climate control
While the Lancer range previously came with airconditioning, the addition of a digital climate control system allows for a more precise adjustment of the temperature, while also adding an enhanced look to the climate control panel.
5.Safety features
The Lancer range was bolstered in 2013 with the addition of 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, front fog lamps and brighter halogen headlamps. When the product was tested by the EuroNCAP assessment programme in 2009, it achieved a 5-Star safety rating, meaning that the updated safety specification in 2013 would make it safer.
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