Team-BHP - Mitsubishi Lancer CJ - quick review

Prior to this time, Mitsubishi Lancers and Evos where miles apart when features where kept in mind. Although that was the case, it was quite hard to differentiate an Evo from a Lancer as Lancer owners often modified their cars to look like the Evo. But, this time Mitsubishi made both variants look the same. So, the ego clashes are eliminated. The other amazing thing is that both these variants come with Active stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD and brake assistant. The only non-visible difference left is the power and AUD 20 to 25,000 price tag. Obviously, the Lancer is cheaper.

Since, this is a quick review I shall merely compare the main features. If price tag is and power is not an issue, blindly go for the Lancer CJ ES, VR or VRX. Yes, I am most certain it is better than its competitors, Honda Civic VTi, Suzuki SX-4 and Toyota Corolla Ascent.

The Thailand made Civic is a FWD, 1.8L, 138hp that can run 14ks’per litre. The unavailability of ESC and poor performance figures in the more expensive Civic makes it not as good as the best. The Japanese SX-4 is a FWD, 2.0L, 143hp that can run 10-11ks’ per litre. And, the Japanese Corolla is a FWD, 1.8L, 134hp that can run 13-14 ks’ per litre.

On the other hand, the Lancer CJ is a Japanese FWD, 2.0L, 150hp runs 12-13k’s per litre. This car touches 100k’s in around 10 seconds. This is semi-respectable considering the power it carries and being a 5 speed manual. It also is the heaviest among the lot. Clearly, this is the best choice. One could argue that it is under-powered. But, isn’t that the difference between it and the Evo?

If one could spend more, there are more powerful variants available (up to 300hp) that are not an Evo. Other than the better gas mileage than the Evo, Lancer CJ has lesser / no tyre and wind noise. We suspect that to be because of lesser power. Lesser the power, lesser the rumble.

While inside, there is a difference in interiors. You don’t get the sporty seats making it more comfortable than it is in the Evo. And, the speed dials show ‘300ks’ in the Evo and ‘240ks’ in the Lancer CJ. Also, the rev counts till 9 in the Evo, but 8 in the Lancer CJ. You can get the CVT (Continuously variable transmission) with sports mode to tease the MIVEC 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder engine. Spend more to get the sports-oriented Lancer CJ with the paddle shift on the CVT. You can even upgrade your wheels from 16-18 inches. All these models, ES, VR and VRX range from AUD 20 to 29,000 (excluding CVT price). Even with the CVT, the models cost between AUD 23 to 31,000.

So, if you cannot afford an Evo, buy a Lancer CJ for 20-25 grand less and you won’t be disappointed.