New Mitsubishi Lancer

MUCH SPORTIER-LOOKING, with lots of design cues taken from the Evo X design exercise, the all-new Lancer family is finally here. It's not clear how soon this car will be available in India and the company is in the process of working this out, but there is little doubt the car will be here.

The heavily-sculpted nose looks very attractive, the passenger cabin is set well back, unlike the current cab-forward trend today, and the car's waistline rises to a very Alfa Romeo-like boot that looks sensational. This new family of Lancers is built on a platform shared with Chrysler and comes powered by the world engines' designed by DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai in collaboration. The car is built on, Toyota Corolla-sized wheelbase and a wider track, meaning more legroom and space for passengers; vital for the Indian market.

Torsional rigidity is up a massive 56 per cent on the Cedia sold in India and bending rigidity is up another 50 per cent, so the car will be even better to drive and ride in. As has been the case with the Lancer since the earliest versions, the all-independent suspension and hydraulic steering rack have been tuned to deliver the best driving experience. Engines include a 115bhp 1.5 petrol and 144bhp 1.8. There is a VW-supplied diesel in the range as well, but this is unlikely to make it here.