Mitsubishi Lancer Estate 2005 - Present

The Estate version of the Mitsubishi Lancer is the slightly flabbier big brother of the Saloon model.  It's got the same engine options as the saloon model.  The engine options are the same, and the handling extremely similar, but the added weight make for a more sedate drive when you take the Lancer Estate out. 

The cabin offers good levels of comfort throughout and from the bottom up, all models get air conditioning (climate control on the top models) which is adds to the ambience in the summer months and winter mornings alike. The seats are supportive and offer a lot of security from the wrap round shape.  This keeps the people sitting in the front seat in exactly the right place when cornering at speed.  Mitsubishi claims that there’s room for three adults in the rear, but longer trips could be a tight squeeze as legroom is poor, although the headroom is ample.  If you're looking to get three people in the rear the chances are that at least one will need to be a child.  The estate model offers a good sized boot but little in the way of luxury with it.  There are good storage spaces and the rear seats split fold although unfortunately don't fold flat.

The engine options are simple.  There is a 96bhp 1.6 petrol unit - available with five-speed manual transmission as standard or the alternative of a four-speed automatic box.  Performance on offer from the 1.6 is a 0-62mph time of 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 113mph. The better option is the 2.0-litre Sport it has a top speed of 124mph with a 0 - 60 sprint of 9.7 seconds.  The smaller engine returns better figures with 40 mpg against 32 mpg so that extra performance comes at a price.  Unfortunately there is no diesel option at this point.  The engines suffer from really being designed for the Saloon and having no upgrade to match their added weight.

The Lancer handles in an assured and confident manner.  The sport models are the pick of the bunch in terms of cornering but they all perform above expectations with good feedback through the steering wheel and bodyroll kept to a minimum.  Power steering is standard and makes light work of parking and driving around town, while not over working at motorway speeds.

The Lancer is something of an alternative choice for the smart driver.  They are unusual enough to stand out of a crowd and well made enough to give you trouble free miles for a long time, certainly worth consideration.  The estate model is a little workman like to offer real satisfaction to the driver but it sold and well made so should last a good while and offer reliable motoring.

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