Mitsubishi Lancer 2013 review Philippines: Comfortable and active to drive
Mitsubishi Lancer EX was back in the Filipino market in 2009. This year witnessed a lean period that lacked a vehicle with an economy engine. Mitsubishi Lancer EX with lower prices appeared and changed the story.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter engine and MIVEC variable-valve trickery, which stirs up a public controversy concerning whether a small engine will work great in such a big Lancer EX.
Let’s us have a peek on what Mitsubishi Lancer EX has to offer to find out.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2013 review Philippines: Outdated exterior
Mitsubishi Lancer EX has a dated look compared to some advanced nearest rivals.
It delivers some of the sporty driving dynamic, much like the iconic Galant GTI.
It is adorned with a long hood and rear deck. They provide enough space for the extra hardware that is set for the supercar-slaying Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
The 16-inch wheels and the lack of chrome and kit are not quite impressive but a set of used 18-inch GTA wheels, a body kit and a “Ralliart” make this vehicle a truly workhorse on the roads.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2013 review Philippines: Interior dominated by black
Mitsubishi Lancer EX’s interior is quite basic
Mitsubishi Lancer EX’s interior is quite basic, the top-spec Mitsubishi Lancer Eco and Mitsubishi Lancer GLX shows the same design language too.
Knuckle-rapping hard plastics give the car a low-rent feel. The color of interior and exterior parts of the car is dominated by black.
Knuckle-rapping hard plastics are seen throughout the cabin. Some carbon-fiber styled trim and perforated leatherette might add a great deal of style to what was typically a drab space, but that is still not a significant change.
There are some fit-and-finish problems around the cabin. Perhaps only the saving graces are the sporty instrument gauges and the decent driver ergonomics.
The shifter is easy to control by hand and the pedals works great for heel-and-toe action.
>>> Related: Complete guide to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evoluation on Philkotse
Mitsubishi Lancer 2013 review Philippines: Accessories
Mitsubishi EX BLX adds a touch of luxury with a DVD touchscreen coming with a backing-up camera and optional GPS.
The car is sold at an affordable price while providing a large space to haul cargo and spacious area to accommodate passenger, which is respectable.
Mitsubishi Lancer EX scores Ralliart-spec suspension, bigger rims and lower-profile.
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Mitsubishi Lancer 2013 review Philippines: Engine & Performance
Drivers can control steering or pedal at ease to make the Lancer stop, turn and go
Short gearing and a rev-happy motor make the Lancer engaging to drive. The 1.6-liter engine works great when it’s wound up, but it is really clumsy at around 3,000rpm.
At over 100kph, acceleration becomes less active as the motor struggles with the brick-like aerodynamics, but that does not seem to hurt fuel effective.
Driven conservatively, the car cruises along highways at 16-18km/l when strolling around the city, that figure drops to 9km/l. At a steady 70kph, it could put out 20km/l, which would cause some vibration.
Mitsubishi Lancer EX is quite light and the lightness could be found in every corners of the car and the completeness of the work.
Drivers can control steering or pedal at ease to make the Lancer stop, turn and go. Mitsubishi Lancer EX 2013 offers tall tires that lack grip and thump around a bit. Supple and controlled suspension is a good point.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2013 review Philippines: Verdict
Mitsubishi Lancer EX proves popular for being comfortable, useful and active to drive. However, it starts to feel old next to some more modern rivals like the Hyndai Elantra and the sophisticated Ford Focus. Perhaps that can be forgiven because the Lancer has a reasonable price. Please take a note that the next-generation Lancer cannot be launched in the market soon.