2008 Lancer

"* * * * *" That's the sound of me holding my breath when I saw photos of the new Mitsubishi Lancer. I must say, Mitsubishi has really outdone itself this time. Compared to the its predecessor, the Lancer boast a wider track and longer wheelbase, benefiting passenger space and driving characteristics. The new Lancer was launched in the US in March 2007 and is expected to be launched (rumour has it) in Malaysia before the end of the year...

At the heart of the Lancer is Mitsubishi's new 4B11 engine MIVEC engine. Engine choices are simple - a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 152 horsepower matched to five-speed manual or continuously-variable (CVT) transmissions (operated by paddle-shift Sportronic). Reading the reviews, some writers opined that the stick shift should have been built with a 'short shift', such as the Honda Civic SI. Regardless, I've always been a fan of Mitsubishi cars and technology and is not ashamed to say that I'm partial towards Mitsubishi compared to other Japanese makes. Not even the new Civic impress me as much as the new Lancer. What's amazing is that the price tag is slightly above $14,000 in the US.

This is one sharp-looking sedan. The most daring design element is the front end, with its frowning grille and sharp headlights tucked underneath an angled hood.

Around back, the taillights slant inward, toward the license plate, but also protrude out from the car's body not flush like most vehicles, just at the top of the taillight.

The Lancer comes in 3 models, the base-model called the DE - Lancer entry-level model with all the necessary features, the Lancer ES - a more properly equipped version with 16" alloy rims and keyless entry and the Lancer GTS - comes with 18" alloy rims, keyless entry, satellite tacking and immobilising system, front strut bar, body kit and racing-tuned suspension. The ES and GTS models comes with a multi-information display (US specs only though...). That's a lot of detail for a company's entry-level vehicle.

If you're keen, check out Mitsubishi USA's website here. But hold your breath. I suspect the Lancer will be landing on our shores sooner that you can say "Vroomm"...