2002 Mitsubishi Lancer

Overview

The new 2002 Lancer, previously the Mirage in the USA, maintains and builds on its 30 year heritage as a robust rally car which has won many championships throughout the world. Indeed the Lancer OZ-Rally is a model that adds paraphernalia to mimic rally racers, but still keeps the price in line.

The 2002 model has an increased wheelbase and this gives it the longest body in its class. The extra length provides for a more spacious passanger compartment and best in class legroom for front seat riders.

Walkaround

The bodywork is has a crisp sheetmetal styling which differentiates it from the rather bland design typical for other compact sedans. It has a more aggressive look with wheels pushing forward to the limit of the boxed body to help stability. The short front and rear overhangs improve the balance and the windscreen has a steep angle to make it more aerodynamic.

Looking at it from the front you are presented with a strong grille surrounded with chrome. This contains a multi lens headlamp on the corner and under is a thick front bumper with an air dam jutting out. The hood has stepped rigdes that give depth and shape while the sides are sleek and flat with slight flares on the wheels.

To the rear there is a rather blunt tail which support triangular lights and fittings.

The O-Z Rally edition looks even more serious with its bumper extensions and shapely side skirts.

Interior Features

The enlarged passanger space is the main beneficiary of the extended wheelbase. Passangers will feel comfortable inside and have more than enough room for heads, legs, arms and elbows.

There is a typical layout with two seats up front and a three seater bench at the rear, although only two seats have been moulded there is space in the middle for a third. The dash is uncluttered and thought has gone into the fabric used on seats and floor.

The seats are covered with high quality cloth and silky stitching on the center seat inserts. The side bolsters on the front bucket seats are countoured for a comfortable fit and the drivers seat moves in eight directions giving no trouble in adjustment.

The steering column also move up and down and the thick wheel gave a comfortable grip. The OZ Rally wheel is padded and covered with stitched leather.

The dash has concave sections on either side of a bulging center panel which contains audio and environment controls. There are three rotary dials for vents and are large and easy to use. The audio is located above and has two dials which are somewhat fiddly to use and could have been larger. The dash is divided with a band of plastic trim and comes in a vareity of veneers depending on which model you buy. The ES and LS have walnut effect while the OZ Rally comes with brushed aliminium which goes well with the otherwise black coloring.

There are many standard safety features including frontal airbags and three-point safety belts for five positions. Front seatbelts have pretensioners with force limiters plus height-adjustable anchors, all of which can help reduce belt injuries in an accident.

Driving Impressions

The Mitsubishi Lancer 2002 is built on a ridgid platform which has a fully independant suspension. Consequently it feels strong ans substantial when moving. A tight but easy to drive ride that can transform bumpy road surfaces into a jolt free experience.

The engine is based on a 2.0 liter four cylinder that gives 120 horsepower. Not the strongest in its class but is tuned specially to generate more power at lower and mid range speeds. It jumps off the line and feels agressive when running through second and third gears while still leaving enough oomph for passing.

The OZ Rally manual has a short gear stick and shifts comfortably and quickly. The four speed automatic transaxle, an option for Lancer ES and OZ Rally, uses electronic controls and adapts shift points to the individual style of the driver. It shifts gears smoothly and quietly but somewhat dampens the Lancers spirit, as all automatics tend to do.

Summary

In conclusion the Mitsubishi Lancer looks best in the basic ES trim, and with generous room for riders plus comforts from impressive standard features that usually cost extra.

The Lancer LS has more extras but you'll feel the difference in your wallet. The OZ Rally looks great and adds a sporty feel for a reasonable price. However you wont find a powerful turbocharged engine and all wheel drive found on other rally cars.

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