Lancer GT promises great handling

Mitsubishi Lancer GT test drive
There must have been a really good reason for the latest Mitsubishi Lancer GT to be launched Malaysia even before its home nation Japan. Were we to be the guinea pigs to see how the car will do? Why not, after all Malaysia is the largest passenger car market in Southeast Asia. This is the 10th generation Lancer and after a rather dismal 8th and 9th generation Lancer which only look good in their EVO form, the designers at Mitsubishi had obviously been given a hard kick up the wazoo or received their post dated walking papers as this 10th generation Lancer looks fast even when standing still. We can only imagine how sensational the EVO version will look like.

With a gaping air intake duct on the front bumper to the power dome bonnet, this Lancer carries a threatening profile in your rear view mirror. It sits high on the tarmac and carries a rather Italian looking rear end with slim taillights and a high boot line. From all angels it is a handsome car with great detailing like the chrome surround on the grille to the mild looking rear boot spoiler. To keep the look even more exciting Mitsubishi sells you the car with 18” wheels though fitted with premium 215-series Yokohama Advan A010 tyres.

Climb in and you sit in Nappa leather clad seats with good visibility up front for even the height challenged. The dashboard is simple and with all relevant controls where they should be. No surprises here and it is obvious that interior designers were lacking motivation. Rear accommodation is ample for 3 adults and the boot will take in a couple of golf bags with ease. The steering wheel is thick and sitting behind it is a set of magnesium column-mounted paddle shifts that gives the driver a sense of being able to go faster than the rest.

Now comes the interesting part, the drive. Ignite the engine and only a hum can be heard in the cabin. Rev it and the new 4B11 2.0L MIVEC-equipped will deliver only a mildly inspiring note. It does however produce an impressive 153bhp together with 199Nm. While the peak figures don’t differ significantly from the older 2.0L engine, the inclusion of the variable valve timing and lift claims to provide a broader torque spread for better daily driving. In city driving the gearshifts are well judged and smooth shifting. Shift to semi-automatic and first time CVT users will easily make the transition to the new transmission system and when the open highway beckons the engine and gearbox work to provide for a sporty driving style. The only downside on the highway run is the lack on of an impressive engine note and the high revving nature of the engine that tends to intrude the cabin.

Take the Lancer GT on some rural roads away from the open highway and you will immediately notice how the handling on this Lancer GT becomes simply phenomenal for its class. Nothing else in its class even comes close in is its ability to hug corners. Body control is simply superb, with a flat stance from corner entry to exit while the front end exhibits a shocking amount of grip. Balance is also almost perfect, allowing the Lancer to correct its poise should you need to deviate from your intended line.

Mitsubishi Malaysia is being extremely aggressive with the new Lancer in terms of equipment and price, with a selling price of just RM115,000 for this fully imported Lancer.