Mitsubishi Lancer X - changes and specifications

Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the leading compact cars around. This model has repeatedly been named the best car in Russia, and demand for it remains steady.

The Mitsubishi Lancer X was born in 2007. In January 2011, Mitsubishi Motors engineers carried out the first wave of changes. The front bumper design was reworked and the radiator grille reshaped, giving the car an even more aggressive, sporty look; sound insulation was also improved (one package handles insulation from outside noise, while a second, fitted in the pricier trims, cuts down noise from the engine bay). The cabin was equipped with a multifunctional colour information display. On top of that, the five-spoke wheels were swapped for 16-inch alloy wheels with ten spokes.

In 2012, the Mitsubishi Lancer was fitted with a 1.6-litre, 117-hp engine. That same engine is used on the Mitsubishi ASX. As a result of the engine change, the 0-100 km/h time dropped from 11.6 s to 10.8 s with the manual gearbox, and from 14.3 s to 14 s with the automatic.

The changes also touched fuel consumption: the manual-gearbox car now "drinks" 0.2 litres less.

The colour palette grew richer by two shades, and the tones of blue and grey were reworked.

The new Mitsubishi Lancer X can also boast bigger dimensions: 65 mm wider, 35 mm longer and 40 mm taller.

The cabin of the Mitsubishi Lancer is trimmed in plastic that looks cheap, yet the overall impression is not bad at all. The cabin also gets titanium- and chrome-look trim. Inside is a three-spoke sports steering wheel that makes it easy to see the instrument readings. The wheel carries audio control buttons and is wrapped in leather, though there is no reach adjustment.

The seats are somewhat firm but comfortable, though the driver could use a bit more side bolstering. Thanks to the revised dimensions, visibility is decent.

Rear passenger space is quite comfortable and roomy, but the boot has unfortunately lost some volume — just 315 litres. Even so, the Lancer X's cabin has become more spacious.

The Lancer X is offered with all types of transmission: a continuously variable transmission, a 4-speed automatic with INVECS II, and a 5-speed manual.

The car's suspension handles speed bumps and large potholes with ease, though it rides a bit stiffer over smaller bumps. It tracks straight beautifully, and leans a little in corners. Handling is excellent.

The car has 5 airbags, including one at the driver's knee level. On the top-spec version, the number of airbags rises to seven. This is one of the safest cars on the market.

The Mitsubishi Lancer X is built in Japan at the Mizushima plant. Genuine Japanese quality, style and comfort — that is the new Mitsubishi in Kazan.