Lancer VRX Sportback Review

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer VRX Sportback Review

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer VRX Sportback Review & Road Test

Handsome, sporty and feature packed

Model Tested:

• 2009 Mitsubishi CJ Lancer VRX Sportback 2.4-litre ,CVT automatic � $32,290 (RRP)

Options:

• Metallic paint $350 (fitted); premium audio package $750; sunroof & premium audio package $2350 (fitted); satellite navigation, sunroof & premium audio package $4750

Space utilisation; strong engine; well optioned; good looks
Wind, tyre & road noise; initial CVT lag; poor fuel economy

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Matt Brogan

I remember a time not so long ago when the Lancer hatchback was one of the most basic, ugly and poorly equipped examples of budget motoring available � and let�s not mention the drive � it seems a lot has changed since I�ve been driving.

Now I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and though that�s a nice sentiment, this is my review and I say the Sportback is a good-looker. I think a lot depends on the grade chosen and colour choice therein, but still, it�s handsome, has a sporty look most cars this side of $50,000 can�t stretch to, and turns heads with young and old alike.

On top of the stunning body, the VRX grade also picks up 18-inch alloy wheels, side skirts, rear spoiler, revised front and rear bumper styling, front fog lamps, rear mud flaps, and a chrome exhaust tip.

Inside, things are much the same as any other Lancer, what else would you expect? Although the good people at Mitsubishi had been kind enough to spread a bucket of ArmourAll around this particular vehicle�s innards, the vast areas of black plastic were still just that, albeit somewhat more slippery.

Left: As shown with optional Satellite Navigation

Right: Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio � as tested

Despite this, the VRX does receive a great level of kit inside, which when you consider the target demographic is about as tech-savvy as you�re likely to come across, is a very clever thing. Even if the car was below average � which I hasten to add it isn�t � it would sell quite well based on the equipment list alone.

MP3 compatible six-CD tuner with iPod connectivity and optional sub-woofer, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control switches, paddle-shift CVT gearbox, climate control air-conditioning, sporty front seats, multi-function trip computer, power windows, power mirrors, dusk sensing halogen headlamps, alloy pedals, Bluetooth connectivity, auto wipers and key-less remote central locking.

Our test car was also fitted with a tilt/slide electric sunroof and the Rockford Fosgate Premium Sound System which let me tell you is an awesome little package (amplifier and nine speakers consisting four mid-range, four tweeters, one sub-woofer). It�s well worth the extra coin, even if you chose it ahead of the optional sunroof and sat-nav.

Safety hasn�t been left by the wayside either with Mitsubishi�s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, seven airbags, ABS with EBA and EBD plus ESP with Traction Control all included as standard equipment earning the VRX five from a maximum five-stars on the ANCAP scale � try getting all that in Lancer�s nearest competitor.

Up back, the Sportback is best thought of as a compromise between a hatch and a wagon with a generous 288-litres of cargo area on offer with the seats up and parcel shelf in place. This can be expanded to 344-litres with the floor pushed down, or even further with the 60:40 seats dropped and shelf removed (capacity not available).