Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 SE

Dec 20 2009 Edward Stephens

FINDING a family sized car without paying a fortune is a dilemma facing a lot of motorists.

There are some super value vehicles on the market today but finding something with plenty of space for five people and a good sized boot to match without stretching your budget too much is not so simple.

It's obviously a gap in the market that Mitsubishi is aware of because the latest addition to its Lancer range fills it nicely.

It's a full sized family saloon for just £12,499, which is considerably less than other Lancer models.

That means you get a lot for your money, both in size and what's on the car.

Looking a little like a cross between a Volvo S60 and a Vauxhall Astra the new Lancer saloon is a good looker with an impressive pedigree, and its new 'Jet Fighter' grille gets it noticed.

The first Lancer hit the road some 35 years ago, and while it's the super fast Lancer Evolution that tends to grab the headlines because of its performance, the more down to earth - and more sensible to insure - 1.5 SE has a lot going for it.

For starters it's well equipped, with air conditioning, on-board computer, one-shot electric windows all round and a multi-function steering wheel with radio controls and cruise control buttons built into it.

You also get metallic paint, 16 inch alloys, side, curtain and drivers knee airbags, front fogs, Bluetooth controls, iPod input and CAT 1 alarm all as standard.

Step inside and you will find plenty of head and shoulder room while rear seat passengers have enough space to stretch their legs out.

The rear seat backs are split 60/40 giving you plenty of load-through space for any long items you may have and the high lift boot lid means you can get some large items in. The boot on the Lancer is vast, offering some 400 litres of luggage space, which means plenty of room for the largest of suitcases or a couple of sets of golf clubs.

Take the driver's seat and there is a sporty feel to the car. The purposeful dashboard comes in matt black - which prevents any glare or reflection when the sun is shining - but is broken up by detailing in a brushed aluminium finish.

The two main circular dials are set deep into the dashboard immediately in front of the driver and have a sporting cowl over them.

On the road the performance is very respectable and the ride is good, if a little on the soft side. A surprisingly small turning circle makes this Lancer easy to park in tight spots and the five speed gearbox is impressively smooth.

All in all the new 1.5 SE saloon is a lot of car for the money. So if your budget is a bit tight and you want a large car that won't break the bank take a look at this Lancer - and you could well be tempted to buy.

FAST FACTS

Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 SE 4dr

Price: £12,499

Mechanical: 107bhp, 1,499cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 119mph

0-62mph: 11.6 seconds

Combined mpg: 44.1

Insurance group: 5

CO2 emissions: 153g/km

BIK rating: 15%

Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage