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).