Mitsubishis has launched the new Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia, a new version of the Lancer. The Lancer Cedia is a premium car that has evolved from the legendary Evo Series of Mitsubishi. The new Cedia is more muscularly built and though it continues to be in the same size class. The car is easier to handle and at the same time offers much more power on demand for the driver. It is known internally as the JT41.

 

The Cedia features a two-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that offers a peak power of 115 PS and a maximum torque of 175 Nm. The car’s top speed is 180 kmph and safety features include dual air bags with an anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution. The car also features multi-link independent suspension and a five speed manual gearbox.

 

A Mitsubishi badge splits the dihedral grille, and a central spine-like edge runs down the centre of the bonnet. The swept-back and inclined wraparound headlights look as attractive as the grille.  The roof is considerably lower than either of these cars. The rear of the Cedia isn’t particularly sporty, with the tailgate of the car having only a mild spoiler or lip of sorts. The Cedia looks compact, but has an almost identical wheelbase to the Corolla.

 

On the inside the Cedia is smaller, but there’s plenty of room for the driver and front seat passenger. The front seats are large, supportive and you’re seated lower than on any of the competing cars and surprisingly, comfort levels are as good. You do have to crouch down when getting in and out, but that is to be expected as this car has a lower stance. The Indian version will have a larger ground-clearance, making getting in and out easier.

 

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor sounds great when it’s fired up, and soon settles to a smooth idle. Grateful to its twin-cam, 16-valve construction, the engine cranks out 125bhp. The car’s 1.1-ton kerb weight makes it an able performer. Acceleration is strong from a standstill, even when only using part-throttle. It doesn’t use variable valve timing like the Corolla motor and reaches its peak torque only at 4500rpm. Due to the flat overall torque curve however, the car is perfectly obedient at low engine speeds.

 

Transmitting the power to the front wheels is a five-speed gearbox that’s again quite similar in feel to that of the Lancer. The gearshift quality may not be in the realm of the Honda City’s, but it’s enjoyable in its own right. Perhaps a rounded, sporty gear lever knob will allow for more involving throws.

 

Power delivery is much stronger when the engine runs in the meat of its power band. It delivers an impressive rush and you can keep the rate of acceleration going by keeping the throttle firmly pressed. The gear changes are swift and the Cedia should hit 100kph in under 10 seconds.

 

Highway driving is pleasurable and the light, accurate gearbox makes overtaking quite pleasurable.  The ride was quite pliant and the generous wheel travel swallowed potholes and allowed the car to be driven over rough roads without any loud thuds from the suspension. However, a stiffer suspension would improve the directional stability, especially at high speeds.

Filed under: Mitsubishi Cars in India