- Flexible 2.0-litre petrol engine
- Responsive 2.4-litre petrol engine
- Suspension has good initial bump absorption…
- … but is under-damped
- For Lancer VR-X, suspension lacks compliance
- Steering lacks precision
- Awkward driving position
- Seats lack support
Review: Mitsubishi CH.I Lancer (2003-05)
Overview
Released in September 2003, the Mitsubishi CH Series I (CH.I) Lancer was initially offered as a sedan, with wagon models following in September 2004. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Lancer was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. As per the table below, the CH.I Lancer range consisted of four variants: ES, LS, VRX and auto-only Exceed.
Based on the same platform as its CG Lancer predecessor, the CH Lancer sedan had the same dimensions: 4480 mm long, 1695 mm wide, 1430 mm tall and a 2600 mm long wheelbase. The newly introduced wagon models were 5 mm shorter (at 4475 mm) but had a 35 mm higher roofline (1465 mm). Similarly, the CH Lancer had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms.
The CH Lancer introduced an upgraded manual transmission and significantly revised styling with triangular headlight assemblies and new bonnet with a raised centre section which led to a divided grille featuring Mitsubishi’s three-diamond logo. Inside, there were new trim materials.
| Body | Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan, wagon | ES, VRX |
2.0-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man |
92 kW at 5500 rpm | 173 Nm at 4250 rpm |
| Sedan | LS | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man |
92 kW at 5500 rpm | 173 Nm at 4250 rpm |
| Exceed | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto | 92 kW at 5500 rpm | 173 Nm at 4250 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the CH Lancer included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Unlike its CG predecessor, the CH Lancer was also equipped with a lap-sash centre rear seatbelt.
The Exceed was further equipped with ABS, though this was an extra-cost option for other variants.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing, the CH Lancer received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 20.58 out of 37. In the offset crash test, the footwell ruptured and protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, protection from serious chest injury was poor for the driver.
Features
Standard features for the Lancer ES included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, power mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. Beyond this, the Lancer LS added cruise control, power windows and variable-speed windscreen wipers.
The Lancer VRX omitted cruise control, but was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension (including a 15 mm rear stabiliser bar), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, front fog lamps and body kit; automatic models also featured ‘Steer Matic’ gearshift controls.
Compared to the LS, Lancer Exceed added 14-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift and wood-print interior trim.
Review: Mitsubishi CH.II Lancer (2005-08)
Overview
Released in August 2005, the Mitsubishi CH Series II (CH.II) Lancer introduced a revised range, a new 2.4-litre engine and improved equipment levels to the Lancer range. The Exceed variant was discontinued and all variants other than the ES sedan were powered by the new 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine.
Visually, the CH.II Lancer could be identified by its slimmer rear bumpers; the ES was fitted with a chrome-rimmed grille while the VRX was fitted with a black mesh grille with a floating Mitsubishi logo. Inside, the ES and LS variants featured monotone black interior trim.
| Body | Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | ES | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man |
92 kW at 5500 rpm | 173 Nm at 4250 rpm. |
| LS | 2.4-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man |
115 kW at 5750 rpm | 220 Nm at 3500 rpm. | |
| Sedan, wagon | ES, VRX |
2.4-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man |
115 kW at 5750 rpm | 220 Nm at 3500 rpm. |
Safety equipment
Compared to its CH.I predecessor, safety equipment was improved with all 2.4-litre models fitted with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The 2.4-litre models were also fitted with larger 276 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 262 mm solid rear discs (previously drums).
Features
Standard Lancer features were extended with cruise control, power windows and a driver’s vanity mirror fitted as standard. The LS gained 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning and leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake lever.
Similarly, the VRX gained a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, new contoured sports seats, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, aluminium pedal plates and a silver mesh binnacle surround.
2007 Lancer ES Velocity
In April 2007, a limited-run ES Velocity was released. Compared to the standard ES, the ES Velocity added 15-inch ‘OZ’ alloy wheels, leather/alcantara bolstered seats, VRX grille, aluminium pedal plates, a sports body kit and chrome exhaust tip.
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