Mitsubishi Lancer VR-X Hatch Road Test

Walking up to the Lancer Hatch most people stop, look and wonder come they are holding the keys to such a good looking car … Sadly the sexy Hatch really does put the sibling sedan into the shade, and not just on looks. Most people Road-Tests.com spoke with – and indeed the preference of the Road-Tests.com crew – prefer hatch variants to sedans. Unsurprisingly then, Mitsubishi are bringing in an up-specified sedan to keep the fleet buyers happy. And we are sure that a strategic move like that will keep them happy. What will keep their staff happier still is the Lancer Hatch.
Opening the door reveals a spacious well thought out interior, with nice little brushed metal highlights to differentiate the control areas in the car. Seats are comfortable, slightly sporty with overtones of Recaro Rally seats, but, surprisingly, not so clingy that those of petite stature are bound up by large side bolsters. Full marks to Mitsubishi for the seats then. Oh and the rear seats are equally as comfortable, if a lot less sporty in looks. The balance of the Hatch interior is virtually identical to the sister sedan – and that is entirely appropriate.
The standard sports style steering wheel complete with paddle gear change sits comfortably in front of the driver. The instrument pod, with red digital display, white on black dials is easily readable. Only two dials and no analogue gauges – fuel and temperature are now digital on the main display, less to look at and nowadays engine management systems are that much better you don’t really need more than this.
The CVT Sport auto gearbox is silky smooth, and using the paddle system is fun personified – the 2.4L straight four engine packing plenty of punch and power at surprisingly economical fuel consumption. Fun can be had with this VR-X, the accurate steering, taut suspension and lack of sway and dive makes the Lancer Hatch entertaining to drive – probably no more so that the VR-X sedan but it just appears that way. And let’s face it the VR-X hatch looks like it should be driven with verve and gusto.

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