Mitsu shows some teeth
After looking at the Civic and Mazda3 take a good portion of the market share, the Lancer had enough. Neglected, pushed in the corner, ridiculed, it gets a complete makeover for 2008, and now shows off a much-more menacing appearance. "I've had enough of this!"
In short, the compact market's big picture might change in the coming months.
An aggressive allure
What the Lancer badly needed was a provocative look. Beside the Ralliart and Evo versions, no one can really say that the old model had hair-raising styling. With a fairly ordinary appearance, inside and out, the old Lancer was perfect for travelling incognito. That's not good for drawing people in your showrooms now, is it?
But, Mitsubishi's designers were opportunist with their magic pencils, and designed quite a beast. The new Lancer hits the bull's-eye and leaves no one indifferent. "Look at me now. I'm hot!"
Nothing looks more menacing on the front end of a car than headlights partially covered by the hood; BMW figured that out. The Lancer looks like it's always frowning and growling, with its nose wrinkled upwards and showing its teeth like a pit bull that we're nagging from the other side of the fence.
At the rear, the slanted taillights and slightly convex trunklid contribute to the car's aggressive appearance. The only thing that I don't really like is the Lancer's profile view, which shows a long nose and front overhang. Other than that, the car's designers deserve a bonus, since I've only heard favourable comments about it, particularly of the GTS model, with its rear spoiler and lower-body extensions.
Sober but functional cockpit
Inside, the car is serious. The dashboard is highlighted by silver accents, including a large curved trim panel that adds some character. The wheel is perfectly-sized, with integrated buttons for the cruise control and the Bluetooth system. I really like the comfortable seats, although they're covered in a rather ordinary fabric; I prefer the velour seats of the Civic.
After looking at the Civic and Mazda3 take a good portion of the market share, the Lancer had enough. Neglected, pushed in the corner, ridiculed, it gets a complete makeover for 2008, and now shows off a much-more menacing appearance. "I've had enough of this!"
In short, the compact market's big picture might change in the coming months.
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| The 2008 Lancer sports a more aggressive look than its predecessor. |
An aggressive allure
What the Lancer badly needed was a provocative look. Beside the Ralliart and Evo versions, no one can really say that the old model had hair-raising styling. With a fairly ordinary appearance, inside and out, the old Lancer was perfect for travelling incognito. That's not good for drawing people in your showrooms now, is it?
But, Mitsubishi's designers were opportunist with their magic pencils, and designed quite a beast. The new Lancer hits the bull's-eye and leaves no one indifferent. "Look at me now. I'm hot!"
Nothing looks more menacing on the front end of a car than headlights partially covered by the hood; BMW figured that out. The Lancer looks like it's always frowning and growling, with its nose wrinkled upwards and showing its teeth like a pit bull that we're nagging from the other side of the fence.
At the rear, the slanted taillights and slightly convex trunklid contribute to the car's aggressive appearance. The only thing that I don't really like is the Lancer's profile view, which shows a long nose and front overhang. Other than that, the car's designers deserve a bonus, since I've only heard favourable comments about it, particularly of the GTS model, with its rear spoiler and lower-body extensions.
Sober but functional cockpit
Inside, the car is serious. The dashboard is highlighted by silver accents, including a large curved trim panel that adds some character. The wheel is perfectly-sized, with integrated buttons for the cruise control and the Bluetooth system. I really like the comfortable seats, although they're covered in a rather ordinary fabric; I prefer the velour seats of the Civic.
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| A modern and good looking interior. |