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While in D, slide the lever left and you enter the Sportshift mode; this provides for six fixed ratios—a virtual six-speed automatic. There's little point in the manual during ordinary city driving, but it can turn a lonely drive on the highway into a game of Gran Turismo—at least where the shifting is concerned. A PRND indicator runs along the speedo, with a small LCD display for the virtual ratios. One disappointing aspect is the Lancer's stopping gear. The front discs and rear drums are certainly adequate for normal situations, but its rivals are already sporting discs on all four corners. ABS is conspicuously absent from the Lancer equipment list, even on the top line MX. With Manila's streets commonly infested with haphazard construction sites, buses, tricycles, jeepneys, potholes and all sorts of other hazards, having ABS is as imperative as a good insurance policy. We usually find it useful in a true emergency about once a year. On the passive safety checklist are dual SRS airbags, side impact beams, and anti-whiplash front seats. We weren’t able to take this car onto our customary flyover handling course, so we can’t say much about its high-speed handling. At low speeds, it absorbs mild bumps and potholes without much fuss. The standard tires, 195/55 R 15, are on the sporty side for this class of car. We realize that this is an era of globalization, but if counts for anything, the Lancer isn’t assembled here: it’s 100% made in Thailand. The Lancer is a car that feels good to be in, and pleasant to drive. Except for ABS, its features are nearly complete, and pricing is competitive. If this car had been unveiled two years ago, when the Corolla still looked like a sardine tin on wheels, it would have flattened the opposition. Here and now, it offers the sleekest interior in the 1.6 class, and a competent, refined driving package. |
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