Mitsubishi Motors’ newly released CH Lancer Sportswagon made its first public appearance at the Australian International Motor Show at Darling Harbour on 7th October.

Sporting the same frontal styling as the popular CH Lancer sedan – a swoopy bonnet with its trademark lines at its outer edges, and a central raised section that leads directly to the point of the prominent, large chrome three diamonds symbol in the middle of the divided grille. The straightforward side and rear panels, aggressively cut roofline to create a flat tailgate, and tall rear combination lamps all combine with the front to present a smooth, clean look that projects functional elegance and refinement.

Coming in two specification levels, the entry model ES Lancer Sportswagon has narrow diagonal lines in its upper grille, full-size wheel covers on 15” steel wheels and a body-coloured rear roof spoiler with high mounted stop lamp. The radio antenna is a bee-sting type.

Inside, the ES gets a comprehensive list of standard equipment that includes: driver and passenger air bags, air conditioning, power steering, remote keyless central locking, engine immobiliser, electric door mirrors, white-faced instrument cluster, driver’s seat height adjuster, 60:40 split fold rear seat, rear centre arm rest with cupholders, a floor console, front cupholders, driver and passenger door pockets, variable intermittent 2-speed windshield wiper and washer, intermittent rear wiper and washer, rear window demister, day/night rearview mirror, tilt steering column, front lamp with map lamp, personal lamp for the rear seat, cargo area lamp, digital clock, remote fuel lid opener, cargo blind and AM/FM radio/single CD audio unit with four speakers.

The sporty VR-X model has wider, bolder and more aggressive diagonal lines in the upper grille, black headlamp extensions, a front airdam with projector fog lamps, side air dam, body coloured exterior mirrors, privacy glass, lowered sports suspension and aggressive looking 16” alloy rims fitted with low profile tyres.

Safety has not been forgotten for the occupants of Lancer Sportswagon. Driver and passenger air bags are fitted as standard, as are height adjustable lap sash seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters for the two front positions, lap sash seat belts for all second row seating positions, child proof door locks and side door impact bars. Side and curtain air bags are available as an option (but not if sunroof is also optioned).

On top of this impressive list of equipment the VR-X gets leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob and handbrake lever, carbon print panel on the centre instrument panel, titanium-look shift lever and heater control panels, gearshift boot ring on manual models, a lidded floor console, front and rear power windows and rear ash tray.

Powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.0 litre SOHC MPI 16-valve four-cylinder Euro 2 compatible engine that develops 92kW of power at 5500 rpm, and 173Nm of torque at 4250 rpm, Lancer wagon has ample power to carry a full load of people and their luggage.

The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission, or four-speed INVECS II intelligent automatic transmission.

The four-speed auto on both models is the ‘Sports Mode’ sequential automatic transmission that allows the driver to operate in ordinary automatic mode, or use it like a manual by pushing the lever across to the left. The leather-wrapped steering wheel on VR-X auto models also has steering wheel-mounted ‘Easy Shift’ shift controls to allow quick and easy manual shifting.

Drive is put to the ground through the front MacPherson strut and coil over suspension, that combines superbly with the rear trailing arm-type multi-link set-up that has been optimised for wagon use, and front and rear stabiliser bars, to provide a sporty and comfortable ride. The handling of the VR-X is enhanced even further through its lowered sports suspension, and front strut tower brace that provide a firmer, flatter and more taut handling package.

The ES model comes standard with 15” x 5.5” steel rims fitted with 195/55R15 84V radial tyres, while the VR-X’s 16” x 6.0” alloy rims are fitted with 195/50R16 84V radials. The spare tyre is full size.

Front ventilated discs, and rear solid discs provide safe and fade-free stopping power for both models, and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is available as an option.

The capacious and flexible rear cargo area is further enhanced by the 28 litre underfloor luggage box that will store a multitude of items out of view. The cargo area holds 591 litres with the second row seat in its normal position, and 1079 litres when the seat is folded forward to provide a 1650 mm flat area.

The colour palette – Cool Silver Metallic, Wine Red Metallic, Deep Blue Mica, Black Mica, White Solid and Yellow Solid (on VR-X only) – gives a wide range of colours to satisfy the requirements of all consumers.

Pricing of Lancer Sportswagon is:

The Lancer Sportswagon represents great value for money in the Small Car Wagon market.