Mitsubishi Cedia Sports Road Test Drive Review

[Zinam]

• Car Tested: Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia
• Variant: Sports
• Engine: 2.0 Liter
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Indian Price: Rs.9,90,000 (Ex. Showroom Delhi)
• Official Website: Click Here!

The Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia Sports

If Yamaha is a synonym of Moto-GP and Ferrari of F1 then Mitsubishi is for Motor-sports. Yes, the car which we have tested today belongs to a rally pedigree and has genes of a sports car.

Showcased first at 8th Auto Expo, the seventh generation Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia made its debut in INRC (Indian National Rally Championship) long back in year 2006 and the variant which The Automotive India tested entered into the Indian market late in 2008. Even though the cedia which is used in rallying has powerful 200+ horses running under the hood, the regular cedia sports which we see in showrooms can said to be a common man’s daily sports car.

The Pricing of 9 + Lakhs takes this car into C+ category and rivals with popular models like Honda City, Toyota Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Optra Magnum etc which are termed more as a luxury cars however.


How It Looks?

The Lancer Cedia ‘Sports’ is quite a leap from ‘Select’ variant. Few car-makers add couple of body stickers/graphics, alloys etc and call the car to be an ‘all new’ product but Mitsubishi’s attempt to turn the already sporty cedia into much more sportier is actually ‘all new’, Some of the major add-ons and improvements can be noticed on the first glance itself, Such as -: Momo steering wheel, 15" Six Spoke OZ Alloys, Side skirting, Kenwood Touch Screen Music System, Matte Front Grille, Sparkling Silver/Clear lens Tail Lamps, Carbon & Titanium Dash Panels, Dark leather seats with Red inserts, Aluminum plated foot pedals etc.

Staring at the car for couple of moments eventually makes you realize that cedia’s designing cues matches with those found in the bigger sibling – Evolution, though you may not find it to be as futuristic as the current Honda Civic but the car surely has a racing DNA present in it. The wide bonnet with slim hood lines looks nice & clean. Matt black finished wide mesh grills hold silver Monogram of Mitsubishi Motors with smoked headlamps on either sides, give an attractive appearance over-all.

The bumpers are well integrated onto the body with minimal gaps in-between and wears neatly designed side skirts which still leaves astonishing ground clearance of 175 mm. The shoulder line is very slick which starts from the front and slowly merges at rear tail lamps, Waist lines are pretty heavy which also looks like rub rails on both the sides. The OZ branded 15" 5 - spoke Alloy wheels come standard with every ‘sport’ version.

Rear profile is one of the most exciting part of this Lancer series model, the clear lens, silver tail-lamps are simply one of their kind (Though they have been now adopted by Chevy as well, in the Beat hatchback). Rear spoiler with an integrated lamp is mounted high on the boot to give a sporty appeal.

 

[Zinam]

What's Inside?

This three box sedan is a lively place to be in for any automobile enthusiast. As the theme of cedia goes ‘sports’, Mitsubishi Motors have provided dark and airy interiors with free fall of air & lights from the windows. Large wind-shield gives a clear picture of road.

Feel the racing instinct; right down you see a sporty 3-spoke MOMO steering wheel giving an exhilarating experience all the times and we felt confident to hold it.

Also, the Leather wrapped seats proves to be comfy enough for long distance traveling. There is an abundant bench space for front passenger and even six footers need not to compromise sitting at front. The dashboard layout feels similar to the one in outlander SUV (Click Here for Road Test Report) and quality of the plastics used is terrific.

Instrument console is basic and un-attractive, Opposite to what it should have been. On the Instrument cluster, there is no bunch of buttons which may confuse you, all sits on it is a 6.1" Kenwood touch screen music system with rotatory knobs below it for climate control. The Kenwood system plays decent sound, Also it functions to help you find routes in country.

Lancer Cedia has enough of storage space to keep small items in the cabin; the gadgets like i-pods can be easily stored in the space provided under the front arm rest but the door pockets are small and can’t hold more than a magazine/notepad/diary with pen.

The rear seats are well reclined but thigh support is low and can make it quite un-comfortable for few. Also, lack of door pockets on rear is a turn-off but you may not miss them after finding the big rear arm rests with twin cup holders. Shoulder, Leg & Head room is sufficient for 6 footers. Boot space is not class leading but 430 liters should suffice for weekend trips.

 

[Zinam]

How It Moves?

Pop-up the hood of car and You’ll find a powerful 1999cc in-line four cylinder engine with MPFi technology lying inside, Cedia has got one of the best, most refined & fined tuned engine. It boasts a brilliant power of 115bhp @ 5250rpm and heavy torque of 175Nm @ 4250rpm. Cranking thus unit with NIL vibration the cedia gets ready to put you in surprise. The gear ratios are excellent and perform ultimately on any terrain, let it be bumper-bumper traffic or an out-run. The gear shift is short throw and perfect to hold, Even a learner will not slot in gear incorrectly.

Being a true & an aggressive sprinter, cedia didn't disappoint us; in second gear it growls and revs amorously to 100kmp/h like a breeze. We blazed it away from 0-100 in approx. 11+ seconds, the approach lancer drives & handles with, it hasn’t yet come near by another car in class.

How It Performs?

Each bit of this car is lively and admirable. Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia is threat to others when it comes to performance and handling.

The steering wheel is light and really accurate which makes it to easily maneuver in any tight situation. When getting stuck in slow moving traffic, we just put the stick to 4th gear, with absolute silence it cruises incredibly at 25kmph and short throws just keeps the adrenaline rush more & more.

The 175mm of ground clearance is suitable for a sedan when performing on Indian Roads, We took the car to rugged terrain and the chasis never met the ground. Cedia comes with McPherson struts & coil spring at front & multi-link setup at the rear with stabilizer bar. Chassis setup is extremely stiff with safety-enhanced body structure & well weighted suspension setup.

We touched 150+ kmp/h mark in a neat stretch and this car was asking to push more. With good gearing ratios and deep torque, lower the gears, the faster you go!, It is damn stable at most of the speeds and the speed sensitive MOMO steering is just easy to take a drift.

 

[Zinam]

How safe is it?

Mitsubishi Motors have equally concentrated on the safety part as well. Along with the tough built, The car comes with all basic safety features such as dual front air-bags, anti-Blockier system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, 3-point retractable seat belts, RISE [Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution] etc. which one expects from the car of this segment and price.

How Much It Returns?

With distinguishing sporty performance you do still expect Cedia to give astronomical figures. In bumper to bumper city traffic it could manage an easy 9 kmpl where as on clean stretches 12+ kmpl mark can be achieved. Considering the size of 50ltr tank, you will average figure of 500kms in tank cleanup procedure.


What We Liked In Cedia Sports?

• Refined Engine
• Attractive Sporty feature's list
• Touch screen & Sat-Navigation System
• Best gearing ratios
• Extreme handling & tight turning radius
• Nice ground clearance
• Lot of after market job support

What We Dis-Liked In Cedia Sports?

• Plain Looks Compared to Rivals
• Un-Attractive Instrument Console.
• No Rear door Pockets
• Low rear thigh support
• Lack of service centers

The Automotive India Star Ratings

• Design -
  
  (3.5/5)
• Quality -
  
  (4.5/5)
• Comfort Levels -
  
  (4.5/5)
• Performance -
  
  (4.5/5)
• Ride Quality -
  
  (4.5/5)
• Handling -
  
  (5/5)
• Fuel Efficiency -
  
  (3.5/5)
• Safety -
  
  (4.5/5)
• After Sales Service -
  
  (3/5)
• Value For Money -
  
  (4/5)

 

[Zinam]

Which Models Does The Mitsubishi Cedia Competes in India?

New Honda City

Model: 1.5 V
Price: Rs.8,82,000
Engine: 1.5 liter i-vtec
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Displacement: 1497cc
Power: 116BHP
Torque: 146NM
Dimensions:

• Height: 1480mm
• Length: 4420mm
• Width: 1695mm
• Wheel Base: 2550mm
• Boot Space: 506 Liters
• Fuel Tank: 42 Liters

Toyota Corolla Altis

Model: 1.8 J
Price: Rs.9,75,000
Engine: 1.8 liter i-4
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Displacement: 1794cc
Power: 131BHP
Torque: 170NM
Dimensions:

• Height: 1480mm
• Length: 4540mm
• Width: 1760mm
• Wheel Base: 2600mm
• Boot Space: 475 Liters
• Fuel Tank: 55 Liters

Chevrolet Optra Magnum

Model: 1.6 LT
Price: Rs.9,38,000
Engine: 1.6 liter TCDi
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Displacement: 1598cc
Power: 103BHP
Torque: 148NM
Dimensions:

• Height: 1445mm
• Length: 4540mm
• Width: 1725mm
• Wheel Base: 2600mm
• Boot Space: 405 Liters
• Fuel Tank: 60 Liters

 

[Zinam]

The Automotive India's Verdict

Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia can quite simply prove to be the ultimate choice for youngsters who need "show with the go". We found the cedia to be the superb handler in segment and powerful engine is added. It competes with renowned cars like Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Optra Magnum but we're sure that a different breed would choose the cedia.

Over-all, It is a great package with top-notch quality levels and some useful features but its just Hindustan Motors - Mitsubishi's weak dealership support and lack of Service centers in India which may pull the buyers away.


Variants & Pricing

• Spirit > Rs.9,80,00
• Sports > Rs.9,90,00
• Select (LPG) > Rs.9,09,000

Detailed Specification

Engine :
- 2.0Liter i-4

No. Of Cylinders:
- 4, SOHC

Displacement:
- 1999cc

Power:
- 113BHP

Torque:
- 175NM

Transmission :
- 5 Speed Manual

Brakes :

Front
- Ventilated Discs

Rear
- Ventilated Discs

Suspension :

Front
McPherson Struts with Anti-Roll Bars

Rear
Independent Multilink

Min. Turning Radius:
- 4.9 M


Wheels & Tires:
195/60 R15" Alloy Wheels and Tubeless Tires

Dimensions :

• Length - 4595mm
• Width - 1695mm
• Height - 1455mm
• Wheel Base - 2600mm
• Kerb Weight - 1225Kgs
• Boot Space - 430 Liters
• Fuel Tank Capacity - 50 Liters

 

[Zinam]

From Where To Bring Home a Mitsubishi Cedia?

Impressed with our Report and Lancer Cedia? We'll help you to Locate the Dealers.

Gurgaon :

Chankya Motors
92, IDC, Mehrauli Road
Phone: 0124-4008174

Mumbai

1) Autodrome
Shop No.6 , Ground Floor, “Link House”(Club Link) Situated at CTS No. 1058-C & CTS No.1063, Behind Chincholi Bunder Bus Stand Link Road, Malad (W)
Phone: 022-40782525

2) Metro Motors Auto Division (Sales & Service)
Bansal Estate, 682, Saki Vihar Road, Chandivali Naka, Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400 072
Phone: 022 - 42132751

Kolkata
Austin Distributors Private Limited
19,Jawaharlal Nehru Road,
Phone: 033 - 40014997

Chennai:
Maya Motors
79,Lattice Bridge Road, Adyar
Phone : 044-39153366

Living in some other location? Contact Us and our team will help you to locate a dealer in your area or take advice to choose a right car for yourself. Also, When inquiring from a dealer, Please mention "www. The Automotive India .com" and help us to spread the word.

Once you've bought the car, We're still here for you, Post your auto-related queries in forums to get the right answers.

Report Credits:
Road Test & Photography : Adam Aniz (Zinam)
Text & Format: Vibhor Tyagi (350Z)

Note: Article/Pictures can not be reproduced in any form without written permission of The Automotive India's authority. (2008-2010)

 

[350Z]

Report Added.

Here's yet another interesting road test report from The Automotive India and as I always say, Please let us know your honest views on car and the report as well. Enjoy!

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[Akash]

Excellent work Zinam. This report is a real surprise. You have written the report really well as usual but almost made us aware of many aspects of the Lancer Cedia which we otherwise were unaware of.

 

[Aditya]

Great Review!!
I must really compliment you on the language and the approach!!

 

[Zinam]

Thanks Akash & Aditya!

Credits equally goes to vibhor for presenting the content here.

Thanks 350Z.

 

[Aditya]

You are welcome!!
The credit does of course go to both of you!!

Returning to the car ... lap belts only for the rear middle passenger? That is a bit of a let-down.
And for a steering wheel with DAB packaged it, it is really really good looking ... one of the sportiest I have seen!!

 

[type-r]

nice review
enjoyed it
this report shall appeal to the the world!
i like the steering that looks a copy of Evo!

 

[cooldhaya]

Hey great work again Zinam and 350Z. I always loved the Cedia for its sporty nature. You have made me know more about this car now. The car is really sporty indeed. But what disappointed me is the Interiors and a rather ordinary looking instrument console. Otherwise this car is really cool with OZ alloys which comes as standard in sports along with Kenwood touch screen and Momo steering wheels! A good pick for performance enthusiasts!! If they had a better dealership network then they surely have a winner in their hands which is truly worth its price tag.

 

[Neil.Bhujbal]

I have always been a Mitsubishi fan.They are known WORLD WIDE for their handling characteristic & reliability.This is the car i would love to own over a civic or even a laura any give day.

The chassis,interiors & body styling match that of the Legendary Lancer evo IX & so you know this car can never go wrong.

The two reasons why cedia failed in India -

1) Poor Marketing
2) Engine - Its slower than the Honda city.

Good to see TAI road testing some affordable car's

Keep up the good work