KEY POINTS:
Mitsubishi is cock-a-hoop about its latest Lancer sedan, which goes on sale in New Zealand in October.
The carmaker's executives took the covers off the four-door in Auckland 48 hours ago and delighted in quoting from American Car & Driver magazine, which called the Lancer "the best Mitsubishi in years".
The standard model shares its platform with the Evolution X.
It even looks like a slightly toned-down variant of the go-fast rally model, which is expected here close to Christmas.
Its sweeping styling cues, bold aviation-influenced grille and rear spoiler hide a car that is 35mm longer and 65mm wider than its predecessor.
It's also a design world away from the previous model.
Three Lancers will be available, badged in typical Mitsubishi style as the SX, VR and VR-X.
They are equipped with safety goodies that include stability control and curtain airbags.
Suspension across the range is a MacPherson strut front and a multi-link rear.
The entry-level SX and mid-range VR ride on 16-inch alloy wheels, but the SX doesn't get the spoiler.
The top-line VR-X gets the sports kit and caboodle, including beefed-up suspension, 18-inch alloys and steering-wheel paddle shifters for the optional five-speed manual or six-speed CVT gearbox. As well, there is a bluetooth phone system and headlights that see around corners.
Under the bonnet is the naturally aspirated version of the 16-valve, four-cylinder 2-litre Evo X engine, producing 115kW at 6000rpm and 201Nm at 4250rpm.
It costs from $30,990 to $37,990.
