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HYUNDAI GETZ review.

Why buy a tinny hatch when you can get a full-bodied rally champ asks KARTIK GANESH
There aren’t too many cars sold in India that sport the kind of parentage and credentials that the Lancer does – a saloon that’s won and keeps winning rally championships by the dozen in its various Evolutions.

Why buy a tinny hatch when you can get a full-bodied rally champ asks KARTIK GANESH
There aren’t too many cars sold in India that sport the kind of parentage and credentials that the Lancer does – a saloon that’s won and keeps winning rally championships by the dozen in its various Evolutions. This once expensive luxury-saloon, brought in to battle the likes of the Astra and City about six years ago, is now available for a song in the used-car lot. So, if you want to plump for something a little more substantial and of fine pedigree, forget putting your money on a small hatch and sign on for a thoroughbred. You’ll get driving pleasure and an ego-boost thrown in for free as part of the package!

History
The Mitsubishi Lancer was brought into the country in 1998 by Hindustan Motors to battle the likes of the Astra, City and the Nexia – all cars in the then- premium segment. With its rally heritage and renowned reliability, its reputation preceded its launch.
Built at a newly commissioned plant at Tiruvallur near Chennai the Lancer was all set to storm in. It was marketed interestingly as well for its time, with CD-ROM presentations and exclusive dealerships providing good service, both sales and after-sales.
With enough interior space for corporate exec egos, this well-built saloon was a fleet favourite for companies and tourist operators. The car was launched with two engine options; a 1.5-litre petrol – a popular engine the worldover and a 2.0-litre diesel. While the diesel was lapped up by hotel and tourist fleets, the smooth petrol was the corporate-fleet favourite. Initially launched in the GLX trim, the sporty looking SFX with a spoiler, beefed-up tyres on alloys and bright paint shades was launched in 2001.
The SLX, a luxury variant, was also launched alongside the SFX, with a snazzier chrome snout and wood bits on the inside to make the interiors feel a tad more upmarket in light of new rivals.
The delectable 120bhp, 1.8-litre engine with the Tiptronic box (INVECS) in a more contemporary package was launched in 2003 but there aren’t many of these on the road, which is a pity really, since its one feisty beast of a car lurking under somewhat sober clothes. Now, the Lancer in 1.5-litre guise fully loaded has been made cheaper and is under the Rs 7.0-lakh bracket so that the just-out larger Cedia can take over the sales charts where the aging Lancer dropped off.