Mar 06, 2006 10:44 AM
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(Updated Mar 06, 2006 10:44 AM)
I am posting this in a wrong subsection, as Mouthshut did not provide a new one for the Lancer Cedia despite repeated requests. Perhaps they did not realize that it is a totally new car, and not a new avatar of the old Lancer!
When the Mitsubishi Lancer hit the Indian shores, it was an instant hit, thanks to its pedigree of rally racing and the excellent quality. It ruled the C segment for a long time, before the company was forced to cut prices and offer it in the lower segment, as the car gradually turned geriatric. It was then that HM decided to bring in a new car, namely the Cedia, to challenge the likes of Toyota Corolla and Skoda OCtavia. So does the Cedia deliver the goods and live up to its predecessor's reputation?
The Models
Lancer Cedia is available in either a Sporty or an Elegant trim. Both of them cost the same, approximately 9.85 lakhs ex-showroom. Both the cars come with alloy wheels, front air bags, electrically adjustable side mirrors, Kenwood CD player and a very distinctive grill which gives the car a menacing look from the front. The Sports version has bulkier fenders than the Elegant model, and also boasts a roof aerial and rear spoilers with integrated brake lights. It also has body coloured rub-strips and door handles while the headlight bezel is black. The interior is finished with fabric, with a black dashboard and switches. Both the models look fairly uninspiring from the sides and there is not really much to distinguish it from other models when you look at it from the rear either.
The Elegant trim, on the other hand, has chrome bezels around the headlight, chrome finishing on the door handles and a leather upholstery embellished by wood-finish on the dashboard. No aerial or spoiler here. The steering wheel also is wrapped in leather.
Interiors
The Cedia is fairly roomy inside, but the leg space for the rear passenger suffers if the driver is tall and has to push the seat all the way back. Shoulder space is more than adequate and it is quite easy to get in and out of the car. The beige leather and wood finish of the Elegant version gives it a very roomy and expensive look, while the Sports version suffers by comparison. The dials and switches are similar in both cars, but unfortunately look like they were pulled out of a 1990s model...
The seats are comfortable in the front, but dont offer much thigh support at the rear. The central arm-rest of the rear seat can be pulled forward to access the trunk from the cabin. Unfortunately, the rear seats cannot be folded over to increase the boot space. Maybe the company felt it was unnecessary, as the boot is already cavernous!
Ride and Handling
The Cedia has a 2 litre SOHC MPFI petrol engine, which produces over a 100 BHP. In spite of the power, the car accelerates slowly when initially started, but pulls on smoothly and powerfully. While you may be able to overtake everything in the highway, pesky Ikons will definitely get the better of you at traffic signals!The gear shift is smooth and the ride is comfortable on good to moderate roads. I dont think the rallying heritage really shines through in the Cedia, which probably has been emasculated in the interests of fuel economy. Braking (ventilated discs up front and normal discs at the rear) is exemplary.
Verdict
For a car that will set you back by a million rupees, the Cedia is plain uninspiring. While it has a little of everything-looks, performance, features etc, there is no Unique Selling Proposition. The rally heritage is just that-heritage, not reflected anywhere in this model. All in all, I would either plump for the Optra Royale or Toyotal Corolla though these may cost a little more. But, if for reasons of heart (such as a love affair with the old Lancer) you do decide to go for a Cedia, I would definitely advise you to go for the Elegant trim level!
