| Looking at the car, you'll never believe Mitsubishi is going through the worst time of its life. The Lancer is clean and crisp, and the family grille makes it look quite sporty, all right. |
| The new Lancer's entry-level version has a 96 bhp 1600cc petrol engine and the Invecs II automatic transmission with sports mode as an option, while the top-end Lancer Sport estate is powered by a 133 bhp 2000cc DOHC unit. |
| This comes only with a manual tranny and does 100 kph from standstill in 10 seconds and attains a top speed of 200 kph. Mitsubishi has packed the sedan with lots of goodies as standard, but the Sport estate gains some extra bits like 16" alloys, Momo 3-spoke steering wheel, racy front seats, a sportier grille and a lowered suspension. |
| Okay, forget the estate "� it's impossible that HM will get it to India "� but how about getting us the contemporary Lancer sold everywhere in the world instead? |
| Blame it on Rio |
| The Kia Rio is a cleverly disguised version of the Hyundai Accent, and it's available in most countries with the same engine that powers the Getz. |
| So when a new Rio, in a four-door sedan format, is all set to make a splash at the upcoming North American International Motor Show in Detroit next month, we should be interested. Kia, for the moment, has only released the first official sketch of how the new Rio sedan will look. |
| It will feature a longer wheelbase, a wider track and more oomph, and it promises better ride, handling and improved performance. Based on the Sport coupe concept Kia previewed at September's Paris Motor Show, the new Rio will also be extra roomy for the driver and passengers. |
| The Rio sedan for the US market will feature Hyundai's 1600cc petrol engine, while in Europe, three engine options will be available "� 1400cc and 1600cc petrol and 1500cc CRDi. A five-door hatchback is also on the anvil, it will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005. We'll keep our eyes peeled. |
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