Ravishing Cars |

Do you like the looks of the multiple rally winning Mitsubishi Evo? If yes, then chances are that you will love the all new Lancer which bears resemblance to its illustrious sibling. The sporty looking saloon will be here in the first part of next year and will be sold alongside the current Lancer and Cedia. Power comes from a choice of two engines a 150bhp 2 litre petrol and a 140bhp 2.0 litre diesel unit sourced from VW, operated through a six speed manual gearbox. Mitsubishi has taken a keepit simple approach to the Lancer’s dash. The amount of switchgear has been kept to a minimum, giving the dash a clear, uncluttered layout. The driver’s seat has two way adjustment, but the steering wheel doesn’t move for reach. Most drivers will easily find a comfy driving position, though. The large hooded dials along with the three spoke steering wheel complete the look. The beat part about the new Lancer that it’s longer and wider than the earlier model, which translate into better cabin space. Like most Mitsubishi products.

If you haven’t been paying close attention, you’d mistake the new Corolla for a smaller version of the Camry. You can’t be blamed really the new Corolla’s headlamp, grille and front bumper are all similar to its bigger sibling Camry, which gives it an upmarket look, while also making it looking larger. Its rear gets an all new design too but looks very similar to the current car. The interiors of the all new Corolla have been completely redesigned too. You now get a dash that is designed to put every control within easy reach, and it works well. Though it might not be able to match the rival Honda Civic for sheer style, the new Corolla has much improved quality. The steering wheel and centre console will come in brushed aluminum and chances are that the Indian spec model could get faux wood as an option too. Toyota will offer the same 125bhp petrol engine that is found on the current car, which has already proven itself for reliability and economy, as well. There could also be a common rail diesel motor with around 125bhp on offer. This could well be Toyota’s trump card against the Civic, which doesn’t boast of a diesel as yet.

Fiat’s mid sized challenger seems to have it all. Good looks, great interior styling and solid build quality along with a good choice of engines. Based on the Grande Punto hatchback, the Linea will come with two engine options a 1.8 litre petrol motor and a 1.9 litre common rail diesel, producing 140 and 150bhp respectively. The diesel will undoubtedly offer low running costs and is the one to opt for if you drive a lot. The Corolla sized Linea is expected to be loaded with features and should be an SX4 rivalling value for money proposition in its class. The huge wheelbase ensures that cabin space is as generous as the bigger Corolla and Civic. The huge 500 litre boot is likely to earn points with Indians as well. The big concern is if Fiat can get its act together and deliver the appropriate service. Fiat products, though brilliantly engineered, have failed due to the poor ownership experience History should not repeat itself if the Linea is to succeed.