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Cars coming to India |
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The Mitsubishi Lancer is no stranger to the Indian car market. There was a time when it was considered as the Holy Grail of India's sedan segment. When the Lancer was first launched in India back in the mid-90's, it became the hot topic of discussion in cocktail circles and the rich seemed to be making a beeline for the Hindustan Motors showrooms to book themselves one. Back then, almost every second or third luxury sedan in India's metropolitan cities was a Lancer. The Japanese sedan which was sold in India through Hindustan Motors seemed to have weaved magic on the rich Indian buyers, hypnotizing them with its charm, looks and poise.
But that was then. It's said that the sands of time can be unkind to one and all, without any exceptions. As the years rolled by, the Indian sedan segment saw the advent of new cars like the Skoda Octavia, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. These new cars were more refined, modern and visually current than the Lancer, which hadn't undergone much change since its inception. Hence, the once almighty sedan gradually faded into oblivion.
However, that was all in the past. Today, things are looking up for the Lancer brand in India, as we await the launch of the all-new Lancer Evolution X. The tenth generation Lancer Evolution series is a marvellous automobile, possessing drop dead gorgeous looks and dollops of power. Expected to dock on our shores at the end June or in July, a good two years after its international launch, it is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 40-45 lacs. The brand-new Evo is manufactured at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant and will come to India as Completely Built Units (CBU). The company has no plans of manufacturing the car in India anytime soon, until and unless there is a huge demand for the car in the country. Unlike in the past, the Evo X will be sold from Mitsubishi showrooms, which are gradually opening in the big cities.
Touted to be the best Lancer Evolution ever designed its brawny and sporty appearance stand out, along with the raw power at its disposal. Unparalled by other Evo's, the X series is strikingly eye catchy, thanks to its inverse triangle grille, tweaked back headlights, long neat bonnet and the stubby sportscar boot, kitted with a spoiler and flashy triple hooded tail lamps. The roomy cabin complements the exterior of the Evo X with its impressive layout, much of which is dominated by the very prominent 3 spoke multi-function steering wheel, large hooded controls, dials and the LCD display. The seats are splendidly comfortable while the space on offering is at par with those offered by its rivals.
The Lancer Evo X is propelled by an all-new 2.0litre turbocharged, all-aluminum, inline-4, MIVEC petrol engine. Power and torque will vary according to markets, but all models will have at disposal atleast 280PS of maximum power. The India-bound Evo X emit 295PS@6500rpm and a peak torque of 366Nm@3500rpm. Being a sports sedan, the nought to 100kmph timing of 6 seconds of the Evo X is hardly surprising. The spanking new engines feature an All-Wheel-Drive system and will be kitted with either a 6-speed SST twin-clutch automatic transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles or a 5-speed manual transmission. The new Evolution X will incorporate Mitsubishi's next generation RISE safety body and will feature a plethora of high-end safety and convenience features.
If one is looking for a sedan that promises an impeccable drive quality, is fast, luxurious, comfortable and spacious, then the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is the car to have. The heady combination of looks, power, performance and features are a hoot and are bound to woo a lot of people here in India. When the Evolution X is launched here, it will compete with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class and the Audi A4. But it's almost unfair to compare the German sedans with the Evo X, as they are more luxury oriented, unlike the latter which is more about power and performance. Considering the fact that our nation has no dearth of well-to-do speed mongers and Michael Schumacher wannabes, there is a good change of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X carving out a niche for itself in the market.
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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X |
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