Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £14,499 to £24,149
Cheap to buy, should prove reliable, good specification levels
Short service intervals, bland styling, engine noisy, no diesel option
For those who just need to get from A to B without much fuss - don't expect a mini-Evo.
Mitsubishi has a good record for reliability, reflected in customer satisfaction surveys. And because the Lancer is based on proven mechanics, it should be a durable runner. The quality of cars we tested was good, with uniform panel gaps and well-fitted interiors. Hard plastics do fill the cabin, but they don't feel too cheap and nasty - a traditional problem with bargain-basement cars.
