Which is better than the Lancer Mazda 3. Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer: What do we pay more for? History of Mitsubishi Lancer

Lancer 10 is a car that has proven itself positively among car owners. It is reliable, safe, economical, modern, but not without its drawbacks.

Competitors take advantage of this by creating cars that can force buyers to give up choosing Mitsubishi.

These cars also have design flaws that do not allow Lancer X to be forced out of the market.

Lancer 10 or Mazda

Choosing which car is better between Mitsubishi and Mazda 3 is quite difficult. The advantages that Mazda has are:

• high-quality sound insulation;
• The interior plastic looks more expensive;
• absence of “crickets”;
• headlight washer;
• Daytime running lights do not require complex activation.

The disadvantages of the Mazda 3 compared to the Lancer are:

• The material of the buttons is too soft, so they remain scratched during operation;
• worse handling in corners;
• the paintwork is more susceptible to damage.

If we compare with the Mazda 6, then the Lancer is clearly inferior in dynamics and controllability. The disadvantage of the Mazda 6 is that the ground clearance is too low. After installing the crankcase protection, there may be problems with overcoming obstacles on the road.

Comparison of Lancer X and Ford Focus

If the car owner has a large appearance, then it is better to refuse to purchase a Ford Focus. The interior is too cramped for people whose height exceeds 180 cm. The car also has a number of minor technical shortcomings:

• wipers do not clean the windshield well;
• condensation forms in the headlights;
• The quality of plastic in the pre-restyling version is low, so to avoid “crickets” you should choose Focus 2;
• poor visibility in the rear view mirrors;
• chafing of the trunk lock wiring.

You should choose the Ford Focus if you want to own a car with a diesel engine. It is highly reliable. The remaining engines have a shorter lifespan and are very demanding, although they do not suffer from oil loss like the 1.5 liter engine from Mitsubishi. In general, this car is designed for measured, city driving.

Mitsubishi Lancer 10 vs Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze has mediocre dynamics, so if the car owner wants a sporty ride, then the choice should be made towards the Lancer 10 ralliart with 2.0 or 2.4 liter power plants.

Also something Chevrolet Cruze owners need to come to terms with is a less practical interior. The plastic looks cheaper than that of the Lancer X. The interior is made in light colors, which causes it to get dirty quickly. The steering wheel is made of artificial leather, which causes rapid wear of the coating. In general, with the same service life, the Lancer X interior looks more attractive.

The advantage of the Chevrolet Cruze lies in the reliability of the power plant. All childhood engine problems have already been solved by the manufacturer, so the engine causes virtually no trouble to the car owner.

Lancer X or Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is able to compete with the Lancer 10. The car has good dynamic performance. Noise insulation is a level higher than that of Mitsubishi. The engine's reliability level corresponds to the 1.8 liter Lancer X engine, which is famous for its long service life.

Civic 8 will help you not to get lost in traffic. Its design is filled with futurism. Dynamic performance is not inferior to Lancer 10.

The power plant of the Civic 4D is quite reliable, but like on 1.5 liter Mitsubishi engines, coking occurs when reaching 100 thousand km. Structurally, the power unit is more advanced than the one and a half liter Lancer 10 engine.

The disadvantage of the Civic is that the suspension is too soft. When cornering, rolls occur, and when driving over bumps, the shock absorbers often break through.

Mitsubishi Lancer X and Toyota Corolla

The advantages and disadvantages of the Toyota Corolla originate from the manufacturer’s policy regarding the introduction of innovations. Toyota Motor Corporation constantly strives to make its car as modern as possible. Therefore, design changes are constantly being made during the production process. Among them, there are both successful solutions and clearly unsuccessful ones. For example, the Corolla 150 has an option with a robotic gearbox, which turned out to be very problematic.

The choice of Toyota Corolla is in most cases justified, since the car has a number of advantages over Lancer 10:

• more reliable electrics;
• precise operation of the manual transmission;
• long service life before the oil burner begins, which the 1.5 liter Lancer 10 engine cannot boast of.

Comparison of Lancer X with Kia Rio

The Kia Rio has a well-built interior and a spacious trunk. Sound insulation is worse than in Mitsubishi. Also noticeable are a lot of uneven seams and uneven paintwork. Handling is worse than that of Lancer 10. Reliability is also quite inferior to Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi Lancer X compared to Hyundai Solaris

Solaris has a six-speed automatic transmission. This allows for acceleration with virtually no jolts. Despite the smaller engine capacity, which is 1.4 liters, the car shows itself to be voracious, especially in urban conditions, consuming up to 11-11.5 liters per 100 km.

Lancer 10 or Skoda Octavia

The Skoda Octavia has a turbocharged version in its engine line with technology for reducing engine displacement. This allows, depending on the need, to obtain either high efficiency or excellent dynamic performance. For example, the Octavia can accelerate to 100 km/h in 8 seconds.

Inspection of Lancer 10 before purchase

What to look for when purchasing a Mitsubishi Lancer X is summarized in the table below.

Node or system	Note
Engine	Compression control for 1.5 engines
Body	Rust spots are most common in cars produced before 2011
Lubrication system	The oil leak is typical for 1.5 liter engines. It is possible to squeeze out lubricant through oil seals and seals due to increased pressure of crankcase gases
Transmission	It is necessary to check the oil in the variator and automatic transmission. If there is a burning smell, then it is better to refuse to purchase a car.
Steering	Problems mainly in the EUR
Lighting	Check for dimming of the headlight glass

The Mazda3 costs $2-4 thousand more than the Mitsubishi Lancer, and this trend is typical not only for the new car market, but also for used ones. Does it make sense to overpay so much when buying a car on the secondary market?

Both models are presented in two modifications: Mazda3 - sedan and hatchback, and Mitsubishi Lancer - sedan and station wagon. Today we will compare versions with the classic 4-door body.

Be careful!

In general, the bodies of both cars are distinguished by good corrosion resistance, although the pre-restyling “triples” (2003-2006) have one weak point - the wing arches, they may turn out to be rusty. There are also comments about the condition of the body parts of the Mazda3 - the rear fender liners are short-lived (made of fleecy material and are destroyed under the influence of ice and salt). On Lancers before 2006, you should check the trunk lid lock - it may jam due to water getting into it.

The “troika” has a more functional trunk. It has a wider loading opening and a much larger access opening to the cabin - with the rear seats folded down, the Mitsubishi Lancer has a narrow window leading into the cabin. Although in terms of the volume of luggage compartments and carrying capacity, both of these models are almost the same (see photo).

The car interiors can accommodate five people. However, despite the fact that the rear sofa of the “troika” is molded for two, three passengers will have more space here than in the Mitsubishi Lancer. Although there is a remark regarding the ergonomics of the Mazda gallery. The rear door opening is narrowed at the bottom by the B-pillar and seat cushion.

For lovers of active driving, Mitsubishi had Sport modifications with low-profile tires, a light aerodynamic body kit and wings. Such cars must be treated with increased attention. These are cars that have a “hot” image and are typically driven by active drivers. Therefore, their risk of getting into trouble on the road is much higher.

Noise insulation in both models is rather weak, and visibility is slightly limited only when looking back: with a high “stern” in the “troika” and a standard rear wing in the Mitsubishi Lancer Sport. The plastic trim of both cars is hard to the touch, fortunately it does not creak. Equipment problems were detected only in “troikas” produced in 2003-2004 (see “Lifetime and repair”).

The fastest

Both cars were officially sold with two gasoline engines of the same volume - 1.6 liters and 2.0 liters. Among the Lancers imported through the “gray” route, there were also 1.8-liter gasoline engines, but they are rare.

For lovers of active driving, we recommend the Troika - its engines have a higher liter power and provide better dynamics. Thus, a Mazda 1.6 liter with a manual transmission accelerates to “hundreds” in 11 seconds, and a 2.0 liter in 9 seconds, while the same Mitsubishi versions take 12.1 and 10 seconds, respectively. And these winning seconds in motion are very noticeable.

Among the “three” engines, the 2.0 liter unit creates more problems - it is sensitive to fuel quality. Poor quality fuel immediately affects the operation of the engine - the idle speed “floats”, it jerks under load. During active driving, problems may arise with the intake manifold - play has been noted in the dampers of the mechanism for changing the geometry of the intake tract (manifested by a characteristic knocking sound when the engine is idling). The breakdown can be eliminated by replacing the collector assembly. But in the 1.6 liter engine, no characteristic problems were identified.

As for Lancer units, characteristic problems are inherent in each of the engines. So, in a 1.6 liter engine the idle speed often fluctuates. The reason is a “punched” spark plug cap or failure of the spark plug itself. With frequent refueling with low-quality fuel, one of the two catalysts may fail by 150 thousand km. 2.0-liter engines also suffer from uneven idling, but this is due to clogging of the throttle valve block. Another characteristic “glitch” that is not a malfunction is twitching when starting to move and changing gears in a cold state (especially in the cold season). The 1.8-liter unit has problems with the starter - in severe frosts it can “burn out.”

What's clicking?

Both models are front-wheel drive and equipped with manual and automatic transmissions. Both units of the “troika” are represented in almost equal numbers, and among Lancers the versions with “mechanics” still predominate. The Lancer “automatic” is equipped with a “smart” control program that can adapt to different driving styles and, depending on this, change the gear shift point.

In “troikas,” only the hydraulic clutch on the 1.6-liter versions can be bothered - leaks have been noted in the working cylinder (to be replaced as an assembly). Another weak point, characteristic of cars of the first years of production (2003-2005), is play in the spline connection of the “grenade” and the hub, which manifests itself as clicks in the transmission. Subsequently, the creators eliminated the design miscalculation and began to fix the axle shaft with a nut instead of a locking bolt.

In 2.0-liter Lancers with “mechanics”, due to the overly active temperament of their owners, “burning” of synchronizers and clutch discs was noted. The “gray” versions with a 1.8 liter engine used a continuously variable variator, which would be difficult to repair in Ukraine.
Turned off - restart!

The steering of both cars can be problematic. In “threes” produced after 2006 with a 2.0 liter engine, in the heat, when driving in a traffic jam, the electric power steering motor overheats and turns off. You can restore functionality by restarting the engine. For this fault, there was a recall campaign to replace the problem unit free of charge. Otherwise, the steering is quite durable - steering rods can last about 150 thousand km. The Mitsubishi Lancer has less reliable power steering in the 1.6-liter versions: on cars before 2006, the rack can knock when driving over bumps with the steering wheel turned, and the steering rods on bad roads break at 30-60 thousand km. But since 2006 they have become a little stronger.

There are no comments about the “three” brakes, but the Lancer with a 2.0 liter engine sometimes experiences a knocking sound in the calipers.

The serviceable suspensions of both cars are well balanced and provide good stability, making active driving enjoyable. For versions with 2.0 liter engines, the chassis settings are more rigid, which is also facilitated by the low-profile tires installed on these modifications. Moreover, the Lancer has a lower tire profile (195/50 R6), which is why their sidewalls often tear on rough roads.

Structurally, the suspensions are similar - independent McPherson struts are used at the front, and multi-links at the rear. Our roads made it possible to identify characteristic weak points in both cars. For the “troika” these are the support cushions of the front struts (run about 50 thousand km), and at the rear - transverse arms (about 40 thousand km) and stabilizer struts (60 thousand km). In Lancer, the ball joints of the front arms (80 thousand km) and the bushings of the front stabilizer (about 70 thousand km) are not particularly durable, and in the rear “multi-link” - the upper support cushions of the rear shock absorbers (50 thousand km). In 1.6-liter versions, the rear springs sag, and in 2.0-liter versions produced before 2005, the floating outer silent blocks of the three wishbones are short-lived (30-50 thousand km). Later, floating silent blocks were replaced with more durable conventional ones (more than 100 thousand km).

The remaining "consumables" of the suspensions turned out to be more reliable for the "troika" - the silent blocks of the front levers last 120 thousand km, the ball joints - almost 200 thousand km, the rubber bands of the remaining levers of the rear "multi-link" - about 150 thousand km. In Lancer, the “rubber bands” of the front levers and the rear “multi-link” last a little less - 100 thousand km. What makes servicing the chassis of both cars more expensive is that some consumables are replaced together with the levers.

Don't be categorical!

The best in our review today is the Mazda3. This model turned out to be more reliable than its competitor; many of its components and assemblies are more durable. In addition, the “troika” is richer equipped and more dynamic.

In turn, the Mitsubishi Lancer will attract buyers with its more affordable market price, corrosion-resistant body and trouble-free equipment. In terms of reliability, it is inferior to the “troika”, but the problems identified are not so serious and costly as to categorically refuse the opportunity to save on the purchase.

Mazda3 history

1998-2003 Mazda 323 (BJ) was produced.
08.03 The production of the new Mazda3 model starts, body index BK.
03.06 Restyling of the model. Engine modernization. The most powerful version has been presented - Mazda3 MPS.
01.09 The second generation Mazda3 (BL) debuts.

Resource and repair

Body and interior
The equipment is richer. The loading opening of the trunk is wider and the access opening to the cabin is larger. The gallery is more spacious.	High market value. The wheel arches rust (until 2006) and the rear fender liners are destroyed. The rear door opening is narrowed at the bottom by the B-pillar and seat cushion. Hard plastic finish. The view is limited by the high stern. Failure of the information display and front airbag sensor (versions 2003-2004).
Powertrain and transmission
Higher liter engine power and better dynamics. The 1.6 liter engine is reliable and trouble-free.	The choice of engines is limited. Problems with the intake manifold, sensitivity to fuel quality (2.0 l). Clutch slave cylinder leaks (1.6 l). Backlash in the spline connection of the “grenade” and the hub (2003-2005).
Suspension, steering, brakes
Good stability and controllability. Some chassis parts are more reliable than those of a competitor. Problem-free brakes.	Short-lived support cushions of the front struts, transverse arms of the rear “multi-link”. Problems with electric power steering (after 2006). Expensive maintenance "running".

History of Mitsubishi Lancer

1996-2002 The eighth generation Mitsubishi Lancer was produced.
07.03 Mitsubishi Lancer presented for the European market.
09.03 Sales of Lancer IX began in Ukraine.
09.05 Restyling. New radiator grille, bumpers, door sills.
03.07 Production of its successor, Lancer X, has begun. Sales of its predecessor continue.
09.09 Sales of Lancer IX in Ukraine have been discontinued.

Resource and repair

Body and interior
More affordable price. More headroom in the gallery.	The trunk lid lock may jam (up to 2006). Less functional trunk. For Sport versions, rearward visibility is limited by the standard rear wing. Hard plastic finish.
Powertrain and transmission
More advanced adaptive automatic transmission. “Automatic” has proven itself to be trouble-free.	The choice of engines is limited. Breakdown of spark plug tips, failure of spark plugs and catalyst (1.6 l). Clogged throttle body, jerking when cold (2.0 l). There may be problems with the starter (1.8 l). Burning of synchronizers and clutch discs (manual gearbox with 2.0 l engine). Difficulties with repairing the variator (with a 1.8 l engine).
Suspension, steering, brakes
Suspension settings provide pleasure from active driving.	Short service life of ball joints, floating silent blocks of the rear suspension, upper support pads of the rear shock absorbers. Sagging rear springs (1.6 l). Expensive maintenance "running". Unreliable rack and short service life of tie rod ends (steering version 1.6 l). Knock in calipers (2.0 l versions).

Prices for new non-original. spare parts, UAH*
Front/rear brake pads
Air filter
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Shock absorber front/rear
Front/rear bearing hubs
Spherical bearing
Steering end
Front stabilizer bushing/strut
Clutch kit
*Prices may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and modification of the vehicle. Prices provided by the E99 Route store.

Total information
Body type
Doors/seats
Dimensions, L/W/H, mm
Equipment weight/full, kg
Trunk volume, l
Tank volume, l
Engines
Gasoline 4-cylinder:	1.6 l 16V (105 hp), 2.0 l 16V (150 hp)	1.6 l 16V (98 hp), 1.8 l 16V (114 hp), 2.0 l 16V (135 hp)
Transmission
type of drive
	5-, 6-st. fur. or 4-st. auto	5-st. fur., 4-st. auto, CVT variator
Chassis
Front/rear brakes	disk. fan/disk	disk. fan/disk
Suspension front/rear	independent/independent	independent/independent
	195/65 R15, 205/55 R16, 215/50 R17	195/60 R15, 195/50 R16

Performance evaluation
Category		Participants' ratings, points
		Mazda	Mitsubishi
Price
Spare parts
Car
Body
Corrosion resistance
Condition of parts, availability of spare parts
Salon
Quality
Convenience
Visibility
Equipment reliability
Equipment level
Trunk
Volume in “stowed” state
Volume with folded seats
Practicality/functionality
Load capacity
Engines
Possibility of choice
Dynamics of the most common versions
Reliability
Maintenance cost/economics
Gearbox and transmission
Possibility of choice
Reliability
Suspension
Durability
Maintenance cost
Stability and comfort
Ground clearance
Steering
Durability
Maintenance cost
Efficiency
Brakes
Durability
Efficiency
Overall rating	500	351	341

Yuliy Maksimchuk
Photo from the editorial archive

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Compact cars from Japanese manufacturers invariably enjoy wide popularity among a huge number of car enthusiasts. The combination of prestige and brand recognition, modern design, the latest technology, high quality and affordable prices have allowed such models to occupy a dominant position in the middle segment.

Mitsubishi Lancer X became a real bestseller after the appearance of the model. The new generation of Lancer belongs to the C-class, and received the first global platform “Project Global” as its basis. The range of power units is represented by naturally aspirated petrol engines from 1.5 liters to 2.0 displacement. The configurations allow you to determine the pair for the engine in the form of a manual or automatic transmission. Available in sedan and sportback body styles. The sports version of the 10th generation is called Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

The second generation Mazda 3 was presented as an updated model of the third series and received traditional sedan and hatchback bodies. The model belongs to the “C” class and is based on the Ford C1 platform, already tested in the previous generation. Common versions of power units have become naturally aspirated gasoline engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters. The pair for internal combustion engines consisted of automatic and manual transmissions. There is also a “charged” version of the Mazda 3 model called the Mazda 3 MPS, which was created to compete with the recognized giants of motorsport: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru WRX STI.

The following comparative review presents the sedan versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer X and Mazda 3.

Mitsubishi Lancer X (2007–2011)

The front part of the car turned out to be overly aggressive against the background of the overall simplicity of the body. The straight “cut” of the nose, wide hood and narrow head optics highlight the harsh appearance of the car from the front. There are different design options for the radiator grille. The most common is the “solid” grille with large cells, affecting both the upper and lower parts of the massive bumper. The element is divided by a power arm for installing a license plate. The lower part received modest fog lights.

The profile of the machine is strict and compact. You can't call it stretched. The swift straight line does not start from the trunk itself, but starts from the rear doors and ends near the front wheel arch. The wheel arches themselves are not very prominent against the background of the general planes.

The side glazing area seems slightly narrowed, which is typical for the interior of sports-oriented models. Straight black pillars and narrow side mirrors complete the overall picture of the athletic coherence of the Lancer X profile. Modest turn signals are almost invisible on the front wing. The rear has a narrowed trunk lid and a massive bumper. Narrow brake lights, almost rectangular in shape, located with a visual inclination towards the center. The stamping for attaching the license plate is located in the central part of the bumper, without affecting the luggage compartment lid.

Mazda 3

The appearance of the front part of the Mazda 3 is characterized by a cheerful “smile” of the front bumper and bulging headlights, a straight line of the edge of the wide hood and small circles of fog lights. There is practically no sporty aggression in the appearance of the 3 Series; the car looks good-natured, youthful and a little feminine. The upper grille is missing, giving way to a solid front bumper panel with the brand logo in the center. The lower part received the shape of a shield, large cells and a power insert for attaching the number. The car is perceived as smooth and dynamic, but not at all sporty.

The sedan's profile has received a slight tendency to visually increase the size of the car through stretching. Nice stamping at the bottom of the doors hides their sloping shape, and the beveled rear pillar in the side glazing area visually gives the profile a swift look. The glass, especially in the front part, looks quite large, and in the rear part it is narrower. This was done to suit modern roof design trends. The wheel arches stand out a little from the general background, but they cannot be called muscular. The side direction indicators are small, and the rearview mirrors can be called decorative.

The rear of the car received a massive and relatively flat trunk lid. Large longitudinal brake lights have an abundance of white plastic inserts, giving the element a certain “airiness” image. There is no sporty seriousness in the rear either, although some severity is still present. Such design moves include a conventional spoiler on the trunk lid, the massiveness of the lower part of the rear bumper and stamping for a license plate. All that remains of the real “sport” are the cutouts in the lower overhang for the chrome exhaust tip.

If we compare both models in basic configurations, the Mazda 3 looks more modern, youthful and urban. The Mitsubishi Lancer X will definitely not lag behind its competitor only if it has an expensive “sports” Ralliart body kit, which increases the price.

Salon

Mitsubishi Lancer X

The sporty orientation immediately catches the eye when examining the interior space of the model, implying minimalism. The dominant interior color is black and gray. The quality of materials is average, rather hard plastic everywhere. The fit of the elements does not cause any significant complaints, but the joints and seams are clearly visible, and the hardness of the materials used makes one seriously think about the fact that the appearance of extraneous creaks and noises of rubbing panels during the operation of the car is almost inevitable.

A varnished carbon fiber insert-saber visually divides the dashboard into three parts: upper, middle and lower. The insert itself received a conditional load in the role of the middle part. It contains an alarm button and a status indicator for the passenger front airbag. This insert element was continued on the door cards. The rectangular, strict black air deflectors are quite large and make up a significant part of the front interior. There is minimal chrome in the interior trim.

Center console received a modest multimedia standard solution. At the top there is a narrow information screen of medium length, set deep in a kind of niche-visor. This solution allows you to avoid glare in sunny weather. The pictogram readings on such a display are readable quite well and look legible. The head unit itself does not stand out in any way, except for small round controls on the sides, the seats of which are finished in silver.

At the very bottom of the dashboard there are three large chrome-plated controls for controlling climate system. They have a “puck” shape and are deliberately highlighted by the designers.

Steering wheel consists of three improvised spokes, with functional radio control keys on the left side. The steering wheel also received large gray inserts, which adds contrast to the dark interior trim. Adjustment is only available for the tilt angle, but this is compensated by the swollen, comfortable rim and the high-quality material with which the steering wheel is covered.

Dashboard consists of two deep wells for the tachometer and speedometer, the visors of which are located at a slight angle, centered in front of the driver. The edges of the wells received a thin chrome strip, which significantly enlivens the perception of the dashboard. The rectangular window of the on-board computer, as well as the information indicator area, are located in the central part, between the main instruments. The trip computer is small in size, but sufficient for reading useful information. The main color for the illumination of instruments and functional elements of the car has become a sporty dark red color.

Seat material good quality, but the profile of the seats seemed a bit soft. There is lateral support, but the element is clearly not enough for sharp turns and sharp maneuvers. Adjustment of the driver's seat in all planes, including height, allows even a fairly tall person to find a comfortable position.

Smooth shape armrest on the door card allows you to place your left hand comfortably, although the width of the element is not always enough, especially in thick winter clothes or a thick sweater. The center armrest may seem short to many when driving. This is due to the ease of interaction with the gearshift knob.

Central tunnel not very high, has several convenient niches and cup holders, and the parking brake lever is moved closer to the driver’s seat in order to improve ergonomics when the driver accesses this element.

Mazda 3

The quality of materials upon first acquaintance with the interior does not cause any complaints. The abundance of dark and hard plastic is quite reasonable for a car of this price category. All elements are fitted with high quality; there are no significant gaps or cracks that could visually attract attention. The designers' desire to emphasize the high-tech nature of the model resulted in the creation of a kind of visor at the top of the dashboard. The model received a combination of round air deflectors on the sides and rectangular air deflectors in the center. The side airflow controls have stylized chrome rings. The silver insert above the glove box lid contrasts well with the dark plastic.

Seat material It is of high quality and pleasant to the touch, the seams are neat and distinguished by well-executed stitching. The bottom cushion can be adjusted in height, and the backrest can be conveniently adjusted in steps. The profile is moderately rigid, and the lateral support is quite adequate for maneuvers at medium speeds. You can get comfortable completely. A well-implemented pedal assembly also contributes to this.

Door cards will not allow you to comfortably place your hand on the armrest, since large handles for closing the door may interfere with the implementation of this function.

Central armrest received a medium-sized support area, but for successful interaction of the driver with the gearshift lever this should be enough. The parking brake lever is moved closer to the passenger seat.

Central tunnel made monolithically with the central part of the dashboard, received a gray color in the front part. On the central tunnel there are decorative functional niches that can be closed with lids, which is an excellent solution for storing small items and installing containers of moderate volume.

Center console has a modest radio with a large silver washer-regulator and small dark round regulators on the sides. The main emphasis of the design decisions was placed on a kind of “second tier” on the dashboard. Under the visor there are information screens for the trip computer and navigation. The version with a navigator looks richer, but in the basic versions this decision causes controversial and mixed feelings. The monochrome BC is small in size, and the orientation of this element towards the driver does not protect against flare and reduced quality in the process of perceiving useful information.

Control block air conditioning system made using round regulators with a chrome-plated outline. These elements are large and easy to interact with.

Steering wheel Has tilt and reach adjustments. The rim may seem thin, but it is covered with high-quality material that prevents it from slipping out of your hands. There are three distinctive spokes, one of which is made in gray. There is also an abundance of controls for useful vehicle functions on the steering wheel.

Dashboard has two pronounced wells for the speedometer and tachometer. The edges of the wells were generously provided with chrome. There is no canopy for the instruments; they are deep-set, and the instrument wells themselves perform this function of protecting from light. The illumination of instruments and elements is Mazda’s signature combination of energetic red and blue-violet colors.

To select a winner, we had to be guided solely by the quality of materials and workmanship, and not by design. In this regard, Mazda is doing a little better, which determines the slight advantage of the model.

Ride quality

The review models received the common 1.6 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and manual transmission.

Mitsubishi Lancer X with the specified engine it is an ordinary city sedan. The dynamics are enough for active city traffic, but you shouldn’t expect lane changes or sharp acceleration from the car. For highway overtaking, it is better to switch to a lower gear so that there is some reserve left. We are not talking about prolonged overtaking at high speeds, since the engine has no reserve for such maneuvers.

The front suspension is independent, MacPherson type. The rear is represented by an independent multi-link. There is significant rigidity in the car's chassis. Changing the rubber profile and installing third-party shock absorbers does not change the situation much. With an expensive multi-link at the rear, this is a little strange. All small joints and unevenness of the asphalt are transmitted to the cabin. Medium-depth holes produce denser impacts. No, it’s not so easy to bring a car to the point of breakdown, just drive rough and noisy. But there is no significant swing at speed, the car stays straight and listens well to the moderately informative steering wheel. Here the knocked down chassis is only a plus.

Noise insulation can be considered quite low in the class. The engine can be heard clearly and distinctly as the speed increases, and the wheel arches betray the sound of small stones and sand.

All 4 wheels received disc brakes. The Lancer X's brakes are sharp and clear, which is good news. Auxiliary electronic systems work flawlessly.

Mazda 3 demonstrates a reasonable balance of dynamic and driving characteristics. You can’t call a city sedan fast, but that’s why it’s a city sedan. In traffic, the engine power is quite enough, but on the highway with overtaking you need to be very careful. Switch to a lower gear in advance, assess the situation, the power reserve after 140 km/h. quite a bit.

The front suspension is independent, with MacPherson struts. The rear axle has an independent multi-link solution. The suspension has good energy consumption and a smooth ride, but it is quite possible to cause the car to break down. The apparent silence on medium bumps will be followed by a resounding impact on the deeper pits. For city asphalt, comfort is at the level for this class. The car handles averagely, the steering wheel cannot be called empty, but you shouldn’t expect much information at speed either. But there is a certain sharpness and precision of the steering. There are rolls, but they are quite acceptable. Maintaining the trajectory and weak swinging in track mode are positive aspects.

Sound insulation of the engine compartment is at an average level. Like many other Japanese cars in this class, the wheel arches are not insulated enough. You can hear the noise of wheels, sandblasting and the impact of small stones.

The brakes are quite effective. They have discs on all 4 wheels. The car slows down confidently and predictably, and the quality of braking is significantly complemented by the well-coordinated work of electronic assistants.

The comfort of the Mazda 3 suspension in urban use becomes the main advantage of the model. The remaining indicators do not differ significantly from the Mitsubishi Lancer 10 in terms of their settings and quality of implementation.

Capacity

Mitsubishi Lancer is able to provide enough space in the cabin in the front row. This will be enough for tall drivers and passengers. The width is not expected to cause any discomfort.

The back row allows three people to fit quite tightly, so we can only talk about comfort for two riders. There is ample legroom, supported by an acceptable wheelbase. Only tall passengers in the rear row will find little headroom.

The luggage compartment of the model has a narrow loading opening and is significantly inferior to its competitors in terms of depth. Folding the rear row of seats can change the picture, but this is not the most common practice for sedans.

Mazda 3 Suitable for most drivers and front row passengers. There is enough headroom both overhead and in width. The central tunnel may cause some inconvenience for the passenger’s feet, but only those people whose height is far above average should be wary of such a situation.

The rear row allows you to seat three, but a comfortable ride for only two passengers is a traditional feature of the class. There is enough legroom with a small margin. Tall rear-row passengers may experience limited headroom.

The luggage compartment is standard for a sedan. An advantage is the well-implemented loading opening; it is wide and allows you to conveniently load medium-sized items.

Mazda 3 is at almost the same level of interior space compared to the Lancer X, but is significantly ahead of its competitor in terms of roominess and luggage compartment convenience.

Economical

Mitsubishi Lancer X is ahead of Mazda 3 in comparison of efficiency indicators, while having higher torque and dynamic characteristics.

Safety

Base model Mitsubishi Lancer X:

1. ABS system
2. EBD system
3. Brake Assist system
4. driver's knee cushion

Base model Mazda 3:

1. ABS system
2. EBD system
3. EBA system
4. driver/passenger front airbags
5. side cushions

Euro NCAP crash test result: 5 stars.

An in-depth analysis allows us to determine the Mazda 3 as the winner in the final safety assessment compared to the Mitsubishi Lancer X.

Golf cars from the Land of the Rising Sun have won a large number of fans around the world. The combination of a bright design in a corporate style, the latest achievements in design ideas, decent quality and reliability contributed to the achievement of certain peaks in the market by these models in their time. It’s always difficult to choose, especially among used cars.

Let's find out which is better Lancer 10 or Mazda 3?

Overall rating

Mitsubishi Lancer X immediately after its premiere in 2007 became a market bestseller. And he also became the last representative of this model. In 2017, the company announced the cessation of production of Lancer 10. They stopped selling it in Russia two years earlier. Buyers were given a choice of petrol engines with a displacement of 1.5 (109 hp), 1.6 (117 hp), 1.8 (143 hp) and 2.0 (150 hp), as well as a manual or automatic transmission. Body options are sedan and hatchback. A “hot” version was also available - the legendary Lancer Evolution sports car.

Mazda 3 II generation was produced from 2008 to 2013 on the Ford platform. Body type: sedan and hatchback. The range of Mazda 3 engines includes proven naturally aspirated 1.6 (105 hp) and 2.0 (150 hp) engines with manual or automatic transmission. In contrast to the sporty Lancer Evolution, a charged modification of the Mazda 3 MPS was produced.

We will carry out our comparison using the example of the Lancer 10 and Mazda 3 sedans with a manual transmission and popular 1.6-liter engines.

Engines

To compare the Mitsubishi Lancer and Mazda 3 cars, let's take a closer look at the design features of the engines.

The Mitsubishi Motors 1.6 4A92 engine is a 4A series all-aluminum gasoline engine, developed jointly with the Daimler concern in 2004. The design uses 4 valves for each of the four cylinders, respectively, two camshafts and a variable valve timing system with electronically controlled exhaust. Timing chain drive. Maximum power at 6000 rpm - 117 hp. (86 kW). Maximum torque at 4000 rpm is 154 Nm. Compression ratio - 11:1.

The Mazda 1.6 Z6 engine is a 16-valve petrol engine with overhead camshafts and a variable valve timing system at the intake. The cylinder block is cast iron. It is a development of the B series of engines, which uses a timing chain, an adjustable intake manifold, and an exhaust gas afterburning system. Maximum power is achieved at 6000 rpm and is 105 hp. (77 kW), and the maximum torque is 145 Nm at 4000 rpm. The compression ratio is 10:1.

As you can see, the compared motors have a similar design and technical characteristics.

Transmission

Mazda 3's five-gear manual transmissions work flawlessly. The proven four-speed automatic transmission also lives up to expectations. Five-speed hydromechanical 6 with a problem corrected when shifting from third to fourth gear.

Mitsubishi Lancer five-speed manual transmissions were combined with any engine, but had design differences depending on the engine family. At the same time they had high reliability. The four-speed classic automatic transmission is quite ancient, but indestructible. The variator used on versions 1.8 and 2.0 is the weak link of the Lancer 10. The unit from the Japanese company Jatco was not reliable.

Both cars are equipped with a good manual transmission, but the Mazda has better shift clarity.

Dynamics and reliability

Lancer, with all its sporty appearance, is an ordinary city sedan. The engine dynamics are enough for active movement in city traffic. On the highway, for overtaking or sharp maneuvers, it is better to switch to a lower gear. And still, the reserve during long overtaking will be insufficient.

The dynamic characteristics of the Mazda 3 are also limited by the engine. The car cannot be called fast. And if in the city the driving characteristics are balanced, then during suburban changes it is better to assess the situation in advance.

Character and durability

During its operation, Lancer 10 has earned its owners the reputation of being a completely reliable car with reasonable maintenance costs. The Achilles' heel was modifications with an overheating variator. Over ten years on the roads of our country, Lancer has collected a small collection of faults.

Having lost a certain part of its visual appeal, the second generation Mazda 3 has become one of the most unpretentious and reliable cars in the Japanese brand’s lineup. Many of the predecessor's shortcomings were eliminated, and the remaining ones were reduced to a minimum.

Suspension

The suspension of the Lancer 10 is harsh and transmits all minor unevenness of the road surface. Larger holes already cause unpleasant impacts. At the same time, there is an independent multi-link at the rear, and MacPherson strut at the front. But the car holds a straight line perfectly and does not sway when changing lanes.

The fundamental design of the Mazda suspension is identical. Front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link. The suspension is more smooth and energy-efficient on rough city roads. In larger holes, a loud impact is possible. Maintaining the trajectory at a good level, rolls are minimal.

Comfort in urban modes becomes an advantage of Mazda.

Brakes

Lancer disc brakes on all wheels. The clarity and information content of the drive is noted. The work of electronic assistants is also satisfactory.

Disc brakes on both axles of the Mazda 3 are quite effective. Calibrated deceleration is complemented by the precise operation of safety systems.

Steering

Lancer responds well to steering inputs. The Mitsubishi's steering is of average informativeness.

The Mazda 3's steering is precise and immediate. The car handles better, but at speed the information content decreases.

Salon

Minimalism in the interior of the Mitsubishi Lancer is reminiscent of sporting ambitions. The color scheme is dominated by gray and black tones. The interior is decorated with hard plastic of medium quality, and the joints of the various panels are clearly visible. The front panel is divided by a narrow carbon fiber insert, which continues on the door trims. At the top of the panel under the visor there is a narrow information display. Standard radio with large round controls on the sides. At the bottom of the center console there are three “round” climate controls. On the dashboard there are a speedometer and a tachometer in round wells. Between them is a trip computer window with easy-to-read information. The steering wheel is three-spoke with a comfortable grip and audio system control buttons. The driver's seat can be adjusted to accommodate a person of any height comfortably. The profile is comfortable, but there is not enough lateral support in corners.

Mazda 3 stands out for its higher quality materials in the cabin, as well as careful joining of elements. Although the plastic is also hard. On top of the front panel there is a visor arc with a trip computer. Dashboard with two wells in chrome trim. The audio system has a large central adjustment “washer” and smaller side ones. The climate control system is controlled by classic round controls, like those of a competitor. The gray color of the interior is diluted with interesting silver inserts. The front seats are firmer with sufficient lateral support. The three-spoke steering wheel, like on the Lancer, with additional control keys has a thinner rim.

Still, without judging the design delights, the build quality and materials in the Mazda interior are excellent.

Body

The Lancer 10 body offers sufficient space for front and rear passengers. It’s a bit cramped for three in the back row, of course, but comfort is guaranteed for two. The level of sound insulation of the body is quite modest - the distinct operation of the engine and the sound of sand and stones from under the wheels stand out.

The Mazda 3 interior also has plenty of headroom in terms of height and width. It is possible to accommodate three people in the back seat, but a tall passenger will be hampered by the high central tunnel. The car's noise insulation is traditionally average. There is noise from the engine, wheels and road surface.

Trunk

The Lancer's luggage compartment has a narrow opening and insufficient depth compared to its competitor. The useful volume of the sedan is a little more than 300 liters.

3 features a convenient wide loading opening. And also a larger volume of 120 liters.

Beauty and practicality

The aggressively sporty front of the Lancer 10 does not seem to fit at all with the rest of the simplicity of the body lines. The negative slope of the expressive radiator grille and predatory headlights are inherited from the eighth-generation Galant relative. The side profile is strict and unstretched. Slightly emphasized wheel arches and a narrowed side glass line hint at the sporty character of the car. Small rear Lancer 10 with a massive bumper. The rear lights are rectangular in shape, stretching from the fenders to the trunk lid.

The beauty of the Mazda 3 is also unique. A smiling radiator grille in the front bumper and slanting headlights. Between the headlights there is a large manufacturer's emblem on a solid panel. The front wheel arches stand out against the general background, and the lower stamping smoothes out the sloping sidewalls. The sloping rear roof pillars add a dashing silhouette. At the rear there is a massive trunk lid and large headlights. The car has lost its former sportiness. The appearance is smoothly dynamic and rather feminine.

Price

The average price of a Mitsubishi Lancer 10 on the secondary market today is 400,000 rubles.

The average price of the second generation Mazda 3 is 457,000 rubles.

Comparison results

Based on the results of all nominations, the Mazda 3 still wins, although the Mitsubishi Lancer 10 also held up well. And, if I fell behind my rival, it was only a little.