2016 Mitsubishi Lancer EX GT-A 2.0 CVT

This is it: the last Lancer. Mitsubishi confirmed earlier this year that it will discontinue the production of vehicles under the Lancer name except in Taiwan and China.

This means that the 2016 Lancer EX GT-A 2.0 CVT will be the lineage’s swan song—the last descendant of a family of cars that to us Filipinos was almost synonymous with the Mitsubishi brand.

We got to test it out before it fully goes out of production, leaving the Mirage to represent Mistubishi’s sedan range on its own. We take a look at whether the most recent GT-A serves as a fitting farewell to such a beloved and iconic name.

- Robby Vaflor

The 2016 Lancer EX GT-A is as handsome as its predecessors, fitting into whichever decade they were made in.

On the outside, bold lines bow along the sides, complemented by similarly formed skirts and a molded hood that is blunted by the double grille design front. The large spoiler, the angled headlights and the scooped fog lamps add to the imposing look—it’s a design that just screams to be noticed. And the fact that it came in silver just makes it look all the more like a dagger—swift and gleaming on the road as it carves out turns and plunges across the road.

The GT-A also gets a set of 18-inch, two-tone alloy wheels, a large trunk with push-button access and a wide-set moon roof.

Inside, the design is minimalist, but in a good way. Everything looks neat, and each knob, button and dial is where they instinctively should be. Silvers and light grays are smartly placed as accents everywhere to break the dark monotony.

Both driver and passengers have ample leg and head room, adding to the comfort provided by the cozy-fit seats upholstered with premium fabric.

The dashboard trim is of a high-gloss plastic material that runs across all the way to the doors. The doors as well as the steering wheel get leather accents for a more premium feel.

HARDWARE

Without even considering the EVOs, one of the Lancer’s highlights is the engine that’s more powerful than most in its class, and the 2016 GT-A is no exception.