1.8 GS3 4dr Auto Saloon

The Japanese Alfa. Just without the foibles.

I bought my 6 speed automatic Lancer GS3 saloon after a long search for one. After having driven only VW Golf's since passing my test 18 years ago I longed for a change. Outstanding though Golf's are - there really is no better hatchback on the market - I wanted a clean break and for something really different. I considered the diesel but as it VW's unreliable 16v diesel engine I decided against it. Also I hate diesels with a passion.

Spec wise I really wanted a frost white saloon as I feel the hatch is ungainly looking, though is much more practical. I paid £5000 for mine with just under 55k on the odometer.

The minuses of the car are far far outbalanced by the pluses. The fuel economy is not outstanding at around 25mpg urban and running to just short of 35mpg when cruising, though use of the air con does have quite an effect. The road tax is also expensive at £149 per 6 months, though insurance costs are surprisingly low. One shortcoming of the saloon model is it's shallow boot due to the fact it has a large strengthening beam between the rear strut mountings which seems largely pointless, while at the rear of the car visibility takes some getting used to due to the large rear spoiler, though this is well worth the sacrifice.

For a Japanese car the comfort level is remarkable. The large soft seating with extra padding in the rear is outstanding, even over long distances the car remains a joy to travel in due to its low noise level - though the automatic CVT gearbox makes a terrible fuss of overtaking in short bursts - there is ample acceleration in reserve. Due to the 'box being 6 speed it's revving at just over 2300 rpm at 70 - 75. The interior is very well built and designed too, though not up to German standards it shows none of the Germans lack of curves and though dark is a generally nice place to be. Everything is easy to hand and storage is excellent. Beware the silent indicators though; they are too often left on and the tell tale reminder is too easy to overlook.

Something a little different from the norm then the Lancer has been a real surprise to me. Its good to drive, well built, very comfortable and totally reliable so far. The fact that it was partly designed by Pininfarina - a less well known fact, just about makes it a Japanese Alfa Romeo. Just without the RAC on speed dial.

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