While the new Lancer Evo X hoovers up all the headlines, Mitsubishi’s ‘standard’ new Lancers are getting ignored. And it’s a pity because the diesel in particular is worth a closer look – and no we’re not kidding. The Lancer’s new platform, shared with the Outlander and co-developed with the former DaimlerChrysler corporation is well engineered, the standard kit is impressive and the styling has gone from oh dear to oh my! It’s a handsome car – and potential buyers will be seduced by its looks – but the (non-Evo) Lancer has the unenviable job of erasing memories of the previous-generation car, surely the most dreary vehicle since, well, ever. That’s a tough job. Can the new Mitsubishi Lancer really score some new fans? Well, first impressions are good. Out goes the old Lancer’s almost laughably harsh interior plastics and in comes some fine, soft-touch materials. Push and prod the new dash and there’s a pl...