TECHNOLOGY
“As an all-round affordable option, you won’t get much more for your money...”
MIVEC engine putting out around 140hp and 177Nm of torque. It comes in a grand choice of four colours – silver, grey, black or white. Inside, the design is simple, functional, spartan. You get the basics – stereo, CD-player, AC… and that’s about it! It does have electric windows, remote keyless entry and 16” alloy wheels, but that as far as things go frills-wise. To drive, the Fortis really isn’t bad at all. The 1.8l engine is surprisingly feisty – it won’t win any races, but you do feel like you’re shifting when you put your foot down. Ride comfort is good too, with the suspension soaking up the bumps and cracks on the mean streets of Doha pretty well. Handling and steering response are both better than expected, with reasonably sharp cornering and not too much body roll. Gear changes are smooth and intuitive thanks to Mitsubishi’s INVECS-III system, which does a good job of selecting the right gear ratio for the task at hand. Also included is the Continuous Variable
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Transmission that enhances energy efficiency, meaning that the Fortis won’t be thirsty with the fuel – not a massive worry in the Gulf, but welcome news for someone looking for economy. So what’s the verdict on Lancer part III? Overall, while there isn’t anything to take your breath away, but there isn’t anything to fault, either, which is more than can be said for the old Lancer. However, it won’t raise any eyebrows like the Lancer EX did – more than a few of us where impressed when Mitsubishi unveiled THAT particular model. I see the Fortis as a direct challenger to cars like the Nissan Tiida and the Toyota Corolla. The Fortis wasn’t made to win hearts and minds – it was made to be one thing, which is functional. It’ll be much beloved of hire-car companies, taxi drivers, and anyone looking for a decent, reliable car for great value. Because that’s what the Fortis is, and because it’s a Mitsubishi, you know that it’ll just keep going and going and going. 1. He lives in Qatar and says he grew up hard on the mean streets of Doha, but we think he’s actually from a rich family with lots of cars, and won’t admit it! 2. He says his car skills are all self-taught, but we’re sure we’ve seen a course certificate from the Losail International Circuit on his wall. 3. He drives cars better than anyone we know (but don’t ever tell him). 4. He claims to be able to change a regular car tyre in under 4 minutes, but we’re sure that’s only when his wife helps him. FACT QATAR DECEMBER
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