The Lancer was one of the first models to undergo Euro NCAPs more stringent crash tests in 2009. The new overall rating covers not only adult occupant safety but includes child and pedestrian safety along with a rear impact whiplash test. It scored the maximum five stars and all models come with ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, seven airbags, electric anti-trapping windows, Isofix child seat mountings and three-point seatbelts with outer force limiters and pretensioners.

However, while traction and stability control is standard on GS3 and GS4 models it’s not even an option on the base GS2.

It may be a hatch but the Lancer Sportback actually has less luggage space than the saloon model, with 344 litres – about the same as a VW Golf. However, thanks to the bulbous rear end the boot has a wide opening while there’s a clever two-level boot floor. Leaving it down increases the boot capacity, but in its higher position it provides a flat floor when the rear seats are folded down – making it easy to load heavy or large objects, plus there’s extra storage underneath.

Folding the rear seats down is very simple too – just pull a handle in the boot and the seat backs drop down automatically.