This is going to be a brief. Because the new Mitsubishi Lancer is not officially launched yet and so test-drives have been short.

In fact, we had less time with it than the yummy Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.

Which is fine. Because the Lancer is more removed from the Gallardo than your navel is from the ex-planet Pluto.

Don't let the Mitsubishi's sporty styling fool you. Or the large metallic paddle shifts on its steering column lull you into thinking it is a driver's car.

The Japanese machine, with design hints of Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Lexus and even Ferrari's Enzo, drives like a lawn mower and sounds like a chainsaw.

But bear in mind that's just from a brief encounter. Perhaps with time, we will get used to the car's nondescript personality and buzzing soundtrack.

The way we tend to get used to dental fillings, tinnitus and Windows upgrades. But we will never know.

If however you are looking for a big car with a smallish price, if you want lots of space in a decently appointed cabin, if you've never driven a Golf GTI, an Alfa Romeo or a Mazda MX-5, and if you think your cousin's Corolla Altis is pretty cool, then, by all means, put the new Lancer in your 'die, die must drive' list.

Otherwise, life is too short for cars like the Lancer.

Admittedly, in the realm of point A-to-B cars, the latest model is actually not half bad. It is easy on the eye (unlike its predecessor, which will continue to be sold alongside). It is also noticeably more solidly built, and it comes with an impressive list of standard features.

The 2-litre GT automatic has keyless access and ignition, cruise control, climate control air-con, a Rockford Fosgate sound system, auto headlamps (with high-intensity discharge bulbs) and wipers, and soft two-tone leather upholstery.

The interior certainly appears very upmarket, and is a fitting match to the car's smart exterior. As far as comfort goes, it is above average.

It has a more supportive suspension than most Japanese models in its class; and it is well insulated against vibration. Noise insulation, however, is a tad below par.

The latter could perhaps be the car's biggest failing. If it can't help how its CVT sounds (and it is not alone in this), it could at least have filtered the numbing drone out.

Even so, Mitsubishi agent Cycle & Carriage is pitting the new Lancer against mid-range Japanese rivals like the Nissan Sylphy, Honda Civic and Mazda 3. It reckons the car has what it takes to beat them all.

But don't take its word for it. Go try out the car yourself. You might get a longer ride than us.

Price: $78,988 with COE
Engine: 1,998cc 16-valve inline-4
Transmission: Continuously variable with six quick shifts
Power: 155bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 199Nm at 4,250rpm
0-100kmh: 10.5 seconds
Top speed: 200kmh
Fuel consumption: 10.7 litres/ 100km (city)
Agent: Cycle & Carriage