THE nose stoops low, like a 100m sprinter poised on his starting blocks. The face looks determined. The flanks are lean with sharply pressed creases, as though pared down with an angle grinder to help the car slice through the air.

Looks, they say, can be deceiving. It's not clear who 'they' are, but they obviously knew what they were talking about.

The 1.5-litre Lancer EX, even with the bodykit that comes with the Sports variant, isn't really a racy car. The engine makes 49bhp less than the 2-litre GT's and there are no gear-shift paddles behind the steering wheel to live out PlayStation fantasies.

The high-set boot spoiler that bisects the rear view from the mirror and offers shelter to birds in the rain is replaced by a subtle lip at the leading edge, whispering its slightly sporty pretensions and allowing the feathered ones a place to perch and get some sun.

While the verdict on the GT's extroverted appearance is subjective - many do like that aggressive look - the acoustic benefits with the EX 1.5 cannot be contested.

Although the 1.5-litre engine isn't the most charismatic-sounding inline-4 in the world, pairing it with a conventional four-speed automatic gearbox instead of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the GT at least allows the engine to vary its aural pitch as the car picks up speed.

Plus, the four-speed autobox provides a real sense of acceleration when you step on the pedal, instead of that slipping clutch sensation felt on the CVT.

The 1.5's slightly smaller wheels (16 inches versus 18 inches on the GT) and taller-profile tyres give the car a cushier ride than the GT. Noise levels are lower, especially when driven over corrugated roads.

The car is roomy too. Despite the chunky dashboard up front, there is plenty of space for all occupants. Children could potentially start a war in the back while the adults blissfully enjoy the view up front.

Doing without the bombastic Rockford Fosgate audio system found in the GT translates to more boot space, since there is no subwoofer tucked away in there. You should be able to carry an extra pack of salt, if not a sack of rice.

The car is very highly equipped too. Keyless entry and engine start comes standard, as are automatic air-con, auto light and wiper sensors - all features you normally associate with a premium Category B COE car. This then is a case of less is more.

MITSUBISHI LANCER EX 1.5 SPORTS
Price: $62,988 with COE
Engine: 1,499cc 16-valve inline-4
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Power: 109bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 143Nm at 4,000rpm
0-100kmh: 11.0 seconds
Top speed: 178kmh
Fuel consumption: 11km/litre (combined)
Agent: Cycle & Carriage

The writer is Editor of Torque, a monthly published by SPH Magazines