Mitsubishi Lancer news - Detroit show: Mitsubishi Lancer - 2007

If you cannot contain yourself until the Mitsubishi Evo X arrives in a year's time, why not content yourself with the Lancer?

This is the car upon which the Evo X is loosely based, and will be on sale in the UK in the spring.

The Lancer's looks have been tamed compared with its Evo offspring, but the new Lancer is a much more attractive proposition than its predecessor.

A much-revised 2.0-litre engine powers the new Lancer with 152bhp and is coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. A continuously variable transmission will also be an option, but there will be no automatic.

Three trim levels will be offered in the UK, and all will come with air conditioning and a CD player, as Mitsubishi aims to take on Volvo and Alfa Romeo.

Longer and wider than the car it replaces, the new Lancer has more interior space and Mitsubishi promises us it will be much better to drive.

Prices should start at around £14,500 in the UK.