All I could say is, this is an underdog car. Most people tend to overlook this car (including me previously) just because of its badge and status as "rebadged car" and forsaken the other thrill the car could deliver and the benefits of the car.

Getting in the car is quite easy with the wide doors. Sitting position is quite "low slung" style. Seats are comfortable. The only qualms I had with the interior is the steering wheel which isn't feel chunky enough for me.

Slotting the gear lever into D and start turning into the first corner, the impression of driving a big car quickly diminishes. Power delivery is smooth, thanks to the CVT gearbox and unlike the Saga FLX's CVT, there's no lurching or jerking during pick up. Upon exiting the showroom, I nailed the throttle and instantly the 4B gets fired up. Brakes are equally good and a little bit of the braking job could be done by manually dropping a gear or two although this wont be good for the gearbox in the long run. My only qualm with the driving is the very light steering wheel, despite being hydraulic assist. It offers very little feedback to the driver.

After a few "uncle style driving and cruising" and also a bit of spirited driving around some corners, then it is my turn to be the back seat passenger. Despite the roaring engine (driver no.2 going all bonkers with the pedal shifters), the sound level in the cabin is quite minimal and I remained planted on the seats after a few hard cornering. Bumps and potholes was properly absorbed and only a very minimal amount intrude into the cabin. Although the seats offers good support, but the upright sitting position wont be comfortable during long distance travelling. And if the driver happens to be slightly tall, the rear legroom is slightly jeopardized as well.

Then it was the SA turn to drive and I be the front passenger. This is when all the real trashing of the car begins. The gear was slotted into manual mode and the engine revolutions is further fired up way beyond everyday driving pattern. Constant gear changes was made so that the car just stayed at its sweet spot and keep on humming the MIVEC tune. Despite all bonkers cornering, the car remained well composed with minimal body roll and there is even a situation which puts the ABS into good use. I'm surprised by the way it handles despite it is only wearing Comfort based tires, not performance tires like the Lancer GT sibling.

Overall, this is a seriously value for money car. When driven sensibly, it gives the comfortable and composed feel. Nail the throttle down and flip the paddle shifters and it literally turns into another beast. There are only few cars in the market which has the "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" character and usually it was only found in the executive class (C-class, 3 series, A4) segment and above.