The Big Test Poll

Manual control: Chevrolet Cruze vs Mitsubishi Lancer EX vs Nissan Sentra 200

By Paulo Rafael Subido —

Big Test July 2011

The car industry hasn't given up on manual transmissions yet. Having a more engaging--and affordable--shifting option will put a smile on the faces of car-crazy drivers.

Here are snippets on our Big Test contenders this month:

Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LS MT. The freshest compact sedan on the market also has an enviable spec list. This 1.8-liter LS variant doesn't have the same muscle as the other two contenders, but it makes up for this shortcoming in a number of surprising and practical ways.

Mitsubishi Lancer EX GLX. Do not underestimate the regular Lancer's link to the Evolution X, which by itself is enough to get people seriously interested in driving this car. And let's not forget the enticing combo of a 2.0-liter and manual transmission.

Nissan Sentra 200 6MT. The six-speed manual shifter is a boon when attempting to get the best mileage possible. However, the fuel savings might not be enough to offset the Sentra 200's price tag. When shopping in this price range, buyers will expect more than entry-level fare.

 

 

Basic technical specifications Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LS MT Mitsubishi Lancer EX GLX Nissan Sentra 200 6MT
Engine 1.8-liter DOHC 16V I4 2.0-liter DOHC 16V I4 2.0-liter DOHC 16V I4
Type gasoline, naturally aspirated gasoline, naturally aspirated gasoline, naturally aspirated
Capacity (cc) 1,796 1,998 1,997
Maximum output (hp @ rpm) 139 @ 6,200 153 @ 6,000 143 @ 5,100
Maximum torque (Nm @ rpm) 176 @ 3,800 199 @ 4,250 199 @ 4,800
Transmission 5-speed manual 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Brakes (front / rear) vented disc/solid disc vented disc/drum-in-disc vented disc/drum
Front suspension independent MacPherson independent MacPherson independent MacPherson
Rear suspension torsion beam multilink torsion beam
Wheels 16in alloy 16in alloy 15in steel
Tires 205/60 R16 205/60 R16 205/60 R15
Dimensions L/W/H (mm) 4,597/1,788/1,477 4,570/1,760/1,490 4,567/1,790/1,512
Wheelbase (mm) 2,685 2,635 2,685
Curb weight (kg) 1,290 1,290 1,298
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) 107.75 118.6 107.86
Fuel tank capacity (liters) 60 59 55

Photo by Christian Halili

Which of these cars is the lord of manual compacts in the market today?

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  • ieatworld Jul 27 2011 @ 03:06pm
     
    1m pricetag, 15in steel wheels. in short, ripoff.
       
    • JoHunter Jul 27 2011 @ 05:25pm
       
      my thoughts exactly. does nissan expect to get away with it?
         
      • Aloha Milkyway Jul 27 2011 @ 06:59pm
         
        Also, the Sentra sounds really wheezy... The Lancer on the other hand sounded good for what's basically a family hauler
           
  • cjv_justice Jul 27 2011 @ 03:28pm
     
    ang pathetic nung Sentra.
       
  • FDNYI524 Jul 27 2011 @ 04:01pm
     
    I noticed that the Lancer's rear brakes are drum-in-discs, what do these mean?
        1
  • Aloha Milkyway Jul 27 2011 @ 05:09pm
     
    That Lancer is the very test unit that I enjoyed driving. That car is responsible for me changing my impression on Lancers
       
  • zetsumei Jul 27 2011 @ 05:15pm
     
    ang pangit talaga ng sentra. mahal pa. not competitive at all. If I'm the boss of Nissan, I'll fire my R n D team
       
  • Lottowinner Jul 27 2011 @ 05:33pm
     
    3% of voters are sarcastic :)
    Last modified Jul 27 2011 @ 09:16pm
       
  • fortis Jul 27 2011 @ 05:46pm
     
    Bring back the manual transmission to top of the line variants of cars. Not only that they are fun but it is also worth mentioning that they are cheaper to maintain and are more fuel efficient than A/Ts.

    I miss the glory days of the 90s where you can buy a top of the line Civic, Corolla or Lancer with M/Ts.
    Also just few years back, you can even buy a City or Jazz 1.5 with a M/T but now only in a 1.3 you can enjoy it. And that sucks!

    These three cars should be a awarded for offering M/Ts!

    I just hope M/Ts won't die in this country.
       
    • suvfan93 Jul 27 2011 @ 06:03pm
       
      Not to mention there are people who're willing to spend money on top-of-the-line manuals, given enough information delivered through the advertisings. The family was about to consider the Jazz as a replacement to our old-schooling Corolla but when we found out that the 1.5 M/T option for the Jazz was phased out, we opted to just maintain the Corolla.

      And yeah, let's not forget that the Focus TDCi was offered in M/T before it got dual-clutch exclusive :(
         
    • Aloha Milkyway Jul 27 2011 @ 06:53pm
       
      Even executive marques such as BMW and Audi offered manuals! The last executive car to offer a manual option was the E90 BMW 316i and that's pretty much it. Hay, the good old days...If I was born a decade earlier then maybe I could've enjoyed that time. Nowadays though, the automatics can be as efficient as the manuals because of the advent of 5-6 speed automatics. They're good in traffic by they're still no fun though.
         
  • robin_micmac Jul 27 2011 @ 06:00pm
     
    @FDNYI524 - i think what they mean about drum in disc, is that the rear brakes are discs with a small drum brake integrated in it for the parking brake.
       
  • jay kay Jul 27 2011 @ 07:14pm
     
    @ FDNYI524, robin_micmac is right. there's a drum brake assembly inside the disc. making it easier to pull off handbrake turns. :) but of course, I'm not saying you should. haha.

    the Lancer's been in this game a lot longer than the other two platforms. as much as I am a Mitsubishi fan myself, I'm saying without any bias that the Lancer EX GLX is the best of the three. but if you happen to find a Lancer EX GT, (yes, GT not GT-A) you're in for a lot of fun.
       
    • hopeless Jul 27 2011 @ 10:08pm
       
      Who the heck decided to pull out the GT variant here? Manual transmission lovers would have no other choice but those manual ugl*er EX variants with u*ly faux-wood interior inlays, ugl*er headlamps, and lesser features than the GT-A variant.
         
      • jay kay Aug 08 2011 @ 08:12pm
         
        I guess it's a similar reason as to why they pulled out the 2.0 manual FD Civic. people would rather an unresponsive automatic than a car with a proper manual gearbox.
           
    • reneski Aug 14 2011 @ 12:23am
       
      Drum brake inside the disc?? The disc--ventilated or solid--has no "inside" to assemble a drum brake in. Really, what is "drum-in-disc"?
         
  • hopeless Jul 27 2011 @ 10:10pm
     
    Chevy Cruze M/T because it is feature-packed, not an ugl*er version of the top-of-the-line variant, and not overpriced.
       
  • TEXAN-boy Jul 27 2011 @ 10:19pm
     
    this is just like typical comparison from either Glock or Walther to Kahr / Taurus.
    Lancer has already its name & the Cruze is just a new kid on the block forget about Sentra.
    watch out for the 2013 Hybrid Lancer Evo XI.
       
  • dominic Jul 27 2011 @ 10:48pm
     
    These 3 are the largest in its segment, I hope in the next issue there we'll be a comparison between altis, civic, and elantra! :-)
       
  • RS500 Jul 27 2011 @ 10:54pm
     
    The wood trims on the dash of that Lancer is very disappointing. If I'm obliged to buy one of those, I'll take it off immediately and have it replaced to the ones on the the GT trim.
    Last modified Jul 27 2011 @ 10:54pm
       
  • Lee17 Jul 27 2011 @ 11:59pm
     
    I love that Cruze but I have to admit that the hands down winner here would be the Lancer. the only thing I hate about it is the faux wood accents in the interior, Not my cup of tea.
       
  • engr_kristian Jul 28 2011 @ 12:00am
     
    this is the reason why Nissan is being left behind. they are trying so hard to present their cars as semi-luxury to justify the tags when there is nothing luxurious about it at all. underpowered engine, undersized rims, drum rear brakes, too many gears, low power loading, & a 7-digit price tag!!!
       
  • sweetpea Jul 28 2011 @ 12:21am
     
    Of course, Mitsubishi Lancer EX GLX! Hands down... :))
       
  • rangx24 Jul 28 2011 @ 01:03am
     
    how need a 2.0 engine when the price tag is better and fuel consumption is great with the CRUZE
       
  • jabroni Jul 28 2011 @ 09:37am
     
    sa tagal na netong Sentra 200 eh dalawa pa lng ata nakita ko neto sa kalye! Ang galing talaga ng Nissan dito sa Pinas!
       
  • allanski Jul 28 2011 @ 11:16am
     
    mitsubishi is giving out huge discounts, i think the lancer is in the Php850K range already, therefore this is a no contest. Lancer is the best in this category.
       
  • jmac1993 Jul 28 2011 @ 12:13pm
     
    ANg mahal pala ng Nissan Sentra.. ahaha..

       
  • mico101 Jul 28 2011 @ 12:57pm
     
    Lancer for sporty young adults. Cruze for practical adults. Sentra for retired folks :)
    Last modified Jul 28 2011 @ 12:58pm
       
  • derrickj21 Jul 28 2011 @ 01:47pm
     
    it seems Nissan just gives us the old units coming from Japan.. Come on, 1M for that specs? That's just plain abuse!
       
  • rdjl_13 Jul 28 2011 @ 04:10pm
     
    Mitsubishi Lancer Ex for pure performance. Chevrolet Cruze for over-all package. Sentra? Nevermind. :))
       
  • murcielago Jul 28 2011 @ 05:22pm
     
    Kung ako sa Nissan Ilabas na lang nila ang Nissan Maxima, for sure, mas malakas ang hit nun :P
       
  • Evo Lance Jul 28 2011 @ 05:26pm
     
    " Lancer for sporty young adults. Cruze for practical adults. Sentra for retired folks :) "

    ....ahahahah like!
       
  • Jet PAC Jul 28 2011 @ 06:04pm
     
    If Honda will bring back the Civic 2.0 S M/T, it'll be a sure winner for this comparo...
       
  • warak1422 Jul 29 2011 @ 12:03pm
     
    Cruze pru sana zenon HID lahat pati fog lamps
       
  • warak1422 Jul 29 2011 @ 12:18pm
     
    62% are plain fanatics
        1
  • motorcentrum Jul 29 2011 @ 02:16pm
     
    comparison between lancer,cruze and sentra it would be lancer power to weight ratio, resale value which i always consider, lastly comfort and style. it is worth buying.
       
  • dagz22 Jul 29 2011 @ 08:14pm
     
    Someone said that 62% were just plain fanatic. Well, that's true.. And I'm part of it! Proudly part of it!.. that's the main reason why people get one for themselves. Because they love the brand, styling, performance, everything! I also love the feature-packed styling of the Cruze and it's affordability. We all know that Lancer is just plane Lancer.. But Lancer EX... is Lancer EX.. Drive it and spot the BIG difference. If there are too much electronics or toys or ice (or whatever you wanna call it) installed, its not really a big plus to me.. it will just add up to my car's maintenance.. Anyway, satnav/GPS are not that expensive nowadays.
       
  • dagz22 Jul 29 2011 @ 08:16pm
     
    Someone said that 62% were just plain fanatic. Well, that's true.. And I'm part of it! Proudly part of it!.. that's the main reason why people get one for themselves. Because they love the brand, styling, performance, everything! I also love the feature-packed styling of the Cruze and it's affordability. We all know that Lancer is just plane Lancer.. But Lancer EX... is Lancer EX.. Drive it and spot the BIG difference. If there are too much electronics or toys or ice (or whatever you wanna call it) installed, its not really a big plus to me.. it will just add up to my car's maintenance.. Anyway, satnav/GPS are not that expensive nowadays.
       
  • 17Sphynx17 Jul 29 2011 @ 09:36pm
     
    Among the three, the Lancer would be my pick. But the Cruze makes me want to think twice, no questions about it.

    I don't get the rationale of the Sentra though.
       
  • one.edchelle Jul 30 2011 @ 09:24pm
     
    when i first got a Top Gear magazine, the first car i seen on it is the Mitsubishi Lancer GT-A and to be honest, i fall inlove with it, so much. moreover to it's 'Darthvader' styling. hehe . lancer pa din.
       
  • AKP1973 Jul 31 2011 @ 12:10am
     
    Boy, I love freedom that is why I always pick stick shift version but my work cars is an automatic.
       
  • one.edchelle Jul 31 2011 @ 09:43pm
     
    i love the lancer since then , moreover when i saw it on my first TG magazine that i had, Darthvader styling, wow!
       
  • rmolivar Aug 03 2011 @ 06:55am
     
    i hope you also do a review of the hyundai elantra
       
  • reneski Aug 14 2011 @ 12:45am
     
    I'd go for the Mits and Chevy. All guts and limbs being equal, I prefer the aggressive, but often pretentious (if it's not top of the line) looks of the Lancer. I would prefer the looks of the Cruze over the Lancer if not for the seemingly accidental grille design with the horizontal bar with Chevy "bowtie" forced to sit at an odd position vertically. It doesn't say anything except, "sorry, they are rushing the drawing and decided to simply align me with the headlamps. boom! " It's an eyesore. They didn't do that with the Volt, Camaro, Suburban or the Tahoe.
    Last modified Aug 14 2011 @ 12:47am
       
  • rubencueno Aug 16 2011 @ 03:19am
     
    Why not include the New Honda Civic 2012
       
  • rubencueno Aug 16 2011 @ 03:20am
     
    All New Honda Civic 2012 should be included.
       
  • Gelo87 Dec 05 2011 @ 04:34pm
     
    I'd go with the Lancer! 1.05M for a Sentra, yet you get 15 inch wheels and rear drum brakes? What a ripoff!
       
  • Carfanatic Jan 13 2012 @ 02:13pm
     
    Mitsubishi Lancer for me.
       
  • ivan.beltran Jan 18 2012 @ 09:17am
     
    being practical, I'd rather choose chevy cruze..
       
  • sudo Feb 05 2012 @ 11:44pm
     
    In regards to manual control... The one that has the rally-built breed have the advantage... The word Raliiart says it all! "It's more fun in a mitsubishi"!!!!
       
  • pumped_up_kicks Feb 17 2012 @ 12:43pm
     
    i wish the lancer gta has a manual tranny
       
  • reyjason Feb 23 2012 @ 10:02am
     
    if only chevy cruze had a 2.0 MT. . .
       
  • nathz tolin Apr 10 2012 @ 08:43pm
     
    for me... ill go with the lancer... muka kasing evo eh... plus, i really love red...
       
  • The Stig Apr 12 2012 @ 10:06pm
     
    MITSUBISHI LANCER!!!
       
  • dcstrololol Apr 26 2012 @ 09:25am
     
    Lancer is the real boss :) Di ko type yung sentra, ang mahal pa.
    ps: mukang cadillac yung sentra hahaha
       
  • SpeedRazor 11 months ago
     
    I love Mitsubishi Lancers, in fact we owned 3 of them 1992, 1995, and 1998 models. I even grew up with these baby. as a matter of fact, i didn't knew other cars that time when i was a kid, not until toyota came along. =)
       
  • SpeedRazor 11 months ago
     
    Manual Transmission rules! that's real driving experience! You have the Power in your hands! wooohooo!!!
       
  • nathz tolin 8 months ago
     
    For me, as long as RED ang kulay, the best yan...
       
  • chrisMartz 5 months ago
     
    good pick yung chevy cruze, wifey drives one and she loves the performance.
       
  • engr.onad 5 months ago
     
    i would prefer the mitsubishi lancer EX.

    Nissan Sentra for 1million pesos? prang hindi proportion yung price niya para sa sasakyan.
       
  • Mr. McMahon 2 months ago
     
    Much Better ung 3
       
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