Lancer hits the sweet spot
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer with its new shark-like snout is intended to take a bite out of its competition.
Available in three trim levels — DE, ES and GTS — Lancer rides on a new global platform that also is the base for the next generation of Evolution, which is scheduled to hit Canada next year. The new generation has a longer wheelbase and wider track, although its overall length is slightly shorter and the unibody structure is much more rigid.
I was immediately attracted to the wedge-like profile of the DE test car from Mitsubishi Canada, although I admit the attraction was modified somewhat by the steel wheels. I prefer my models in more stylish shoes, like aluminum alloys.
DE is the entry-level car; however the test vehicle carried optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) and air conditioning package, which also brings anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, power locks and body-colour heated outside power mirrors, raising the price to $19,498.
What else do you get for your buck? Quite a lot, actually — standard gear such as a driver information system with trip computer and power windows. Safety gear includes dual stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full side curtain airbags, even a driver's side knee airbag.
As the saying goes, you might not get all you want, but you get all you need — except cruise control. For that you have to move up to an ES.
You also get a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that uses MIVEC technology to rouse 152 hp and 146 lb.-ft. of torque that gets to the front wheels with surprising enthusiasm.
The Lancer’s sporting genes become increasingly evident when you stomp on the throttle. It feels like there’s a bigger engine in there and the CVT’s lovely habit of being right in the sweet spot makes passing on the highway routine rather than adventurous.
Of course I looked under the hood. That’s where I discovered that the average driver would not the be one to replace a dead battery in this car. The power source is located under the engine air intake duct, meaning you have to disconnect that piece of pipe before you can remove the battery.
Handling is superb. Even on the DE’s 16-in. wheels, the Lancer corners like it’s glued to the pavement, a trait not evident in many entry-level vehicles.
The new front suspension uses strut tower bars to increase lateral rigidity and the new multi-link rear setup uses separate coil springs and shock absorbers to keep the rear end lined up as it should be in corners.
Road imperfections pass under the wheels without much fanfare and little road noise finds its way inside.
I won’t call the interior of the DE with its universal grey hue drab, but it’s close.
The gauge cluster is centralized and easy to read and the ergonomic layout puts switches within reach of the driver.
Seating presented a problem over a long haul. The DE driver's seat simply doesn’t have enough adjustment to allow me to find an optimum position. I found myself wishing for a seat cushion height or angle adjustment.
Rear seat passengers found their perches (the outer two anyway) comfortable and nobody complained about head or legroom.
The trunk is spacious enough for travel, but when it comes to hauling long items, you’re out of luck. The rear seat does not fold to increase cargo capacity.
Not a lot of negatives, really, and most of those can be corrected by moving up a model.
In any case, I enjoyed my week with the Lancer. I even found its 140-watt four-speaker audio system with single CD player and MP3 capability rather refreshing to my ears … you could actually hear bass rather than feel it.
Will this shark swim with the other fish in the segment — cars like the Mazda3, Civic Sedan and Toyota Corolla?
That remains to be seen, but given the 10-year powertrain warranty and the company’s aggressive pricing policy, it’s going to be a contender.
Model price range: $16,598 to $24,798
Competitors: Honda Civic Sedan, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla
Strengths: Good throttle response, good features
Weaknesses: Seating adjustment, no cruise
Find a dealer that sells the Mitsubishi Lancer
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