2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Review

At the top of every list, there has to be something different. With Mitsubishi, what is at the top depends on where you look. If you are performance oriented (what an understatement!), that would be the Lancer Evo. If you are family oriented and need a bit of extra cargo space that a sedan doesn’t have, the top of the pile is the new Lancer Sportback GTS. GTS is the carry over designation form the regular Lancer where just about everything is standard. Sportback comes the same way.

If the Sportback has a fault, the makers of my sunglasses have to share in the blame.

My test unit wasn’t quite fully loaded. It did have the optional CVT automatic, but not the “Sound and Sun” package which is just what it sounds like, a 650 amp Rockford-Fosgate sound system with an in-dash six disc changer as well as a moon roof. The only other factory option is FAST Key, keyless remote entry system. After that there is a long list of factory accessories to help individualize your Sportback.

With the CVT automatic, paddle shifters on the steering wheel are standard. I did try all the shifting possibilities with this set up. Mind you circumstances were quite different and did require different driving techniques. My first couple of days were spent getting used to the car, doing family stuff like grocery getting, picking up dog food, going to the theatre and such. The Sportback performed flawlessly.

Doing the day to day things is a lot easier when the vehicle is suited to the task and the Sportback rose to the occasion every time. The front bucket seats were comfortable and fit everyone that sat in the front. In the back, the split, folding bench was quite useable. Foot room and knee room were pretty good and two adults could sit in comfort. If you added a third adult to the mix in the rear, things get a bit crowded and the one in the middle gets more of a perch than a comfortable seat.

Other interior high points included a large cargo area with a cover when the back seat is up. With the seat down, I never did manage to fill it up although I suspect that one good shopping trip to a home fixture place could solve that issue. Another feature that I was told to mention are the cup holders, particularly those in front. Both my wife and my son, coffee fiends extraordinaire, told me that the cup holders were deep and the right size for just about every size of coffee cup. As a minimal coffee drinker, I have always felt that you shouldn’t drink and drive, not even coffee. This makes cup holders to me more of a place to put keys, notes or receipts.

With the CVT automatic, paddle shifters on the steering wheel are standard.