The drivetrain is refined too. While not quite as powerful as most of its dual-overhead cam competitors, its 120-hp 2.0-L 16-valve SOHC 4-cylinder engine is extremely smooth even at its 6,300 rpm redline (it shows 6,000 but is willing to go 300 rpm more). Speaking of hitting redline, unlike most entry level cars and many premium models the Lancer holds at redline instead of cutting power, improving its fun factor at speed. Its torque rating of 130 lb-ft comes just 3 to 5 lb-ft shy of the compact class average. The engine revs freely, offering spirited acceleration enhanced by one of the smoothest shifting 5-speed transmissions in its class.
Its 4-speed automatic transmission offers an automated driver-adaptive technology that actually changes shift patterns depending on your driving style. If you're in a conservative mood it will shift at a lower rpm to improve fuel economy, or alternatively at redline to strengthen performance if you're in a hurry. It uses a variety of pre-programmed computer 'maps' to achieve this result. The automatic transmission reduces fuel economy to 9.8 / 7.8 L/100km (city/hwy) compared to the manual's 8.7 / 7.1 L/100km (city/hwy) rating, placing the Lancer about mid-pack when compared to its compact competitors.
Where does it fall short? Other than a few horsepower, optional rear discs would improve braking response. Speaking about improved performance, Mitsubishi has not officially announced plans to sell the Subaru WRX tromping AWD Lancer EVO VIII in Canada anytime soon. Although an enthusiastic group of journalists attending the recent all-model launch in Montebello, Quebec goaded the seemingly willing but possibly hand-tied North American executive team to bring it north, letters and deposit checks from real buyers would probably do a better job to sway the powers that be.