This World engine, in Mitsubishi trim, produces 152 horsepower at 6,000 rpm (26 percent more than the current engine) and 146 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. On top of that, it weighs almost 27 kg less than its predecessor. Don't worry, there's enough room under the hood to fit the turbocharger of the Lancer EVOLUTION, which will reportedly arrive in Canada in less than two years...
As for the transmission, the 2008 Lancer will offer the choice between a 5-speed manual gearbox with short throw (standard) and a continuously variable transmission (optional). I tested the latter and was happy to find out it performs better than the Caliber's. When accelerating, the gains in engine revs are well controlled and the engine doesn't show any signs of tiring.
In addition, two paddle shifters (made of genuine magnesium, no less) are mounted on the steering wheel to allow the driver to change gears manually. This is fun for sporty driving, while in city traffic, you can revert back to the automatic mode. My first road test was too brief to evaluate fuel economy, but the CVT is said to deliver an improved environmental performance under normal driving conditions.
Italian inspiration
New model, new look; what do you think of this one? Mitsubishi's head designer admitted that the 2008 Lancer is inspired from the beautiful Alfa Romeo 156 and, to some extent, from the Mazda3, which also sports an Italian-inspired design. The narrow headlights, the wedgy profile with sculpted sides and the roofline that flows to the rear; all this is attractive but not spectacular. Fortunately for wing lovers -- but unfortunately for design purists -- Mitsubishi will offer a rear spoiler on the trunk of the GTS. As usual, this appendage reduces rear visibility and has no effect whatsoever on the car's handling (unless you exceed 160 kph).
Well thought out interior
Inside, the interior of the new Lancer features a classic and conservative dashboard, neat fit and finish as well as improved materials compared to the brand's current offerings. The car is also more liveable thanks to a longer wheelbase (+37 mm) and wider track (+60 mm). There's now seven airbags, including one for the driver's knees. Options include FAST-Key remote door opening, cruise control, Bluetooth phone compatibility and a 650-watt audio system with six-CD changer, MP3 player, auxiliary input and nine speakers.
The 2008 Lancer will be available in three different trims: DE ($16,598 to $19,498), ES ($19,698 to $20,798) and GTS ($21,698 to $24,798). It's an affordable, well-designed car which the company backs with its generous powertrain warranty (10 years or 160,000 km). Canadians will love it.
Exemplary rigidity
Satisfying road behavior
Attractive lines
Competitive prices
Excellent warranty
Limited dealer network
Unknown reliability
Noisy low-profile tires (GTS model)
Slightly obtrusive rear spoiler (GTS model)
photo:Alain Raymond, Mitsubishi
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| The 2008 Lancer in GTS trim. |
As for the transmission, the 2008 Lancer will offer the choice between a 5-speed manual gearbox with short throw (standard) and a continuously variable transmission (optional). I tested the latter and was happy to find out it performs better than the Caliber's. When accelerating, the gains in engine revs are well controlled and the engine doesn't show any signs of tiring.
In addition, two paddle shifters (made of genuine magnesium, no less) are mounted on the steering wheel to allow the driver to change gears manually. This is fun for sporty driving, while in city traffic, you can revert back to the automatic mode. My first road test was too brief to evaluate fuel economy, but the CVT is said to deliver an improved environmental performance under normal driving conditions.
Italian inspiration
New model, new look; what do you think of this one? Mitsubishi's head designer admitted that the 2008 Lancer is inspired from the beautiful Alfa Romeo 156 and, to some extent, from the Mazda3, which also sports an Italian-inspired design. The narrow headlights, the wedgy profile with sculpted sides and the roofline that flows to the rear; all this is attractive but not spectacular. Fortunately for wing lovers -- but unfortunately for design purists -- Mitsubishi will offer a rear spoiler on the trunk of the GTS. As usual, this appendage reduces rear visibility and has no effect whatsoever on the car's handling (unless you exceed 160 kph).
Well thought out interior
Inside, the interior of the new Lancer features a classic and conservative dashboard, neat fit and finish as well as improved materials compared to the brand's current offerings. The car is also more liveable thanks to a longer wheelbase (+37 mm) and wider track (+60 mm). There's now seven airbags, including one for the driver's knees. Options include FAST-Key remote door opening, cruise control, Bluetooth phone compatibility and a 650-watt audio system with six-CD changer, MP3 player, auxiliary input and nine speakers.
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| The interior is more spacious than the previous model's. |
The 2008 Lancer will be available in three different trims: DE ($16,598 to $19,498), ES ($19,698 to $20,798) and GTS ($21,698 to $24,798). It's an affordable, well-designed car which the company backs with its generous powertrain warranty (10 years or 160,000 km). Canadians will love it.
 |
Satisfying road behavior
Attractive lines
Competitive prices
Excellent warranty
 |
Unknown reliability
Noisy low-profile tires (GTS model)
Slightly obtrusive rear spoiler (GTS model)
photo:Alain Raymond, Mitsubishi
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