Our test model was the Lancer ES CVT finished in Electric Blue Pearl. Devoid of the larger rims, and tuner-style spoiler, side skirts and air dam of the GTS trim level, it was nonetheless quite an attractive vehicle. According to Mitsubishi, the main exterior design influences were the Mazda 3 and the Alfa Romeo 156. Design cues, particularly in the sporty GTS, hint strongly at Evolution influence.
Interior
Even the base model's cockpit benefits from higher quality materials, high tech styling and more features. Our tester's seats were upholstered in dark cloth, but were comfortable. Dash, instrument and door panels were plastic and vinyl that were soft and yielding to touch and finished with a pleasing grain.
The gauge panel was again, sporty and high-tech, and all models feature an LCD, full-function computer display. Backlighting is red on black surprisingly, and not the neon blue featured on other models tested this year.
Our Lancer's steering wheel was fat and grippy, with a full array of mounted controls: Cruise, audio, bluetooth, phone. Optional is a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate system with a 6 CD head unit, MP3 and iPod compatibility and nine speakers (including a 10" subwoofer.)
Higher trim levels are available with a Navigation unit, and new "Fast-Key" keyless entry system with ignition knob.
Driving Impressions
All 2008 Lancers are powered by the "All-New World Engine" which is a result of a collaboration between Mitsubishi, DCX and Hyundai. It's a 2.0 litre, DOHC MiVEC 4 cylinder with an output of 152 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 146 foot pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm. There are three available transmission options: a five speed manual, with a new shorter shift mechanism; CVT, or continuously variable transmission; and exclusive to the GTS model, CVT with Sportronic featuring steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Our tester came with the regular CVT transmission. I'm not a big fan of these, most of which seem never to match the revs of the engine. The vehicle had power enough on the steep inclines of the Forks of Credit, but both my driving partner and I remarked that it lagged while downshifting.
 |
| The Lancer's new cockpit benefits from better materials and great styling. |
Interior
Even the base model's cockpit benefits from higher quality materials, high tech styling and more features. Our tester's seats were upholstered in dark cloth, but were comfortable. Dash, instrument and door panels were plastic and vinyl that were soft and yielding to touch and finished with a pleasing grain.
The gauge panel was again, sporty and high-tech, and all models feature an LCD, full-function computer display. Backlighting is red on black surprisingly, and not the neon blue featured on other models tested this year.
Our Lancer's steering wheel was fat and grippy, with a full array of mounted controls: Cruise, audio, bluetooth, phone. Optional is a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate system with a 6 CD head unit, MP3 and iPod compatibility and nine speakers (including a 10" subwoofer.)
Higher trim levels are available with a Navigation unit, and new "Fast-Key" keyless entry system with ignition knob.
Driving Impressions
All 2008 Lancers are powered by the "All-New World Engine" which is a result of a collaboration between Mitsubishi, DCX and Hyundai. It's a 2.0 litre, DOHC MiVEC 4 cylinder with an output of 152 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 146 foot pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm. There are three available transmission options: a five speed manual, with a new shorter shift mechanism; CVT, or continuously variable transmission; and exclusive to the GTS model, CVT with Sportronic featuring steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Our tester came with the regular CVT transmission. I'm not a big fan of these, most of which seem never to match the revs of the engine. The vehicle had power enough on the steep inclines of the Forks of Credit, but both my driving partner and I remarked that it lagged while downshifting.
 |
| A Sportronic CVT transmission with paddles shifters is available only the GTS. |