Spring brings countless potholes, extreme gas-price volatility and warm, sunny weather- so a new car with nimble handling, good mileage and a sunroof may be just the ticket to kiss winter goodbye.
Of course, a fun-to-drive and economical car can be enjoyed any day of the year, but if you're looking to play somewhere in the mid-$20,000 ballpark, the list of contenders may seem daunting.
A youthful sports sedan
Mitsubishi's striking Lancer GTS is one of the most obvious matches for the young (or young at heart) shopper in this marketplace. With a set of 18-inch rims, fog-lamps, European styling elements and a dramatic, pug-nosed front end, it's the real looker of its class- despite a love-it-or-hate-it face.
It delivers a sporty visual punch, aided by the chrome tipped exhaust and trunk-mounted spoiler that's visible from Google earth. It's a racy look, and the Lancer gets extra points from fans just because the rally-ready Evo is its big brother. It's consistently complimented wherever it shows up- especially by younger members of the Playstation generation.
Improved, comfortable interior
Inside, the looks are just as exciting. An analog and digital information centre houses the gauges and trip computer, and the entire dashboard is set off by a contrasting metallic slash and various textures. Entry and exit are simple in both rows of seats, which each offer adequate room. The front perches are heated, and the cabin benefits from automatic climate control.
Fit and finish are typical of the price-range, and all controls are intuitive. Mitsubishi has mainly fixed a huge complaint of the last-generation Lancer- namely the dim, hard to read instruments. Unfortunately, the audio-system display screen is completely impossible to read in the day time- especially with sunglasses on.
Features and gadgets
Fun features include a standard voice-activated Bluetooth cellular phone interface as well as a fast-key access system. Keep the fob in your pocket and forget about it. It may embarrass you when it occasionally decides not to work, but it's generally slick to use. .
The fast-key gizmo comes with the GTS's optional Sun and Sound package which also adds a power sunroof and spoiler-rattling Rockford Fosgate stereo system. There's even an old-school style sub-box in the trunk. This could be the best stereo you'll find in a sub-$24,000 car, and a 6-CD changer is included.
Of course, a fun-to-drive and economical car can be enjoyed any day of the year, but if you're looking to play somewhere in the mid-$20,000 ballpark, the list of contenders may seem daunting.
A youthful sports sedan
Mitsubishi's striking Lancer GTS is one of the most obvious matches for the young (or young at heart) shopper in this marketplace. With a set of 18-inch rims, fog-lamps, European styling elements and a dramatic, pug-nosed front end, it's the real looker of its class- despite a love-it-or-hate-it face.
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| Mitsubishi's striking Lancer GTS is one of the most obvious matches forthe young (or young at heart) shopper in this marketplace. |
It delivers a sporty visual punch, aided by the chrome tipped exhaust and trunk-mounted spoiler that's visible from Google earth. It's a racy look, and the Lancer gets extra points from fans just because the rally-ready Evo is its big brother. It's consistently complimented wherever it shows up- especially by younger members of the Playstation generation.
Improved, comfortable interior
Inside, the looks are just as exciting. An analog and digital information centre houses the gauges and trip computer, and the entire dashboard is set off by a contrasting metallic slash and various textures. Entry and exit are simple in both rows of seats, which each offer adequate room. The front perches are heated, and the cabin benefits from automatic climate control.
Fit and finish are typical of the price-range, and all controls are intuitive. Mitsubishi has mainly fixed a huge complaint of the last-generation Lancer- namely the dim, hard to read instruments. Unfortunately, the audio-system display screen is completely impossible to read in the day time- especially with sunglasses on.
Features and gadgets
Fun features include a standard voice-activated Bluetooth cellular phone interface as well as a fast-key access system. Keep the fob in your pocket and forget about it. It may embarrass you when it occasionally decides not to work, but it's generally slick to use. .
The fast-key gizmo comes with the GTS's optional Sun and Sound package which also adds a power sunroof and spoiler-rattling Rockford Fosgate stereo system. There's even an old-school style sub-box in the trunk. This could be the best stereo you'll find in a sub-$24,000 car, and a 6-CD changer is included.
 |
| Interior fit and finish are typical of the price-range, and all controls are intuitive. |