The world engine
All Lancers, GTS included, employ a two-liter four-cylinder 'world' engine with 152 horsepower. It's a unit shared with other applications from Dodge and Hyundai- intended to save the carmakers on development costs while saving owners fuel. It's met both goals- generating miserly city fuel consumption of about 9.8L / 100km during sporty driving.
The 2.4 liter unit in the last top-line Lancer was quieter and more powerful though, and represented a beefy horsepower gain over lesser models. The new mill has a versatile power delivery enabled by variable valve timing and it's plenty peppy- though a boring power curve and uninspiring sound don't generate a really exciting character.
Road course, anyone?
There is redemption though- and the GTS's performance can still cash the checks written by its styling. The front wheels are driven by a five-speed manual transmission with a firm, quick action. Rowing gears quickly is no problem, and the shifter far nicer than the last Ralliart.
The suspension is another well-sorted out piece of work. Though passengers may comment on a stiff ride and the presence of suspension noise, drivers can tell them that they're aboard one of the very best handling affordable cars on the road.
Steering is quick, and the Lancer goes exactly where instructed without any fuss. Should you be so inclined, it really is an absolute blast to toss around an empty, winding road. Do so and you're on your own- as stability control is unavailable. Powerful ABS brakes which deliver great feel and fade-resistant operation round out the package.
Shopping Around
A logical comparison here is the 3 from Mazda- another youthful Japanese automaker. 3 is available as a sedan or hatch, and with features like leather seating and xenon lighting, too. Fit and finish are better, as is the suspension noise-level.
But priced similarly to the Lancer, some options are missing. These include the auto climate control system, 6-CD changer and driver knee-mounted airbag. Mitsubishi's warranty is superior- with 10 years or 160,000 km of powertrain coverage.
Don't drive one without driving the other. The 3 pulls off a more luxurious and refined character, leaving the Lancer to do the bass-thumping, corner-carving, boy-racer thing better than anyone else for the money.
photo:Justin Pritchard
All Lancers, GTS included, employ a two-liter four-cylinder 'world' engine with 152 horsepower. It's a unit shared with other applications from Dodge and Hyundai- intended to save the carmakers on development costs while saving owners fuel. It's met both goals- generating miserly city fuel consumption of about 9.8L / 100km during sporty driving.
The 2.4 liter unit in the last top-line Lancer was quieter and more powerful though, and represented a beefy horsepower gain over lesser models. The new mill has a versatile power delivery enabled by variable valve timing and it's plenty peppy- though a boring power curve and uninspiring sound don't generate a really exciting character.
 |
| Powerful ABS brakes which deliver great feel and fade-resistant operation round out the package. |
Road course, anyone?
There is redemption though- and the GTS's performance can still cash the checks written by its styling. The front wheels are driven by a five-speed manual transmission with a firm, quick action. Rowing gears quickly is no problem, and the shifter far nicer than the last Ralliart.
The suspension is another well-sorted out piece of work. Though passengers may comment on a stiff ride and the presence of suspension noise, drivers can tell them that they're aboard one of the very best handling affordable cars on the road.
Steering is quick, and the Lancer goes exactly where instructed without any fuss. Should you be so inclined, it really is an absolute blast to toss around an empty, winding road. Do so and you're on your own- as stability control is unavailable. Powerful ABS brakes which deliver great feel and fade-resistant operation round out the package.
 |
| The Lancer GTS delivers a sporty visual punch, aided by the chrome tipped exhaust and trunk-mounted spoiler that's visible from Google earth. |
Shopping Around
A logical comparison here is the 3 from Mazda- another youthful Japanese automaker. 3 is available as a sedan or hatch, and with features like leather seating and xenon lighting, too. Fit and finish are better, as is the suspension noise-level.
But priced similarly to the Lancer, some options are missing. These include the auto climate control system, 6-CD changer and driver knee-mounted airbag. Mitsubishi's warranty is superior- with 10 years or 160,000 km of powertrain coverage.
Don't drive one without driving the other. The 3 pulls off a more luxurious and refined character, leaving the Lancer to do the bass-thumping, corner-carving, boy-racer thing better than anyone else for the money.
photo:Justin Pritchard
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