So the driver gets an engine that’s got gumption. With its 168 ponies, it produces a little more torque than the average mill, and acceleration and throttle response are well above what you would expect from a family car.
The standard 5-speed manual transmission allows you to take full advantage of this multivalve engine’s get-up-and-go. With only five speeds? Absolutely: they’re well spaced. As an alternative, Mitsubishi offers a continuously variable automatic version.
Of course, swapping the GTS badge for the Ralliart one gets you the 2.0-litre, 237-hp turbo, all-wheel drive and 6-speed sequential transmission that turn this compact car into a right little scrapper. But to shave off that half second on the 0 to 100-km/h dash and increase the risk of loosing your licence, you’ll have to fork over an extra 10,000 $ at least.
Fun to drive
The Sportback GTS benefits from precise power steering that apportions its assistance well. The “sport” suspension (the automaker’s term) handles the road’s irregularities well and while stiff, it isn’t excessively so. Brake performance goes hand in hand with the above and is handled by four discs that are easy to manage.
All in all, this Lancer makes a decent compromise between a comfortable ride and a sporty drive. Why pay more for the Ralliart?
After all, the bucket seats are both form-fitting and height-adjustable. They offer the desired support on long winding roads. On the other hand, while the steering wheel does tilt it isn’t telescopic. Disappointing, as many of the Sportback’s rivals do offer the feature, which optimizes the driving position.
The rear seats can accommodate two smaller people. Oh, and when they climb in, make sure they lower their head.
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| The automaker saw fit to include a front stabilizer bar with the rather stiff suspension. |
The standard 5-speed manual transmission allows you to take full advantage of this multivalve engine’s get-up-and-go. With only five speeds? Absolutely: they’re well spaced. As an alternative, Mitsubishi offers a continuously variable automatic version.
Of course, swapping the GTS badge for the Ralliart one gets you the 2.0-litre, 237-hp turbo, all-wheel drive and 6-speed sequential transmission that turn this compact car into a right little scrapper. But to shave off that half second on the 0 to 100-km/h dash and increase the risk of loosing your licence, you’ll have to fork over an extra 10,000 $ at least.
Fun to drive
The Sportback GTS benefits from precise power steering that apportions its assistance well. The “sport” suspension (the automaker’s term) handles the road’s irregularities well and while stiff, it isn’t excessively so. Brake performance goes hand in hand with the above and is handled by four discs that are easy to manage.
All in all, this Lancer makes a decent compromise between a comfortable ride and a sporty drive. Why pay more for the Ralliart?
After all, the bucket seats are both form-fitting and height-adjustable. They offer the desired support on long winding roads. On the other hand, while the steering wheel does tilt it isn’t telescopic. Disappointing, as many of the Sportback’s rivals do offer the feature, which optimizes the driving position.
The rear seats can accommodate two smaller people. Oh, and when they climb in, make sure they lower their head.
 |
| The Sportback GTS comes with a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission. |