When the Mazda 3 is one of your main competitors, that’s pretty important. The brake pedal is somewhat stiff, though the pads bite down quickly and firmly with minimal effort. The advanced antilock discs at all corners get electronic brake force distribution too-- which proved appreciable during simulated ‘brake-and-avoid’ manoeuvres.
Plenty of sauce, manually stirred
Under the hood, Mitsubishi has things nicely matched to the driving manners with a 2.4 litre, 168 horsepower engine that’s eager to work. Using a trick variable valve timing system, low-end torque proved fantastic for an engine of its size. Downshifting for passing, merging or hill climbing is strictly optional.
Should drivers wish to shed a few gears and exploit the engine’s full grunt, the car hauls along nicely and makes a generally-pleasing array of sound effects.
The tester drove the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The shifter mechanism is far from the segment’s slickest, though a relatively short throw and light clutch action made gear-rowing enjoyable nonetheless. With the five-speed stick on board, Lancer Sportback GTS is a definite entertainer.
Mileage averaged about 10.2L/100km during mid-December driving in Northern Ontario—though heavy-footed drivers can expect that figure to spike as high as 12L / 100km.
Simple, effective, no-surprise interior
Inside, the Lancer’s simple cabin is executed with materials selection, build quality and style that are about average for the segment. The Mazda 3 wins any day in a 'who's cabin looks cooler' contest, though the Lancer has a number of things going for it, too.
The nicely-bolstered seats are comfortable and heated, instruments are crisp and readily readable, and most controls are of the easy-to-use variety. The stereo is reasonably punchy, too.
Storage facilities available from the driver’s seat are generous, and no fewer than 3 cupholders are available to front passengers at all times. Visibility is relatively good, and the rear-seat bench is soft, cushy and almost sofa-like. No issues to note with head or leg-room, either.
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| Under the hood, Mitsubishi has things nicely matched to the driving manners with a 2.4 litre, 168 horsepower engine that’s eager to work. |
Plenty of sauce, manually stirred
Under the hood, Mitsubishi has things nicely matched to the driving manners with a 2.4 litre, 168 horsepower engine that’s eager to work. Using a trick variable valve timing system, low-end torque proved fantastic for an engine of its size. Downshifting for passing, merging or hill climbing is strictly optional.
Should drivers wish to shed a few gears and exploit the engine’s full grunt, the car hauls along nicely and makes a generally-pleasing array of sound effects.
The tester drove the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The shifter mechanism is far from the segment’s slickest, though a relatively short throw and light clutch action made gear-rowing enjoyable nonetheless. With the five-speed stick on board, Lancer Sportback GTS is a definite entertainer.
Mileage averaged about 10.2L/100km during mid-December driving in Northern Ontario—though heavy-footed drivers can expect that figure to spike as high as 12L / 100km.
Simple, effective, no-surprise interior
Inside, the Lancer’s simple cabin is executed with materials selection, build quality and style that are about average for the segment. The Mazda 3 wins any day in a 'who's cabin looks cooler' contest, though the Lancer has a number of things going for it, too.
The nicely-bolstered seats are comfortable and heated, instruments are crisp and readily readable, and most controls are of the easy-to-use variety. The stereo is reasonably punchy, too.
Storage facilities available from the driver’s seat are generous, and no fewer than 3 cupholders are available to front passengers at all times. Visibility is relatively good, and the rear-seat bench is soft, cushy and almost sofa-like. No issues to note with head or leg-room, either.
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| Inside, the Lancer’s simple cabin is executed with materials selection, build quality and style that are about average for the segment. |