Mitsubishi is making a comeback in America after a loose car buying program left it with deadbeat customers and a steep loss from their repossessed autos with poor resale values several years ago.
Critics thought Mitsubishi probably was finished in America, where it's celebrating its 25th year. But sales are up in the first two months this year to 19,109 cars and trucks from 15,446 units in the same year-ago period despite a generally slow market.
Sales so far this year don't include the new, early 2008 Lancer, which promises to increase volume. For one thing, this compact four-door sedan has arrived when higher fuel prices are causing a renewed interest in smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.
Mitsubishi is maintaining a pace of bringing new vehicles to market. It's only U.S. plant is in Downstate Normal, where autos such as its small, sporty Eclipse are built. But the new, ninth-generation Lancer is built in Japan.
Lancers have been decent, but Mitsubishi threw away the old Lancer book in designing the 2008 front-wheel-drive model. It takes its aggressive styling from the automaker's Concept-X auto show car and thus has a "shark-nosed" front end, distinctive wedgelike profile and crisp, taut lines.
The 2008 Lancer is based on a new, far more rigid platform for a more solid feel and better ride and handling. Compared to its predecessor, it has a 1.3 inch longer wheelbase and is 2.7 inches wider, with 2.3-inch wider front/rear tracks. It's also several inches higher, but about a half inch shorter. Overall, it's got a more road-hugging attitude.
The Lancer comes as the entry $13,990-$14,890 DE, mid-range $15,990-$16,890 ES and top-line $17,490 to $18,490 GTS. I tested tS, which is the most racy version with 18-inch alloy wheels, front air dam, side skirts, rear spoiler, fog lights and a chrome tailpipe tip.
All come with a slick five-speed manual transmission that works with a light, rather long-throw clutch. My GTS has the manual gearbox, but offered for all Lancers is an optional Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) transmission. It has a manual-shift feature (utilizing steering wheel paddle shifters for the GTS) and makes the new Lancer the first Mitsubishi sold in America with a CVT.
Powering the car is a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower. It's sophisticated, with dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves and variable valve timing. The engine/transmission is guaranteed for 10 years or 100,00 miles.
Estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg in the city and 29 on highways with the manual and 22 and 29 with the CVT. Only 87-octane gasoline is needed.
All Lancers have seven air bags, including the first driver's knee air bag in a Mitsubishi model. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution are standard on the ES and GTS, optional for the entry DE.
The DE is moderately well-equipped, with automatic-off halogen headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, manually adjustable front seats, rear defroster, tilt wheel, tire pressure monitoring system, CD/MP3 head unit, variable intermittent wipers, remote trunk and fuel lid releases and power side mirrors and windows with a driver-side automatic-down feature.
The ES adds power door locks, manual air conditioning, power windows with a driver-side automatic-up function, premium fabric seating materials, 60/40 split rear seat and keyless entry.
Added to the racier looking GTS are a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with wider tires, automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and sporty fabric seating surfaces.
Besides anti-lock brakes, a DE option package contains manual air conditioning, power door locks and driver-side power window with an automatic-up function.
Optional for the ES and GTS is a Sun and Sound package that contains a power glass sunroof with a sunshade and a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch premium sound system with nine speakers. There's also a navigation package for the GTS.
My test GTS had strong acceleration, although a downshift to fourth gear is needed for the best passing times on highways. Steering is precise, with decent road feel, and the suspension provides a supple ride despite this version's firmer suspension and more performance-oriented tires -- although large bumps can be felt.
Handling is reassuring. There's a good combination of balance and grip, with the GTS having the sharpest moves.
The brake pedal is easily modulated, and short stopping distances are no problem.
Lancers haven't been known for visual interior appeal, but the 2008 model is a major step forward in that regard. The cockpit is quiet, gauges can be easily read and climate controls are large. Audio controls are small, but at least are placed high on the dashboard to facilitate their use.
Front seats provide good side support in curves, and the back seat area is especially roomy for a compact car. The rear seat has a high, hard center area best occupied by the flip-down armrest, but it otherwise allows good thigh and leg support for taller people.
Visibility is generally good from the driver's seat, although thick windshield posts partially block vision when taking corners, and the GTS' large rear spoiler is too visible when glancing in the rearview mirror.
The trunk is impressively large but has a rather high opening. Seatbacks flip forward and sit flat to enlarge the cargo area.
The competitively priced Lancer is handsome and practical -- and seems worth more than it costs. The GTS version could be considered a bargain-priced sports sedan.
PRICE: $13,990-$18,490
LIKES: Aggressive styling. Fast. Roomy. Comfortable. Good roadability.
DISLIKES: High trunk opening. Thick windshield pillars. Old-style hood prop rod. |