2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Review

PROS
Well executed interior, Good fuel economy, Lots of features

CONS Lackluster acceleration, Noisy highway ride

Stepping up to the big time
This spring, Mitsubishi replaced its compact Lancer with an all new model carrying a 2008 model-year designation. The '08 Lancer sports completely new interior and exterior styling, and is taller, wider and has a longer wheelbase than the model it replaces.

Lancer shares its chassis design with the recently introduced Mitsubishi Outlander compact sport-utility vehicle. Lancer comes only as a four-door sedan and competes with compact cars like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla.

The new Lancer comes in three trim levels: DE, ES, and GTS. All are front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 152 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Two transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual and a continuously variable automatic (CVT). GTS models with the automatic get steering-column-mounted paddle shifters that activate preset ratios designed to emulate a conventional stepped-gear transmission.

DE models include 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, power windows, tilt steering wheel, and 16-inch wheels. ES models add alloy wheels, split-folding rear seat, air conditioning, keyless entry with security system, center console with armrest, chrome grille, power door locks, and steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls. GTS models add to ES 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, fog lights, front and side air dams, Bluetooth cell-phone interface, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Key options include the following: automatic transmission, power sunroof, navigation system, 30-GB hard drive with digital music server, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with digital-media player connection, and Sirius satellite radio.

DE models have a base price of $13,990, ES lists for $15,990, and GTS lists for $17,490. All have a destination charge of $625. Mitsubishi recently announced that the high-performance Lancer Evolution will return on the new platform in the 2008 calendar year.

The manual-transmission model's EPA fuel-economy ratings of 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway may not seem impressive compared with other compact cars, but that's because the EPA is revising the rating system for 2008. Since the Lancer is a '08, it must carry the revised ratings while most competitors carry more optimistic '07 ratings.

In routine driving expect to easily average 26 mpg and in highway cruising 30-plus mpg would be the expected norm. Mitsubishi says that the Lancer's 2.0-liter engine will run fine on regular-grade gasoline.

On the Road
Despite its sporty looks, the new Lancer features a nicely complaint ride. Things grow more busy with the GTS' 18-inch wheels, but Lancer never rides harshly. The suspension does a good job of filtering out small bumps and softening large ones. Compared to the old model, the ride is a bit firmer, but it's also much more controlled.

Thanks to larger wheels and a stiff chassis, the new Lancer is a lot more fun to drive on twisting roads. Steering feel is great, tires have adequate grip, brakes are confidence inspiring, and there's minimal body lean in fast turns. Because the GTS sports 18-inch wheels, it's got the most grip and balance on twisty roads.

Behind the Wheel It is clear that Mitsubishi put a great deal of effort into designing the interior of the '08 Lancer. Materials are much improved compared to the outgoing model and the overall ambiance is more modern and thoughtful. Large, easy-to-read gauges are front and center. Radio controls are placed high in the center stack and are clearly marked. Climate controls are simple and also quite easy to reach.

About the only interior bobble is a hard-to-read radio and climate display screen. It washes out to illegible in bright sunlight and is also difficult to read at twilight.

Front seats are typical compact fare though they could use a firmer seat cushion. Leg room is good. Head room is adequate as long as you don't order the optional sunroof. It eats into headroom making it nearly impossible for those over six-feet tall to get comfortable. Thick C-pillars and the GTS' standard decklid-mounted wing compromise rearward visibility.

Trunk opening is small and overall room isn't great compared to competitors. In addition, the available subwoofer eats into cargo space. Split-folding rear seats drop in a snap and add to useful cargo space. Interior storage is adequate and door-mounted map pockets feature bottle-holder cutouts.

Bottom Line No doubt Mitsubishi improved on Lancer in just about every conceivable way. The vehicle is now class-competitive in features, refinement, and interior room. That's saying a lot considering stiff competition.

Aggressive pricing and generous standard equipment on ES and GTS make those models the best overall values. Yet you shouldn't overlook Mitsubishi's play to younger buyers with available navigation system, Bluetooth phone connection, high-powered stereo system, and 30-GB hard drive. Those are features that will give Lancer a cult following among today's youth and make the vehicle much more appealing to a wider income demographic.