Vehicle: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with Sportronic CVT w/INVECS-3
Price as tested: CDN$24043

Performance: New Lancer’s powerplant is a colloboration program between DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai. With this partnership project, it has reduced the R&D time and money that this once-struggling Japanese carmaker needs. Another advantage is Mitsubishi engineers have plenty of resources for themselves to tune this motor to be competitive. With its DOHC and Mitsubishi’s advanced MIVEC variable valve timing technology, this 2.0L 4-cylinder engine has class-leading horsepower and torque. Its good for 152hp and 146 lb/ft of torque. Unlike the Lancer motors of old, its definitely not a sluggish performer. The throttle response is quick and linear. With 146 lb/ft of torque arrives at 4250 rpm, there are plenty of low-end grunt that is absence in its predecessor. The level of refinement and NVH of this powerplant matched the high standards set by Honda and Mazda engines. Our tester comes with the optional Sportronic CVT. Mitsubishi engineers have put lots of time when developing this unit and the result shows. Its a very efficient unit that rivalled those of the best in the market. Its possibly the best currently resides in econocar which better than even Nissan’s Xtronic. Although its better to leave CVT in “D” as the most efficient and economical driving mode, however, its paddle shifters work ergonomically with its thick-rimmed steering. It actually encourages the manuamtic use of the Sportronic as a match for Lancer’s sporty character.

Handling: With 53% higher torsional rigidty and 50% higher bending rigidty than the outgoing platform, Lancer’s chassis finally doesn’t show any crack and flex when pushed hard. Its an extremely stiff and strong chassis for suspension to hang its head. Its level of stiffness is even tougher than any Lancer Evolutions gone before this.

Its electric power steering provides decent feedback and response, its light and precise is what it should be. The suspension is firm without losing the ride comfort one expects from an econocar. Mitsubishi has tuned our GTS tester’s suspension more aggressively in order to reflect its character. You no longer need an Evolution in order to beat its peers. With the new chassis, even with base Lancer engine, it remains very capable car. Through the corners, its chassis dynamics and control are very competitive around its peers. There are slight understeer and body rolls as one expected from an entry-level sedan. But the result is a very composed and solid performer. Although the ride quality got somewhat busy when driven through washboard pavement, its impressive showing in twisties are what it is paid for.

Brakes: With its 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS and all discs around; our GTS tester performs surprisingly when it comes to stopping power. However, its a pity the base DE has to lump its ABS with air conditioning as a package. If Mitsubishi is able to afford to put 4-channel, 4-sensor into an econocar; they shouldn’t cut ABS into an optional package. What a pity!

Interior: In terms of material, its a huge leap forward over its predecessor. However, there are still lots of hard plastic on the top of the dashboard. The bottom half uses a much softer plastic material which is plaasing to the touch. The cloth seats are comfortable and well-foamed. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. With stereo placed above the semi-automatic climate control, one doesn’t need to take the eyes off in order to adjust the stereo. All the switchgears are finished in high-quality, tactical touch. The SACC works nicely with A/C during our mid 10s spring afternoon weather.

The backseat is equally spacious with plenty of leg and headrooms.

Its a bonus for Mitsubishi to use uninstrusive hinges because it won’t crashed into any groceries inside the trunk. The trunk liftover and size are reasonable thanks to 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. Just be careful with your head when the trunk opened because its height has got me a couple of times.

Conclusion: The new Lancer is, indeed, a very impressive car from Mitsubishi. In the past, its hard to find a reason to justify buying a Mitsubishi because it has nothing against its competitions. With the introduction of latest Lancer, it got a whole lot to run with the best of the entry-level car segment. The biggest bonus is the 5-year warranty offers in Mitsubishi which lacks in its rivals. This Lancer, along with the recently introduced Outlander compact ute and Eclipse last year, are showing Mitsubishi is coming back.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5