Cars

Mitsubishi released its all new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Available in three models, DE (lowest), ES (middle) and the GTS (highest). With prices starting around $14,615 its hard to leave Mitsubishi’s new Lancer out of the loop when considering a new car in this price range.

I had the opportunity to test-drive the all new lancer a week ago and I was impressed yet a little disappointed. Recently Motorweek did a test drive of the new Lancer in their “Road Test” segment. The car had an average 0-60 of 7.7 seconds and braking from 60-0 was a quick 124 feet.

The numbers and statistics are fine, but what really counts is overall car quality and performance. Firstly, Mitsubishi has really upgraded the interior design of the lancer. The fit and finish on the inside seems immaculate and rattle-free. The dash is well laid out and everything seems to be well positioned along with being driver oriented.

For being a small car, the cabin seems very roomy and actually the seats felt quite comfortable too. I drove the car approximately 10 miles which included city driving as well as a little highway driving. I wont go into the details but here is the breakdown:

Interior : Very clean and appealing design in the car. Everything seemed to flow well and the red-lit gauges really added a sense of style to the carbon-fiber style dash. The cd/mp3 deck was also flush with the surface and flowed that meshed well with the car.

Exterior : Since this was the GTS it had the extra frills such as an entire body kit (fog lights included) and of course the rather large spoiler, however, the car has a very aggressive stance which might intimidate other smaller cars on the road. But were the looks good enough to take away from the 152 hp engine? Lets see..

Drive : The car drove very well, it felt solid and firmly planted. The braking on the car was very smooth and accurate, however, the engine noise would get a bit distracting at higher speeds. The CVT is impressive technology however with the Mitsubishi it seemed like the CVT wasn’t being able to perform at it’s fullest capacity – considering the car has a 2.0 liter engine. The car did drive very well and even though the power seemed adequate, it truly doesn’t match the very sporty and ‘fast’ exterior of the car.

Overall : On the whole, the Mitsubishi is a fine car, and Mitsubishi is celebrating 25 years in America which provides a sense of trust in quality. Mitsubishi has always made fantastic cars and I have to say that the Lancer is one strong competitor. Aside from its rather under-performing engine, the car will appeal to those who are more attracted to the exterior aesthetics of the car and the very pleasing sticker price. Although the ES is said to be the bigger seller, most of the younger generation will mostly be inclined to purchasing the GTS which adds a lot in terms of appearance to the DE and ES models. Im sure many will accept the Lancer with open arms and with Mitsubishi hinting at a Lancer GTS Turbo on its way, this may just as well be a car that would top your car buying list!

Cnet.com Video Review : View Video
Motorweek Review : Read Review
Edmunds InsideLine : Full Test Review
Mitsubishi Motors : Build & Price Your Mitsubishi Lancer