If there was ever a car with a wide range within its model lineup, it’s the Mitsubishi Lancer. Here is a car that can be had in its most pedestrian form for under $15,000, powered by a modest 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
On the other end of the spectrum is the Lancer Evolution, a fire-breathing racer that also utilizes a four-cylinder engine – albeit one that’s turbocharged and puts out 291 horsepower – and has long been a favorite on rally courses. In its MR Touring configuration, the all-wheel-drive Lancer Evo comes with a price tag of nearly $42,000.
In between these two Lancer sedans are several other versions with stouter engines and even one that comes in hatchback form.
To find out how a broad-appeal model feels, I recently spent a week test-driving a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, which fits in the middle of the Lancer pack in terms of power, configuration and price.
The GTS version of this four-door, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive sedan uses a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 168 ponies and 167 lb-ft of torque. What that means to everyday drivers is that the car has spunky acceleration and passing power, but not so much grunt that it costs you in fuel economy.
To that last point, the vehicle is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 highway. In conservative freeway driving, I was able to achieve 31 mpg. I averaged in the mid-20s around town.
The Lancer GTS compares well with good-priced, yet fun-to-drive compact sedans such as the Mazda3 and even Suzuki’s new Kizashi, while offering sportier looks than both and a longer history as a model.
This latest version from Mitsubishi, whose North American headquarters is in Cypress, is especially pleasing to the eye with its fighter-jet front end and upward-sloping rear, which gives the car an aggressive stance. It’s a car that says, “Yes, I can be buttoned up, haul five and be had for a good price, but I still like to play on twisty roads.”
The GTS is available with a continuously variable automatic transmission and magnesium paddle shifters or, like my test model, equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. The car is a good value with either choice.
In its GTS format you get the bigger engine, 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and Bluetooth wireless interface for a reasonable entry price of $18,990.
Mine came stuffed with options like heated leather seats, high-intensity headlights, sound-resistant windshields, a sunroof and a great-sounding 710-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.
Even with the goodies, the car came in at $23,110, including destination and handling. That’s still almost half the price of a top-of-the-line Lancer Evolution.
While you won’t be shredding tarmacs or dirt roads in the GTS as you could in an EVO, you get a cushier ride and still have some fun. The engine is indeed spunky, and happily revs to 6,500 rpm, creating peak horsepower at just 500 rpm shy of that number.
Running through the gears was a mostly enjoyable process. I say mostly enjoyable because at times the shifter felt a bit clunky. It’s not the best I’ve tried recently (Mazda MX-5), but it’s far from the worst (Camaro SS).
Handling is also confident and well-mannered, offering no surprises either in getting up a freeway on-ramp or quickly exiting a curvaceous one.
Controls are clearly marked and simple to use. You won’t be scratching your head figuring out how to make the cabin cold or make CDs play.
Driving position was good, though it could have been better with a steering wheel that telescoped in addition to tilting. My back also would have appreciated more lumbar support from the otherwise comfy seat. There are lots of nooks and crannies to store music players, cell phones and keys.
The dash features a carbon fiber-like faceplate that was a touch gaudy to my eyes. Then again, I’m not one for having a wing on the back of my car, either. Trust me, at the speeds this thing will travel, it’s not like you need it for downforce.
The rear 60/40 split seats are snug but comfortable for two adults. With the subwoofer growing out of the left side of the trunk and stealing some room, cargo capacity is an OK 11.8 cubic feet.
Like the last Mitsubishi I tested (Outlander XLS), I came away from the Lancer impressed for what it is. Here is a car that provides good, even fun drivability, respectful gas mileage and fine looks, all at a competitive price.
If I were in the market for a frisky compact sedan, I would definitely put it on my list of contenders.
