CD Article: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

[CD_Editor]

First Drive:

The all-new Lancer draws its styling inspiration from the Concept X show car, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams.  "From any angle, this is one of the nicest new designs of the past few years," he says. The 2008 Lancer is a little shorter than the model it replaces, but has a longer wheelbase, wider track and greater overall width. "The result, in combination with its stiffer chassis and European-tuned suspension, is a better handling vehicle with more interior room than the outgoing model," he reports.
   
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[Minou]

"Fuel economy is rated at 9.7/7.0 litres per 100 kilometres for the five-speed manual, 9.5/7.0 l/100km city/highway for the CVT and 9.6/6.9 l/100km city/highway for the Sportronic CVT."

I hope this is with the new testing procedures.  If not, this new Lancer is going to share guzzler status in the compact class with the Mazda 3 GT...

Otherwise, great new car for Mitsu.  The midgrade ES is particularly enticing at $19698.

[carcrazy]

If it shares the fun to drive with Mazda3 it will do well. There are still quite a few people out there who value other things than mileage and resale value in their cars.

[carcrazy]

Dose the trunk have a lock? I cannot see one in the picture. I think it's almost impossible to only have the remote trunk release inside of the car.

[mdxtasy]

Dose the trunk have a lock? I cannot see one in the picture. I think it's almost impossible to only have the remote trunk release inside of the car.

Key fob.  My 2001 EL and my current 2004 MDX are that way.  No keyhole in the back. 

[Snowman]

Nice looking car. Will the X and Rallyfart be the only models available with AWD?

[The Mighty Duck]

What about the rumored turbo AWD version to compete with the WRX?  Any word on whether the new Ralliart will be in that league?  If so, with the very attractive styling, Mitsu might have a really good car on their hands.

Of course, their lack of dealer network and long-term questionability won't help, but they have to start somewhere in getting on their feet.  Here's hoping this car it that somewhere...

[Loudpedal]

I think it's a nice looking compact.  The Jetta brought fresh stying to the compact car mix, the Mazda 3 did the same.  This may be the sharpest styled compact out there.   

[carcrazy]

It looks like the ES and GTS offer very good value for the money.

[carcrazy]

Of course, their lack of dealer network and long-term questionability won't help, but they have to start somewhere in getting on their feet.  Here's hoping this car it that somewhere...

I think Mitsubishi Canada is expanding its dealer network. I read somewhere that they opened a number of new dealerships in 2006 and they will continue to do so for 2007. They look like they are here to stay and bringing new good cars to the market - 2007 Outlander, 2008 Lancer and 2008 Evo could only help that. If they could only redesign the Galant and bring over the European Colt, they would have a real chance to change their fortune in NA.

[Bullet Blue]

The rear looks like a mix on the Lexus IS and the Acura TSX. Nice looking car. I'd be interested to see it in person.

[scottmcphee]

At a glance: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

    * Available: March, 2007
    * Mitsubishi Lancer DE 5MT: $16,598
    * Mitsubishi Lancer ES 5MT: $19,698
    * Mitsubishi Lancer DE 5MT: $23,698
    * CVT transmission adds $1,100

is one of these wrong?

[G0dspd]

The new look of the Lancer was "interesting" for about 5 minutes. I'm sure the Evo X will be great but so few will be sold it won't do much for Mistu.  Is the GTS the WRX fighter?  I know that it's the same chassis that can be found on the Caliber and the new PT Cruiser but is the engine all Mitsu?

[The Mighty Duck]

Here's hoping - most of what I've heard about the "World engines" developed with Chrysler is bad...

I know the powerplant in the Evo is a MIVEC engine, but I'm not sure about the standard Lancer train.  The fact that it's offered with CVT (like the Caliber) would seem to suggest its a World engine, though.

[JVan]

Its all the same engine, even the Evo will be using the 4B11 (world engine), just a bit more modified from the factory, kinda sad to see the 4G63 go though, one of the best turbo engines out there, but if they are replacing it the new engine should be better.

[grandprixguy]

At a glance: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

    * Available: March, 2007
    * Mitsubishi Lancer DE 5MT: $16,598
    * Mitsubishi Lancer ES 5MT: $19,698
    * Mitsubishi Lancer DE 5MT: $23,698
    * CVT transmission adds $1,100

is one of these wrong?

The $23,698 model is "GTS", not "DE".  Also, at $23,698 it includes sound and sun package (sunroof, 9spkr 6-disc, keyless "RFID" operation, and bluetooth handsfree).  Without these the price drops $2000, to $21,698.

[grandprixguy]

Representing the 25 and under age group, I must predict that this car will sell like hotcakes. 

At $23,700 the GTS w/sun and sound package represents oustanding value.  Aggressive styling combined with a suspension package that is unthinkable at this price will have tuners salivating.  The 18" alloys and RFID(radio frequency identification) entry/operations system is reminiscent of my Dad's '06 Infiniti; it is pleasingly out-of-place in the sport-compact market, and had my jaw dropping at $24,000.  Let's not forget the 9 speaker 6-disc +subwoofer audio system, sunroof, brake upgrades, bluetooth handsfree cellular, steering wheel audio controls, airbags galore(including knee), antitheft system, 6-way adjustable sport buckets; must I go on?

The sub 8-second 0-60mpg from a 152hp/146lb-ft (at high revs of course) is a testament to the suspension package offered.  Paddle-shifting capability on the widely unproven CVT tech will likely curb most of the annoyances that all CVT manufacturers seem to have.  Word on the street is that the Ralliart edition (likely mid '08) will have turbocharged and AWD options, can you say Hello little $30,000 cousin of the Evo?  The after-market will jump all over this car, and small upgrades to the unibody frame combined with performance enhancements will have tuners rocking 200+ HP race car versions of this car all over the place.  All for around $30,000, give or take a couple grand.

After searching the compact market for over a year, and to my disgust finding the VW Rabbit has the best value, I applaud Mitsubishi for giving young driving enthusiasts something we don't have to "settle on" at our price point.

[JSCC]

No 220~230HP turbo, WRX competitior huh? 

[Mitlov]

No 220~230HP turbo, WRX competitior huh? 

Don't say no yet.  We've seen the GTS, but not the new Ralliart--and it's the latter name that would become the WRX-competitor if they built it.

[grandprixguy]

No 220~230HP turbo, WRX competitior huh? 

Ralliart, rumor has it in mid '08, will go head to head w/WRX.  My guess is it will be $6-8,000 cheaper, base model comparisons.