2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
Sir Lancer (GTS) A Lot to the rescue!
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is a dynamic vehicle for the price.
I just completed a test-drive on the GTS, which is a sporty version of the Mitsubishi Lancer.
The GTS has the same engine and transmission as the other models, but it has a sporty stiff suspension, and low profile tires, enfolding bucket seats, big multi-spoke wheels and a large air spoiler on the trunk.
The suspension and tires help it handle dynamically and it takes turns like a breeze. The ride is a little hard but manageable and it feels like you are driving a sports car.
GTS’ could use a little more power, but with the cost of fuel, we don’t want to take away fuel economy.
The nicely contoured seats are unusually comfortable and hug your body when you take steep turns.
The steering and brakes were responsive to the grueling driving I put the Lancer through for the week I had the vehicle. I felt that I had complete control when I put the GTS through its paces.
The interior of the Lancer is roomy for its size and the back seat has enough legroom and knee-room for adults. Lancer’s center tunnel is lower and narrower and allows the center back seat to have a lot of foot room. With the child latch system, it is easy to hook your child seat into the back.
The dash is conveniently laid out for the driver, with the stereo and climate controls being accessible.
My test car was equipped with CVT, a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Lancer GTS has a bouncy, but sporty ride. The CVT has a manual-shift mode with six pre-determined ratios models. Manual downshifting works well, and you get about the result you expect from each gear. My GTS included Navigation and the Sun and Sound package slicked at $22,615(which included a destination charge of $625).
A base Lancer DE with manual starts at $14,615 including $625 destination charge. ES starts at $16,605. CVT is $900 more.
The drive train is a 2-liter, four-cylinder engine rated 152 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 146 pounds-feel of torque at 4,250 rpm; five-speed manual transmission.
Traction control is not available.
The Lancer comes standard with air bags and belts, plus side-impact and head-curtain bags, driver’s knee bag, anti-lock brakes (standard on ES, GTS, optional on DE). Stability control is not available.
Standard features on all models include AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input jack; tilt-adjustable steering column; power steering, brakes, windows; auto on/off headlights; rear-window defroster. Other features vary by model. Details: www.mitsubishicars.com.
The warranty is attractive, with a Five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Power train: 10/100,000. Corrosion: Seven/100,000.
Lancer is 180 inches long, 69.4 inches wide, 58.7 inches tall on a 103.7-inch wheelbase. Passenger space is listed as 94.8 cubic feet. Trunk space is 11.6 cubic feet.
Weight ranges from 2,922 to 3,109 pounds depending on model and equipment. Rated to carry 970 to 1,157 pounds of people and cargo, depending on model and equipment.
Turning circle diameter is listed as 32.8 feet, curb-to-curb.
My Lancer GTS averaged 22MPG City and, 29 on the highway!
My suggestions to Mitsubishi is to lower the spoiler height and soften the ride. My hat goes off to Mitsubishi for a job done on the new Lancer!
So “Lancer (GTS) A Lot” …welcome to the “Round Table”