So now that I’ve driven the Lancer Evolution and the Lancer Ralliart, I figured a weekend in our Lancer GTS would be a let down. It was. After all, with only 152 horsepower our Lancer is slow. I distinctly recall making a few lane changes that I shouldn’t have given the Lancer’s meager ability to adjust its speed to faster traffic...
I also remember getting gutter balled by a Honda Ridgeline. Not fun.
That said I still like the Lancer, mainly because of its interior. It doesn’t look like an economy car to me. Maybe it’s the navigation system or the decent looking gauges, but it looks more expensive than it is. Add in the comfortable seats and simple climate controls and it’s really not that bad. At least until I drive the Ralliart again.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor @ 16,589 miles
That said I still like the Lancer, mainly because of its interior. It doesn’t look like an economy car to me. Maybe it’s the navigation system or the decent looking gauges, but it looks more expensive than it is. Add in the comfortable seats and simple climate controls and it’s really not that bad. At least until I drive the Ralliart again.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor @ 16,589 miles
Anonymous says:
07:01 PM, 06/16/08
I always read people complaining about this interior in this and other Mitsu vehicles, but it doesn't look so bad to me. At least someone else thinks so too. What are the differences between this, the Ralliart, and Evolution?
Anonymous says:
07:18 PM, 06/16/08
Since when is 152 hp not enough? I know that today's cars are generally heavier due to additional mandated safety equipment and more crash-resistant architecture. But it wasn't long ago that a 108hp engine topped off the Civic Si and was considered a little bomb of a car.
I think our perception of "fast" needs a bit of a rethink in light of where fuel prices are and where they're heading.
cx7lover says:
10:57 AM, 06/17/08
They bumped it up to 2.4L for the GTS in 09. So it wasn't enough...
dougtheeng says:
11:25 AM, 06/17/08
"I think our perception of "fast" needs a bit of a rethink in light of where fuel prices are and where they're heading."
The fuel economy in my Lancer wasn't great either, despite the 152HP engine. Its a heavy car, and it shows.
That being said, its great fun above 3000-3500 RPM --> much more so then the Edmunds staff suggest.
firstwagon says:
12:23 PM, 06/17/08
"But it wasn't long ago that a 108hp engine topped off the Civic Si and was considered a little bomb of a car. "
And what did the Civic SI weigh in those days? About 2000 lbs if I remember correctly.
If the Lancer weighed 2000 lbs with 152 hp, it would be a rocket.
In these days, each new model of a car should be smaller and lighter then it's predecessor. Instead car makers keep going the wrong way and trying to count on advanced technology to make up for it.
slickersdrip says:
01:19 PM, 06/17/08
Geez, after one of the previous blog posts about the Lancer's shifter position, I can't take my eyes off of the right of center shifter. That just bugs me greatly--but then again I'm a little anal retentive about my cars.
vvk says:
01:23 PM, 06/17/08
Horsepower is used to compensate for lack of skill.
cruiserhead1 says:
03:06 PM, 06/17/08
The added weight is justified in most cases. More stringent crash standards, side reinforcements, cabin integrity, airbags... I'll take a slower, heavier 2008 compact - especially if my wife is driving it.
There is no way she would be in a 90's vintage (108hp) Civic or CRX Si. This despite the fact I have owned two CRX Si's and love them.
I really like the styling of the Lancer GTS. They took it away from the Fast n Furious econo look and gave it a more classy, upscale look but kept it sporty.
I don't like the goofy spoiler but otherwise, nice.
bloodyr says:
08:52 AM, 06/18/08
The interior of the Evo is pretty much the same as the GTS. The only difference I noticed were the sport seats in the Evo. Perfectly fine for a 17K economy car. Not so much for a 35K performance car...
cx7lover says:
10:12 AM, 06/18/08
The interior on the EVO is perfectly fine. You can't have it all
jederino says:
10:23 AM, 06/18/08
Isn't it true that some cars actually give a good illusion of quickness, while not actually returning real impressive numbers? I've read this about the non-turbo mini, and I've driven older Integras and Preludes with lively engines, but were not quick. Does the Lancer feel slow, in addition to being actually slow?
tshoe says:
01:36 PM, 06/20/08
Is Mitsu going to offer Leather seats in the GTS, what are the material of the seats in the Ralliart? I heard the Ralliart has a pass-thru trunk like the GTS so does that mean it is full size trunk unlike the EVO?
I like them all, just trying to figure out what is the best "value".
SubyTrojan says:
11:46 PM, 06/22/08
tshoe, here you go, bro.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=127586
daveflores says:
10:36 AM, 06/26/08
I agree that the Lancer's interior looks very nice. It's a shame you can't say the same thing about the way it feels (cheap). Still, the awesome sound system and great NAV unit more than makes up for the hard plastics, IMHO. And I adore the convenience of the steering wheel audio controls. I spend an awful lot mor time rocking out to the Rockford Fosgate stereo than I do stroking the plastic door panels.