Inside, the Lancer offers a clean and business-like atmosphere. The dashboard’s panel fit could be slightly better, but the audio and climate controls are easy to use and to reach. The centre console includes a couple of cupholders, but the way they’re designed, it seems as though a folding cover was initially planned but eventually forgotten when production started.
The wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth and cruise control buttons are perfectly placed, and the trip computer screen lodged between the speedo and tach is in colour and fairly easy to use.
The supportive seats are covered in leather when you choose the $2,700 Sun and Sound Leather Package, which also adds a power sunroof, a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, a 6-CD changer and an intelligent key system.
But wait—the seat surfaces are leather, but around the cushion and behind the seatback, it’s vinyl. Now, cheating with vinyl on leather seating to cut costs is common practice, but in the Lancer, the difference in texture and colour makes it obvious.
On the other hand, interior space is not a problem, especially in back; it’s got one of the roomiest rear-seat quarters among compact cars.
Since the Sportback is only available in GTS and Ralliart trims, both receive aerodynamic lower-body add-ons, a rear spoiler and sharp alloy wheels, so every Sportback looks, well, sporty. The rather long front overhang seems out of key with the rest of the tidy bodywork, but otherwise, like we said, the Lancer has a style of its own.
Pricing starts at $24,098 for the Sportback GTS, and our tester tops out at $28,398, including the option package as well as freight and PDI charges. An equivalent Mazda3 Sport GT costs $27,580, a Subaru Impreza 2.5i Limited costs $29,120 and a Volkswagen Golf 2.5L Highline costs $27,840.
In sum, the Lancer Sportback GTS is one of the sportier offerings in the compact segment. It feels a tad less refined than its rivals mentioned here, and it’s not exactly cheap. In addition, there may not be a dealer in your neighbourhood yet.
But despite all that, the Mitsubishi Lancer is an interesting proposition. Its dynamic looks, wide trim and powertrain selections as well as peace of mind of a 10-year/160,000-km powertrain warranty make it an underdog that the competition should keep an eye on.
The wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth and cruise control buttons are perfectly placed, and the trip computer screen lodged between the speedo and tach is in colour and fairly easy to use.
The supportive seats are covered in leather when you choose the $2,700 Sun and Sound Leather Package, which also adds a power sunroof, a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, a 6-CD changer and an intelligent key system.
But wait—the seat surfaces are leather, but around the cushion and behind the seatback, it’s vinyl. Now, cheating with vinyl on leather seating to cut costs is common practice, but in the Lancer, the difference in texture and colour makes it obvious.
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| The dashboard fit and finish could be slightly better. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
On the other hand, interior space is not a problem, especially in back; it’s got one of the roomiest rear-seat quarters among compact cars.
Since the Sportback is only available in GTS and Ralliart trims, both receive aerodynamic lower-body add-ons, a rear spoiler and sharp alloy wheels, so every Sportback looks, well, sporty. The rather long front overhang seems out of key with the rest of the tidy bodywork, but otherwise, like we said, the Lancer has a style of its own.
Pricing starts at $24,098 for the Sportback GTS, and our tester tops out at $28,398, including the option package as well as freight and PDI charges. An equivalent Mazda3 Sport GT costs $27,580, a Subaru Impreza 2.5i Limited costs $29,120 and a Volkswagen Golf 2.5L Highline costs $27,840.
In sum, the Lancer Sportback GTS is one of the sportier offerings in the compact segment. It feels a tad less refined than its rivals mentioned here, and it’s not exactly cheap. In addition, there may not be a dealer in your neighbourhood yet.
But despite all that, the Mitsubishi Lancer is an interesting proposition. Its dynamic looks, wide trim and powertrain selections as well as peace of mind of a 10-year/160,000-km powertrain warranty make it an underdog that the competition should keep an eye on.
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