My father used to wonder why he was born good-looking instead of rich. I thought of his comment recently when I went to Phoenix to test-drive the all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Lancer is rich and good-looking. It has always been a fun vehicle to drive ... but the 2008 model -- built on a new performance-engineered global platform -- is a fun vehicle to drive!
Completing its one-two handling response is an all-new 2.0L DOHC, 16-valve Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) four-cylinder engine -- one of the powerful standard engines in its class. It has 152 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque -- a 26 percent increase over Lancer’s previous 2.0-liter engine that put out 120 horsepower. The increase is really noticeable. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that not only is the ’08 Lancer good-looking ... but it’s also quick.
Standard transmission is a five-speed manual. It can take the Lancer from 0 to 60 mph in less than 9 seconds. You’re not going to snap your neck ... but you also aren’t going to have time to finish your sandwich.
Optional transmission is a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that’s about as seamless as and quieter than almost any transmission of its type that I’ve driven.
Lancer comes in two trim levels -- DE and ES. Styling displays a strong resemblance to Mitsubishi’s awesome Concept X, first shown in 2005. The Concept X previewed the unmistakable brand identity of a shark-nosed front end that seemed inspired by jet fighter air intakes. Both models sit on 16-inch wheels but the DE has steel wheels with full wheel covers and the ES has some fine-looking alloy wheels. I’m not a big wheel cover guy ... when I was a kid my family owned junkyards in Northwest Indiana and my job was to polish hub caps (as they were called then) ... a job that convinced me to study harder in school.
Steering was responsive with no discernible torque steer. Turning radius was also good. Road feel was pleasing. These three traits describe the driving characteristics the Mitsubishi engineers hoped to achieve in the Lancer -- the craftsmanship and reliability of a Japanese vehicle with the driving character of an expensive European sport sedan. The goals I set for myself when growing up as a young Hoosier was to be slim, handsome and rich. I can honestly say that Mitsubishi reached its goals ... sadly, I did not.
Once inside Lancer you won’t want to get out. The first thing you notice is the curved instrument panel with its peaked center section that’s highlighted by a full-width horizontal trim section. This gives a clean and smooth appearance to the passenger side. The instrument panel is one of my favorites. It consists of two large silver-painted tachometer and speedometer bezels that flank a digital multi-information display (standard on all models). The Multi Information Display provides a 16-segment coolant temperature readout with warning, the main odometer, trip A and trip B odometers, plus a full-function driving computer. Displays include cruising distance with remaining fuel, average vehicle speed, average fuel economy and instantaneous fuel economy. A service reminder alerts the driver to periodic maintenance. It’s like having a staff feeding you information ... but you don’t have to feed them.
Safety isn’t lacking. Among the items are a full-array of airbags (including a driver’s side knee airbag), anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), daytime running lights, interior head impact protection, front pedestrian impact crumple zones, tire pressure monitoring system and a bunch of other stuff.
EPA estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the manual transmission and 22/29 mpg with the CVT. Warranties are five-years/60,00 miles basic, 10-years or 100,000 miles powertrain and seven-years/100,000 miles anti-corrosion.
I know what you’re thinking, “I probably can’t afford it.” Well ... you’re wrong, Cy. The 2008 Lancer DE with a manual transmission starts around $14,000 and the ES starts around $15,000. Add another $900 or so for the CVT. There’s a plethora (I always wanted to use that word) of packages and stand-alone options you can add. You don’t need to have studied harder in school to be able to afford one. All you’ll need is a ride to the dealership ... you can drive yourself home in your new Lancer.
DriveLive around Chicago in a VW Eos
