The uncluttered design of the dashboard impressed us, as did the look and tone of materials used to dress the cabin. A band of plastic trim stretches across the upper part of the dashboard and divides it into top and bottom sections. For ES and LS versions, the plastic resembles dark walnut veneer and divides the dash into two-tone regions, with a dark color on top and a lighter one below. The O-Z Rally switches to brushed aluminum color for the trim panel, which blends nicely with the cabin's black color scheme.
The dash has scooped sections in front of each seat but bulges in the middle to extend a center panel of audio and climate controls closer to driver and passenger. Three rotary dials for the ventilation system are large and easy to use. Above the HVAC controls is the audio system, which suffers from tiny dials.
The Evolution model gets Recaro racing seats in blue and black cloth and a three-spoke Momo steering wheel. The center console includes a special button that controls a water-spraying system that helps cool the turbocharger's intercooler to provide maximum horsepower for drivers who compete in weekend club rally events.
Lancer also comes with many standard safety features, including frontal airbags and three-point safety belts for five positions. Front seatbelts have pretensioners with force limiters plus height-adjustable anchors, all of which can help reduce belt injuries in an accident.
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