One of the first 2008 models to land in dealer showrooms, the new
Mitsubishi Lancer is a complete remake from the wheels up of the company's entry in the compact sedan class. This is not merely an exercise in dressing the previous model in a new set of threads. From sheetmetal to upholstery to mechanicals to interior trim, it's a new car.
The body has been re-styled, with a more aggressive fascia and a wedgier profile. The result, sadly, is mixed. It looks really sharp head on, a little dull going away. Overall proportions are balanced, though, so the final result is a plus.
The engine is new, albeit the same displacement as before, but now with a double overhead cam in place of the '06's single, and updated electronics. Horsepower is up by 32, torque by 16 pound-feet of torque (22 and 12, respectively, in states with California emission rules). A Continuously Variable Transmission replaces the '06's automatic, with a five-speed manual still the standard gearbox.