Mitsubishi Lancer GTS 2007 Review

Has the typhoon battering Mitsubishi finally passed? The worldwide introduction of the new Mitsubishi Lancer, due in Australia later in 2007, will signal whether the troubled car manufacturer's barometer is finally rising.

DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi jointly developed the GS platform under the new Lancer, and it's shared with the Dodge Caliber and Chrysler Sebring in the States, a cost-saving arrangement which forced Mitsubishi to make concessions in size, body structure, and suspension geometry. After sampling the new Sebring's swampy handling and soft, lifeless steering when it debuted last December, we feared the Lancer's prospects looked dim. But Mitsubishi had a surprise up its sleeve.

Back in November 2005, DaimlerChrysler sold its stake in Mitsubishi. Seizing the opportunity, the team responsible for developing the 220kW-plus Evolution X urged the platform bosses to make immediate changes. As the Lancer still wasn't fully baked, the fixes became significant, including relocating suspension pick-up points, changing the ride and handling tune, and reinforcing the structure.

The result: compared to a Sebring, the new Lancer GTS feels much quicker on its feet, with sharper steering, flatter handling and better body control. It's no Mazda 3 (sadly) but Mitsubishi has clearly avoided a train wreck.

Many of the changes will percolate down the Lancer line, which is to be expanded with this generation to include a 2.4-litre engine upgrade and a cheaper, sub-Evo Ralliart variant with a lower-blow turbo making about 190kW.

The basic Lancer sedan debuts first in North America, initially in three trim specs: DE, ES, and GTS. All run a new 113kW 2.0-litre dohc alloy-block four, developed jointly by DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai under the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA).

The Lancer employs Mitsubishi's own aluminium cylinder head running MIVEC variable cam timing. Power transmits through a five-speed manual or a CVT Australia's trim specs are unlikely to be much different from the American model, while Europe will get a 1.5-litre four as well as a diesel.

We lapped Los Angeles in GTS models equipped with both the five-speed manual and CVT. Tyre noise, along with a nondescript exhaust drone, are the worst complaints. Good path control and a reasonably compliant ride are the Lancer's shiniest attributes for urban commuters. Most people who saw the GTS confused it with the new Evo. If only. Just 113kW doesn't give you much leverage against women in V8 SUVs yammering on their mobiles.

The Lancer isn't quite the cymbal crash Mitsubishi desperately needs, but it's a sign that the company's stormiest days may be behind it.

At last, the non-inferior interior:
As you may have hoped and expected, Lancer's interior has made a quantum leap over the outgoing model. The US-spec GTS is very clean and modish inside, with silver bezels around the big hooded gauges and glossy faux-carbonfibre trim. Sat-nav, via a generous, nicely integrated screen, is optional, while keyless ignition and side, curtain, and a driver's knee airbags standard. Evo mojo is spread around the Lancer's cockpit and body, from the generous side bolsters on the bucket seats to the swatches of Alcantara-like fabric and the zoomy boot-mounted wing.

Opting for the CVT allows buyers to specify these very cool magnesium shift paddles. Select manual mode and they give six 'ratios' to choose from.

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