My Turn with the Lancer GTS

By Weston Henderson

Weston Henderson

Last week I was staring at the Lancer like that annoying little kid across the isle from you on the airplane. Finally I got the chance to take it for a day and see what this car is all about.

With the $18K sticker price, I was happily surprised at the solid thunk the door made as I slid into the relatively roomy sedan. The interior follows many of the earlier Lancer styling cues, with a long sweeping dash that bulges slightly towards you in the center. The instrument cluster has received a refresh with a new HUD (Heads Up Display) placed in between the standard tach and MPH gauges, whereas the earlier model’s display consisted of the standard four gauges, with temp and fuel making up the remaining two spots. I find this addition a welcome one, as I found it very similar to many of the European designs that I have grown fond of. The HUD displays fuel, time and even says hello and goodbye as you enter and exit the vehicle. Ahhhhh, like the girlfriend I never had.

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Mitsubishi swapped the red gauges of the previous Lancer for blue and white, while the needles remain red. The GTS received the EA Sport package, and as a result was equipped with a leather wrapped steering wheel. The seats are comfortable, covered with a micro fiber type of material and decent side bolstering. Adjusting the seats is a manual procedure, and much like Rob, I actually prefer this in a smaller, sportier car. The back seats are comfortable for two, but seating three for more then a few miles would be a test in patience.

Upon firing the car up, or maybe I should say “turning the key,” I was startled because I really wasnt sure I had done it correctly. The car made absolutely no sounds at all, not even that familiar electrical ticking or anything. No whining from the interior fans starting up. Nothing! I checked the box marked “needs a friggin exhaust note” and moved along.

Pulling out of the garage I immediately became aware that this car has a feather light clutch, and I was reminded how quiet the engine is as I watched the RPM needle sweep up over 4500 mark—again without making a sound! Pulling out onto a busy street I mashed the one on the right, and was pleasantly surprised.

The Lancer has a broad power curve with torque throughout. First through 6,000 RPMs, second through 5,000 and third through 4,500 I was already at 60 mph. This car has some little ponies under the hood, silent little ponies but they’re in there, trust me. The Lancer performs well in the corners with a mild body roll, nothing that a simple aftermarket suspension couldn’t fix. Driving the Lancer was fun and as long as you keep the RPMs at 2,500 – 3,500 you will have a spirited little drive under foot.

The new Lancer has received a completely different shell. The lights are much more slender and have a black housing whereas the original lancer retains a crystal inner housing. HIDs don’t come standard on the GTS, however are an option and come standard on the EVO. The rims are generous in 18″ on the Lancer GTS, a perk I appreciated very much.

I would install an exhaust that lets the car breathe a little more—not to mention let you know that it’s running—and lower it just a tad. But for 18 grand I have a hard time thinking of a car that would offer four doors, a decently spirited drive and a four star crash test rating. If you’re looking for a car in this price range, do not forget this option!