Nissan Rogue Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars
For small families, the vehicle of choice is no longer the minivan or the SUV; it's the compact... Read More
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it makes do with a pretty average engine. We give it credit for the CVT and its electric power-steering unit.
a GTS with a manual transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, which is quick for this class
Everything here feels right--the tight-handling chassis, right-weighted steering, slick clutch and shifter, zippy engine and plenty of brake power.
the standard five-speed manual's shifter has good feel and weight, and clutch takeup is natural, so it's quite entertaining to run up and down the gears.
At wide-open throttle, the engine throbs without pause, sending the car forward in a seemingly unyielding accelerative rush.
PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
it makes do with a pretty average engine. We give it credit for the CVT and its electric power-steering unit.
CNET
a GTS with a manual transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, which is quick for this class
Edmunds
Everything here feels right--the tight-handling chassis, right-weighted steering, slick clutch and shifter, zippy engine and plenty of brake power.
AutoWeek
the standard five-speed manual's shifter has good feel and weight, and clutch takeup is natural, so it's quite entertaining to run up and down the gears.
Automobile Magazine
At wide-open throttle, the engine throbs without pause, sending the car forward in a seemingly unyielding accelerative rush.
Motor Trend
Power for Lancer DE and ES comes from a 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's just perky with the five-speed manual and just gutsy enough with the continuously variable (CVT) automatic. The 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter four that comes in the Lancer GT can move this small sedan or hatchback with more confidence, and GT models with the CVT get magnesium steering-wheel paddle-shifters with six simulated gears to suit high-performance driving.
Overall, Lancer DE and ES models should be thought of as cheap wheels that handle better than most other models in this price range—though not with all that much verve. With its larger wheels, firmer suspension, and upgraded braking, the GT (if it's like its predecessor, the GTS) provides a driving experience that's almost on par with the turbocharged Ralliart. On the flip side, a stiff, juggly ride is the tradeoff, along with more road noise. Also bringing a downmarket feel to the Lancer is the collection of decidedly basic materials used in the cabin; there's lots of hard, hollow-sounding plastic.
For 2012, Mitsubishi has also added a new SE model that adds all-wheel drive but is geared more for those with snowy driveways than those dreaming of the rally stage. We haven't yet driven this model, but stay tuned for impressions.
Conclusion
Except when equipped with the CVT automatic, the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer feels sportier than most other inexpensive small sedans.
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