The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan that can offer a higher level of driving excitement without breaking the bank. With its strong-engined GTS and Ralliart trims, capable handling, edgy looks, and solid crash test scores, the Lancer is a sporty alternative to economy sedans.
The Lancer is available in choices from comparatively tame to downright potent, depending on the whims and wishes of the buyer. And new for 2011, the Lancer adds electric-assist power steering and brake regeneration, as well as improved fuel economy to its base engine models. Also new is Mitsubishi's nifty Fuse voice-activation system (standard on the upper trims).
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is offered in four trims: DE, ES, GTS and Ralliart (the Lancer Evolution will be reviewed separately).
Standard features on the base Lancer DE include power windows, power doorlocks, power mirrors, a trip computer, rocker-sill bodywork extensions, 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt steering wheel and a 4-speaker CD/MP3 audio system, while the ES model comes with all the above plus keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, upgraded upholstery, manual driver-seat height adjustment, steering-wheel audio controls, a 60/40-split rear seat with a center armrest, and an auxiliary audio jack.
Moving up to the Lancer GTS adds a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, automatic climate control, sport bucket front seats, Bluetooth, the Fuse voice-activation system, foglights and a 6-speaker audio system with a USB port.
The top-of-the-line Ralliart adds a turbocharged engine, an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles, all-wheel drive and satellite radio.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Lancer Prices:
Car sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now. And Mitsubishi has recently been offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. It remains a buyer's market right now, resulting in an excellent opportunity to get the lowest price.
The bottom line? Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons to get the best price. Here's an article on the best negotiating technique to take advantage of the current sluggish car market (definitely read before ever going to a dealership): The Trick To Buying A New Mitsubishi Lancer At The Best Possible Price
Many of the upper trim's features are also available on the lower trims as either stand-alone options or grouped packages. In addition, the Alloy Wheel package for the ES adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear stabilizer bar and rear disc brakes instead of drums. A number of aerodynamic and cosmetic design enhancements are also optional on the DE and ES trims.
There's also an available Touring package for the GTS and Ralliart models that includes leather upholstery, a sunroof, a smaller rear spoiler, rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlights and a 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and satellite radio. A navigation system is also available for all models except the DE.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer DE and ES models is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Under the hood of the Lancer GTS is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque.
Both of this engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard equipment with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the ES and GTS. The GTS also features a CVT manual mode with shift paddles on the steering wheel. Powering the Ralliart is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that's good for a robust 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft. Its automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles sends power to all four wheels.
In performance tests, the Lancer GTS with a manual transmission has been timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a quick 7.7 seconds. The base engine models with the 5-speed do it in 8.8 seconds (9.1 with the CVT). The Ralliart, however, covers this dash in a blazing 5.8 seconds.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the 2.0-liter with an automatic transmission is a quite respectable 25 mpg city and 33 mpg on the highway. The automatic 2.4-liter is rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Ratings for the manual are nearly identical, while the performance-oriented Ralliart's feul economy is lower at 17 and 25, respectively.
Safety:
Standard safety features across the board on all 2011 Lancers include stability control, antilock brakes (ABS), front-seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag and full-length head curtain airbags. In addition, four-wheel disc brakes are standard on the GTS and Ralliart. The DE and ES come with rear drums. In performance tests, the Lancer GTS came to a stop from 60 mph in a short 115 feet.
In government crash tests, the Lancer earned a five-star rating for driver frontal-impact protection and front-seat side-impact protection. It received four stars for passenger frontal-impact protection and rear-seat side-impact protection.
Interior:
While the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer's cabin is attractive, comfortable and user-friendly, it really doesn't stand out in its class and the amount of hard plastics is actually a bit of a negative. On the other hand, those opting for models with the sharp looking and supportive sport bucket seats will still likely be more than satisfied.
The rear seats are also quite comfortable with a surprising amount of legroom. They also fold flat for added storage when transporting larger items, helping to offset the somewhat small, 11.6-cubic-foot trunk.
Also of note is the welcomed addition of Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activation system (much like Ford's Sync) which adds ease, convenience and high-tech pizzaz to phone, navigation and entertainment functions.
Drive:
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer in base form is a fine daily commuter that's comfortable and relatively quiet. Moving up to the GTS adds significant performance capabilities for the money thanks to its firmer suspension and plenty of low end torque. It's a better choice for those seeking more excitement on the road.
The performance of the Ralliart falls somewhere between the GTS and the high-performance Lancer Evolution. With its turbocharged power, quick gearchanges and responsive handling, the Ralliart's quite capable of providing plenty of thrills for driving enthusiasts.
Price:
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan:
DE, manual: list price: $15,195, invoice price: $14,553
ES, manual: list price: $16,595, invoice price: $15,894
ES, CVT: list price: $17,495, invoice price: $16,756
GTS, manual: list price: $19,495, invoice price: $18,672
GTS, CVT: list price: $20,495, invoice price: $19,630
Ralliart, auto/manual: list price: $27,695, invoice price: $26,526
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