I thought I was going to be under-whelmed by the Lancer GTS, and not because it's not a very good car amongst its compact rivals, but because I had just spent the same morning taking on

The radix of a rally car... the Lancer GTS performs extremely well. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Quebec's twisty, curvy, undulating and outrageously bumpy roadways in a Lancer Evolution MR, not to mention having stretched its legs on one of my favourite racetracks, Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant. Perspective was needed, being that the Lancer GTS, so equipped, ends at about half of where the X MR begins, a casual $24,298 compared to a cool $47,498.

Reality check in place, I headed away from the track towards a few low volume back roads that I know fairly well after testing umpteen cars in this neck of the woods. The first was in worse shape than I remembered it, now a patchwork of makeshift paving hack-jobs and even some gravel strewn here and there to spice things up a bit. Fortunately the Lancer's sport-tuned front Macpherson strut and rear multi-link setup offers a good amount of suspension travel, giving it a ride that was pretty impressive given the circumstances, and handling that belies its front-wheel drive layout.

This

Road and track time with the brilliant Evo X MR didn't make this Lancer GTS feel under-whelming. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

latter point was made clear to me when I tested a GTS last year, and was shocked at how easily the car predictably rotated on its axis, like a rally car oversteering in tire squealing glee when prompted by a flick of the wrist on its leather-wrapped steering wheel. This Quebec road, thousands of miles to the East, is nowhere near as pristine as the switchback mountain pass near my home in Vancouver, which helped me to gain a new respect for what this car can do when pushed to its limit. Its steering is precise with loads of feel transmitted through the column, and ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, while nowhere near as confidence inspiring as those fitted to the Evo, are nevertheless up to the job when sudden slowing becomes necessary. Even the seats hold an enthusiastic driver in place, proving that the spirit of Mitsubishi's Evo runs right through the Lancer lineup.

And there's a little more spirit added to the GTS this year, made immediately noticeable when I downshifted the car's left-side magnesium paddle and felt a great deal more power underfoot. Last year the GTS' 16-valve, DOHC 2.0-litre four was good for 152 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, but this year they've upped the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) enhanced engine's displacement to 2.4 litres and output to 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, and I could sure feel it at my back. You'd think though, that the new larger engine would be harder on fuel, but its EnerGuide rating, at least, shows a negligible difference. The 2.0-litre engine managed a respectable 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway, where the 2.4-litre engine gets 10.1 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 on the highway when fitted with the standard manual, or better yet, 9.9 L/100 km in the city and (not quite as good) 7.4 on the highway when equipped with the optional CVT. My ‘08 GTS loaner was the five-speed manual, and truth be told I'd probably opt for this transmission if I were bucking up with my own cash, but the new engine makes the automatic in my '09 tester come alive, giving it more of an Evo feel than I ever expected when first eyeing it through the driver's side window, with what were initially disgruntled thoughts.

To

Magnesium paddle-shift CVT is a fun-filled, ultra-efficient transmission. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

be fair, it's not a regular automatic at all, but rather a six-speed CVT Mitsubishi calls, “S-CVT Continuously Variable Transmission with Sportronic Paddle Shifters”. No wonder it shifts so quickly, as continuously variable transmissions don't really shift gears like a regular automatic, but rather cause a belt to move up and down an expanding or contracting pulley system (a very, very simple explanation of a somewhat complex process). This might be the closest any automatic, let alone a CVT, has come to mimicking a sequential manual gearbox, like that in the Evo X MR. Its six artificial increments almost seamlessly flow from one gear to the next with a flick of the magnesium paddle or console-mounted shifter, or if left in the “D” position perform the shifts without any input at all, just like a regular automatic.

A quick albeit vicious rain shower abbreviated my photo op, so I decided to take on the dark, snarling cloud, racing it in the same direction it was moving to a nice photo opportunity I'd whisked by previously. Up the freshly paved road and manicured landscaping, I parked the GTS near a great looking rocky background and set up to take a few more shots. What a great looking car. To think that someone with only $16K or so to spend can acquire a car that turns heads as easily as an Evo is quite amazing, testament to why there's so many Lancers showing up across our nation. Truly, the previous car, with its frumpy styling and so-so build quality was difficult to give away, needing deep incentives in order to get it off of dealer lots, but the new one, along with the brand's well conceived Outlander, has literally saved Mitsubishi from a market that would have otherwise eaten it alive. It's so attractive, with its shark-like snout, devious headlamp design and aggressive metalwork, that it probably wouldn't matter how it drove or what features it came with in order to enjoy sales success. The fact that it's one of the best performing cars in its class, with a host of top-tier goodies to pick and choose from, not to mention the best warranty available anywhere, gives it a solid nudge up the compact-class desirability ladder.

Standard

GTS comes packed with standard features. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

GTS features include automatic climate control with air-condition and micron air filtration, power central door locks with keyless entry, power windows, a height-adjustable steering column, variable intermittent windshield wipers and washers, plus a multi-information LCD display with a trip meter and odometer, outside temperature gauge, average fuel consumption, and driving distance to empty, service reminder, drive mode indicator, A/T position indicator, water temperature warning lamp and low fuel warning lamp. The GTS also gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver accents and a leather-wrapped shift knob, sporty seating fabric with six-way adjustable driver's and four-way adjustable front passenger's seat with heated cushions, a 60/40 split folding high-back rear bench, rear centre armrest with cupholders, auto-off halogen headlights, fog lights, colour-keyed folding power side-view mirrors, colour-keyed outer door handles, lower side air dams, a large rear wing spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/45 rubber, plus a number of other items I'll leave unmentioned. And the colours that its exterior features are colour-keyed to match? Six in total will help personalize

Automatic climate control and good audio system make the GTS more than just a driver's car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

your ride, including Apex Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray, Octane Blue, Rally Red Metallic, Wicked White and Tarmac Black Pearl, with interior colours being black, black or black, depending on preference, although leather is available as an option, in black of course.

The standard audio system is pretty good, with its 140-watt amp, single CD and MP3 compatible head unit with six speakers, digital signal processor and speed compensated volume and equalization control, auxiliary stereo input jack and steering wheel mounted audio control switches (and cruise control buttons), not to forget Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, but as good as the entry-level package is I'd have to opt for the rather pricey but totally worthwhile “Sun and Sound Leather Package” that steps up the audio system to a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch system boasting nine speakers including a 10-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer, a digital signal processor, speed compensated volume and equalization, an in-dash 6CD/MP3 head unit and SIRIUS satellite radio with a six-month subscription. Yeah, it doesn't get any better than this in economy class. Oh, and the “Sun” part of the equation is a powered glass sunroof with a manual sun shade, either opening up the cabin visually or literally, depending if you like the wind in the hair experience or just prefer a little sunshine or moonlight overhead. Its $2,700 price tag seems less hefty when factoring in this package also includes FAST-key (Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter), a proximity sensing key fob that allows you to keep your keys in your purse or pocket upon entry and doesn't need a key to start the ignition, and then remembering that leather seats are also included.

If all of the factory add-ons aren't enough for you or you'd rather tack on individual options without going for the big package, your dealer can install a six-disc CD changer and upgraded tuner, a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit, or you can go all the way and get an integrated navigation system put in. Some exterior accessories include little cosmetic things like an alloy fuel door or a stylish

New Lancer is a great deal more accommodating than the previous one. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

license plate frame, plus a hood protector, side window deflectors, sunroof wind deflector and mud guards can be added. There's more, but I'll leave it to you to investigate all of the accessories available.

Options aside and safety considered, the Lancer gets standard front dual-stage headlamps, front seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all window seats, plus (are you sitting down for this) a standard driver's side knee airbag… yes, you heard me right. The Lancer also features active front seat structures to reduce whiplash injury , height-adjustable front shoulder belts with pretensioners, RISE body construction (64km/h OBD) for better impact absorption and occupant protection, the LATCH system (Lower Anchor and Tethers) for the safest, most convenient way to lock in a child safety seat, front pedestrian impact crumple zones, a tire pressure monitoring system, an anti-theft engine immobilizer, plus an anti-theft security alarm system.

So is

If you're serious about buying a new compact car, the Lancer is worth your time and consideration. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

there anything I don't like about the Lancer GTS? It's the same complaint I had last year, really, and will remain until Mitsubishi spends a little more money to enhance some of its interior surfaces. Its overall styling is fine, yet the hard and sometimes glossy plastics used are less appealing than some of its rivals, and some of the switchgear could be higher grade. This will be a minor point to some and totally irrelevant to many others, and to tell you the truth wouldn't stop me from buying the Lancer before most of its rivals because it's so much better dynamically and blows them all away when it comes to styling. That ten-year powertrain warranty is unbeatable too, and would certainly go a long way to sway my decision toward Mitsubishi.

Yes, the Lancer GTS, and any Lancer for that matter, is a great little car, totally worth your consideration if looking for a fun to drive, fuel efficient and stylish alternative to your current ride.

Specifications (Lancer GTS):

• Price Range (MSRP): $22,998 – $28,493 (not including accessories)
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 168-hp, 167 lb-ft of torque, 2.4L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (opt. CVT w/manual mode)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,570 / 1,760 / 1,490 / 2,635 mm (179.9 / 69.3 / 58.7 / 103.7 in)
• Track (frt/rr): 1,530 mm (60.2 in)
• Turning Circle (curb to curb): 10.0 m (32.8 ft)
• Cargo Volume (w/ subwoofer/w/out subwoofer): 317 / 328 L (11.2 / 11.6 cu-ft)
• Curb Weight (min-max): 1,380 - 1,415 kg (3,043 – 3,120 lbs)
• Weight Distribution (frt/rr MT – CVT): 59/41 – 60/40
• Tires: 215/45R18
• Fuel Economy (est. city/hwy with manual): 10.1 / 7.1 L/100 km
• Fuel Economy (est. city/hwy with CVT): 9.9 / 7.4 L/100 km
• Fuel Type: regular unleaded
• Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive; 120/160,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Acura CSX, Chevrolet Cobalt, Dodge Caliber, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda3, Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Pontiac G5, Saturn Astra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Rabbit/GTI/Jetta, Volvo C30
• Web Site: www.mitsubishicars.ca