(Photo/Grover White )

By Alvin Jones

As the automotive world awaits the release of Mitsubishi’s new EVO, the 2008 Lancer GTS 4-door 5-passenger sedan is getting a look.  It’s in its 9th generation and showing signs of a late bloomer. The Lancer is most rambunctious of its platform mates the Dodge Caliber, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Jeep Compass. The styling has had a makeover. It’s gone from boring plain - before to sexy hot - after. The new grille, the body kit, the wider stance, fog lamps, sport seats, and 18” tires all say “How do you like me now?”

The Lancer is a “look but do touch” car.  I like touching the paddle shifters. There is something about paddle shifters that remind me of driving on a track. It makes me anticipate performance. Add a sport tuned suspension, rack and pinion steering, front and rear stabilizer bars and you’re ready for a banked turn or dodging a pothole.

The power comes four a new aluminum 2.0-liter 4cylinder engine with variable valve timing.  It puts out 152 hp and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is 22mpg city/ 29mpg highway. The model tested also included a continuously variable transmission.

The exterior makes the car move even when parked.  The front fascia has a shark-like snout. The body kit gives front and side extensions to lower the profile, the rear wing spoiler makes the car look as if it’s ready to fly. The 18” alloy wheels are the perfect complement to the 45 series tires.

At a MSRP of $18,490.00, features are not lacking with the GTS.  The interior boasts automatic climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel, power door locks, power windows and side view mirrors, CD/MP3 unit with 6 speakers, multi-information display, variable intermittent wipers, sport seats, faux carbon fiber trim, and an extra 12volt outlet in the center console are standard.

To see and hear more consider the $1,500 “Sun & Sound” package.  It includes a 650 watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch premium sound system with nine speakers including 10” subwoofer, Sirius Satellite Radio, 6CD/MP3 in dash unit, power glass sunroof, and aux audio input jacks.

If you are a techie you may want the $2,000 “Navi & Tech” package.  It includes a fast key entry system (where you can keep the key in your pocket or purse), a 30 gig hard drive navigation system with music server and CD/MP3/DVD capability. 

Safety is not sacrificed for fun.  The Lancer carries seven airbags including a driver’s side knee airbag.  It also includes active front headrests, latch system for child seats, daytime running lights, and four wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.

The 2008 Lancer GTS with the Sun and Sound package, Navi & Tech package, and destination/handling comes to a grand total of $22,615.00.  Comparable in its class are the Honda Civic Si, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 and Chevy Cobalt.

(Photo/Grover White )