Acceleration

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.7

Just adequate. Feels reasonably lively with manual transmission. Automatic dulls response, though its fairly prompt downshifts help prevent alarming moments when passing or merging.

Fuel Economy

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
7	6	7	6.7

Test O-Z with manual transmission averaged 26.4 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure with automatic transmission.

Ride Quality

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	4.1

Quite comfortable for a subcompact. Stable and composed, though dips at highway speeds can cause some slight bouncing motions.

Steering/Handling/Braking

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
5	6	6	4.9

All models have the same, generally competent suspension tuning. Body lean is noticeable, but not excessive. Grip is fairly good and doesn't seem significantly better with the slightly wider O-Z and LS tires. Steering effort is natural, though O-Z test car had a nervous, unsettled feel at highway speeds. Stopping power is adequate, but ABS should be offered on all models, not just LS.

Quietness

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	3.6

Wind noise and tire whine at highway speeds don't prevent easy conversation. Engine smooth and fairly refined under hard acceleration.

Controls

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.6

Slightly undersized audio buttons, and dashboard-mounted clock washes out in direct sunlight. Simple layout otherwise clear and handy. O-Z model's white-face primary gauges slightly easier to read than gray background in other models. O-Z interior also trimmed for a sportier look. On all, dashboard plastics feel unsubstantial, but cabin materials otherwise durable. Doors, trunklid close with a metallic resonance.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.4

Good tall-adult room on comfortable, supportive seats. Driver gets standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable seat, and good outward visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.2

Average for a subcompact. Head and knee clearance are snug for tall riders, but foot space is good. Seat a bit too firm and flat for ideal support, but not uncomfortable. Narrow cabin makes it a squeeze for three adults.

Cargo Room

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.3

Fairly large trunk, but lid narrows at bottom and hinges intrude into cargo area. LS and O-Z have 70/30 split folding seatback, but pass-through to trunk is very small.

Value within Class

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
6	7	6	4.7

Its only significant fault is tepid acceleration, but Lancer offers little to lure buyers from higher-profile rivals such as the Honda Civic and Ford Focus. Dealers should thus be willing to discount.

Total Score

ES, man.	LS, auto.	O-Z, man.	Class Average
51	52	52	44.2

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		31
Average Score		44
High Score		61