2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Freshened front-end styling tops 2006 updates to Mitsubishi's smallest cars. Lancers are 4-cyl sedans that range from entry-level economy models to pricey high-performance versions. ES and O-Z Rally models have 120 hp, Ralliart models have 162. These models have front-wheel drive. The high-performance Evolution models come in RS, IX, and MR designations. They are turbocharged and have 286 hp, an increase of 10 hp over 2005. Evos also have all-wheel drive. Every Lancer comes with manual transmission, a 6-speed for the Evolution MR, a 5-speed for the others. Automatic transmission is available for ES, O-Z, and Ralliart. ABS is standard on Ralliart and Evo IX and MR, optional on the others. Front side airbags are standard on Ralliart, optional on ES and O-Z, and unavailable on Evos. Ralliarts have a sport suspension, Evo-style front seats, and unique trim. Evolutions have racing-inspired cosmetics and suspension tuning. RS and MR versions pare pounds partly through use of some lighter-weight body panels.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger, popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.

News

A redesigned Lancer should surface in the first half of 2007 as an early '08 offering. Built on Mitsubishi's C-platform developed with Chrysler Group, it's expected to wear smoother but huskier styling than the outgoing sedan. A sport wagon is possible, as the new platform is shared with the Dodge Caliber and Jeep's Compass and Patriot wagons. Mainstream models will offer up to three 4-cyl engines--1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 liters. These are also shared with Chrysler as well as Hyundai, which partner with Mitsubishi in the Global Alliance engine operation in Michigan. No specifics have yet emerged on the next Evo, but we'd expect over 300 to one-up rally-racer archrival Subaru WRX. Keep checking back with us for late-breaking news.

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Acceleration (ES, O-Z)

Acceleration (Evolution)	Noise (Evolution)

Steering/handling (Ralliart, Evolution)	Ride (Evolution)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
4	3	6	8	4.4

The ES and O-Z models' 2.0-liter engine is adequate with manual transmission, feels sluggish with automatic. Ralliart's 2.4 is noticeably stronger and more relaxed with either transmission. Evolutions suffer minor turbo lag and tepid low-rpm throttle response from a stop, but acceleration becomes ferocious as rpm climbs.

Fuel Economy

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
7	7	6	5	6.7

Our test averages include 26.4 mpg for a manual-transmission O-Z; 23.1 for an automatic Ralliart, and 23.9 for a manual. Test Evolutions averaged 18.0 mpg in mostly city driving, 19.0 in even city/highway driving, and 22.8 in mostly highway work. Mitsubishi requires premium-grade fuel for Evolutions.

Ride Quality

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
5	5	4	2	4.9

Evolutions are quite firm, but not unbearably harsh. Ralliarts can jolt over sharp bumps, but ride is otherwise acceptable for sporty compacts. Other Lancers are stable and composed, though big bumps and dips can induce minor bounce.

Steering/Handling/Braking

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
5	5	7	9	5.6

ES, O-Z models are economy-car competent, with moderate cornering lean. Ralliarts are more agile and fun. Evolutions have sports car agility, tenacious AWD grip, but suffer a large turning circle. Strong stopping power on models with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Quietness

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
5	5	5	2	4.2

Racy Evolutions are quite noisy, even in low-effort driving. Other models have acceptable wind and road noise, but suffer mild high-rpm engine boom.

Controls

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.9

Gauges and controls are nothing special, but cause no problems. Cabin materials are inoffensive, look durable. But plastics not that classy in any model. Doors, trunklid close with cheap-sounding clang.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
5	5	6	6	5.5

Cozy feel, but adult-size room. Comfortable, supportive seats, especially bolstered sport seats in Evolutions and Ralliarts. Tilt steering wheel standard. Visibility good, but Evolution IX and MR rear spoiler obscures vehicles behind.

Room/Comfort (rear)

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.9

Average for class. Two medium-size adults not cramped. Seat too firm and flat for best support, but livable.

Cargo Room

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
2	2	2	2	4.7

Fairly large trunk, but opening narrows at bottom and hinges intrude into space. All models, except ES and Evo, include 60/40 split folding seatbacks.

Value within Class

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
4	5	5	3	6.2

Lancers are ordinary in ES and O-Z form. Costly, but fast, rowdy fun in Evolution guise. That leaves the middle-ground Ralliart model as perhaps the best balance of price and performance. Still, like ES and O-Z, it's no class star, and resale values are subpar for all but the Evos.

Total Score

ES, man.	ES, auto.	Ralliart, man.	Evolution IX	Class Average
47	47	51	47	52

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		52
High Score		64

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 11/29/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

ES 4-door sedan, manual	$14,599	$13,908	$575

ES 4-door sedan, automatic	$15,499	$14,766	$575

O-Z Rally 4-door sedan, manual	$16,899	$16,100	$575

O-Z Rally 4-door sedan, automatic	$17,799	$16,956	$575

Ralliart 4-door sedan, manual	$18,999	$18,100	$575

Ralliart 4-door sedan, automatic	$19,899	$18,958	$575

Evolution RS 4-door sedan	$28,679	$27,030	$575

Evolution IX 4-door sedan	$31,399	$29,593	$575

Evolution MR Edition 4-door	$35,189	$33,165	$575

Price note: Evolution RS requires RS Pkg. Evolution MR Edition requires MR Pkg., Zero Lift Pkg.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, visor mirrors, automatic-off headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.

O-Z Rally adds to ES:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, split folding rear seat, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, alloy wheels.

Ralliart adds to O-Z Rally:

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Safety

Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, sport suspension, 205/50R16 tires.

Evolution RS adds to ES:

Powertrain

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Daytime running lights, uprated 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather/alcantara upholstery, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: height-adjustable driver seat, split folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player.

Theft-deterrent system, performance suspension, 235/45WR17 tires, alloy wheels.

Evolution IX adds to Evolution RS:

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler.

Evolution MR Edition adds to Evolution IX:

Powertrain

6-speed manual transmission.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, xenon headlights, MR Edition Suspension, unique alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
ES Convenience Pkg.
ES	$800	$704
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, split folding rear seat w/armrest, additional cupholders, variable-intermittent wipers, floormats.

Security Pkg.
ES, O-Z Rally	$550	$484
Antilock brakes, front side airbags. ES requires Convenience Pkg.

Appearance Pkg.
Ralliart	$240	$209
Vortex generator, chrome exhaust tip, sunroof wind deflector. Requires Sun and Sound Pkg.

Sun and Sound Pkg.
O-Z Rally, Ralliart	$1,250	$1,100
Power sunroof, Infinity sound system. O-Z Rally requires Security Pkg.

RS Pkg.
Evolution RS	$470	$411
Turbo-boost gauge, aluminum shift knob.

Sound Plus Leather Pkg.
Evolution IX	$3,120	$2,727
Leather upholstery, power sunroof, Infinity sound system, fog lights, xenon headlights.

MR Pkg.
Evolution MR	$800	$700
Turbo-boost gauge, aluminum shift knob and handbrake, roof aerodynamic aid, wheel locks.

Zero Lift Pkg.
Evolution MR	$310	$267
Front air dam, air ducts for front brakes, rear-spoiler extension.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels
ES	$300	$264
Requires Convenience Pkg., Security Pkg.

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mitsubishi Lancer 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	102.4

Overall Length, in.	180.5

Overall Width, in.	66.8

Overall Height, in.	54.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	2745

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	13.2

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.2

Rear Head Room, in.	36.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc I4	sohc I4	Turbocharged dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.0 /122	2.4 /145	2.0 /122

Horsepower @ rpm.	120 @ 5500	162 @ 5750	286 @ 6500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	130 @ 4250	162 @ 4000	289 @ 3500

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	28/35	23/29	19/25

6-speed manual	--/--	--/--	18/24

4-speed automatic	25/31	22/28	--/--

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Mitsubishi Lancer 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	2

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	10/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	5/60,000	--

Corrosion	7/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
Trim Level: Evolution MR Edition
Arrival Date: 01/12/2006
Engine: Turbocharged dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 6-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $35,189
Price as Tested: $36,894
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 2855
Mileage at End of Test: 3594
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 39 gals.

Major Options: MR Package (aluminum/carbon fiber brake grip, 6M/T aluminum shift knob, vortex generator - color keyed, boost gauge kit, wheel locks), Zero Lift Kit (rear spoiler extension, wickerbill, front under airdam, front brake air guides).

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.95 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski This car says, "I'm going to kick your butt, and you're going to like it." And I do, just not for the $36k+ price that the MR commands. The Evolution IX should be just as much fun, and the $3000 savings can be used for snow tires or performance-enhancing parts.

Kirk Bell The Evo is just plain fun. While it is loud and the ride is a bit harsh, power is sudden and grip is impressive. This car has a lot of race car traits, and it just begs to be driven fast and hard. However, to me, it seems like a car without a market. The price is too high for the boy racer types who'll want it, especially our $37,000 MR tester, and I don't think I'd ever trust a used one.

Mark Bilek The Evo is every bit a rally car for the street. If driven by a competent driver it's furiously fast and will easily embarrass a Corvette or Viper on tight, twisty urban streets. Still, the $36,000 price tag has me shaking my head.

Tom Appel A good deal for the performance, but a lousy way to commute. It you want to go like a bat out of hell, and can live with the buckboard ride and hell's own machine shop noise, this is your car.

< 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Photos

Also in the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Review:

Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Lancer Road Test

Mitsubishi Lancer Prices & Equipment

Mitsubishi Lancer Specs & Safety

Mitsubishi Lancer Photos

Mitsubishi Lancer Full Review

All Mitsubishi Lancers

All Mitsubishis

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