2010 Mitsubishi Lancer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback marks the return of a 4-door hatchback body style to this compact-car lineup. Sedan versions of Mitsubishi's smallest car continue without any major changes for 2010. Front-wheel-drive Lancer DE and ES sedans are powered by a 152-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The front-drive GTS sedan and new GTS Sportback have a 168-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. DE, ES, and GTS are available with a manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Lancer Ralliart reprises its sedan body style and also offers a Sportback hatchback. Ralliarts have all-wheel drive and a 237-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The AWD Lancer Evolution returns after a hiatus during the 2009 model year. It reprises GSR and MR trims, each with a 291-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. GSRs have a 5-speed manual transmission; MRs have a 6-speed automatic. New for 2010 is an Evolution MR Touring, which includes leather upholstery and a sunroof. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Most models are available with a touch-screen navigation system and a 30-gigabyte hard drive for storage and playback of digital audio files.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, and Volkswagen Jetta. Our Recommended pick is the Scion xB.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda Insight, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer (Sportback), and Volkswagen Golf.