COVER STORY: 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer ES - sewn from Ralliart fabric
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer ES is undoubtedly among the nicest 4-door sedans in the class - with lots of content and styling for the money - and it's sewn from the same fabric that makes the venerable Mitsubishi Ralliart performance sedan. Think of it as a Ralliart in an unmarked wrapper. Lots of the same content and fun, and an excellent stand-alone or aftermarket upgradable platform.
The Mitsubishi brand in the US is strong and viral - with such events as the Mitsubishi Owners Day (MOD) held annually at the corporate office in Cypress, CA., a strong presence in Time Attack, and much more. It's this strong brand loyalty that has been the backbone of Mitsubishi success in North America, and the popular products - ranging from big-screen TV's to the cars on the road.
Lancer ES has great on-road looks, with aggressive, muscular sheetmetal that closely mimics that of the head-turning design of the Lancer Evolution sports sedan. There are four models in the range, including the very affordable Lancer DE, the well-equipped Lancer ES, the more powerful Lancer GTS (all three models featuring front-wheel drive) and the super athletic all-wheel drive Lancer Ralliart - it's no wonder that this sports sedan is the best-selling 4-door in Mitsubishi's expansive model lineup.
Our test vehicle was the Lancer ES with navigation and satellite stereo - both well worth the upgrade. We got great fuel economy around town and on the highway, up to an impressive 33-mpg. In a package that starts at just $16,595 - it drives and has content like a car costing thousands more.
A capable, normally-aspirated 16-valve 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine featuring Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) for optimized power production, improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions that produces a full 152 horsepower is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission in both the Lancer DE and ES models. A continuously-variable transmission (CVT) is available as an option.
At the top of the Lancer performance food chain resides the remarkable Ralliart model, featuring a 237 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled MIVEC-equipped inline-4 engine and rapid-shifting 6-speed automated manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission.
This Ralliart version of the Lancer is also equipped with many of the advanced active electronic driver aids found on the legendary Lancer Evolution, including full-time All-Wheel Control with Active Center Differential a front helical limited-slip differential, rear limited-slip differential and Hill Start Assist technology that, once the driver removes their foot from the brake pedal, holds the vehicle in a stationary position on a slope for several seconds until the driver depresses the accelerator pedal.
Overall, we love the whole Lancer line and all four models in the range. The ES a nice combination of performance and features, and is a great value.
- by Vince Bodiford
Mitsubishi Official Site
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