?2014 Mitsubishi?s Lancer GT: An affordable yet sporty sedan?
Want an affordable sporty sedan? The Mitsubishi Lancer GT fills the bill.?Want more impressive sporty sedans to choose from? ? There are others in Mitsubishi?s Lancer lineup that deliver. Pick yours depending upon performance requirements and budget constraints. Mitsubishi Lancer GT. Mitsubishi Lancer GT
There are four models that in the versatile Lancer stable: The base Lancer ES is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, 148 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox that gears motive force to the front wheels; a front wheel drive Lancer ES model that adds features and equipment, powered by the same engine, but available with either the 5-speed manual or an optional CVT transmission; next up, is the sportier Lancer SE, front-wheel driven by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 168 horses along with 167 pound feet of torque minus 7 horses and 6 pound feet of torque in California due to emissions gear, that is also naturally aspirated. The 2.4-liter motor mates to either a 5-speed manual or CVT with a 6-step Sportronic? mode utilizing magnesium steering column mounted paddle shifters. The SE is followed by the Mitsubishi Lancer GT model with the same engine as the SE, but with a CVT automatic only. And finally, the cream of the crop, the Lancer Ralliart which gets down the road or over the track courtesy of a 2.0-liter, DOHC MIVEC, intercooled/turbocharged four-banger that makes 237 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, along with 253 pound feet of torque in a range from 2,500-4750 rpm. The Ralliart?s transmission is a TC-SST automated manual with magnesium steering column-mounted shifter paddles that meters power to all four wheels via Mitsubishi?s full-time Center Differential (ACD), front helical and rear mechanical limited-slip differentials.
Not part of the basic Lancer lineup are the super high-performance, Lancer Evolution models, which fall into another category altogether.
2014 Lancer ES models feature an advanced fuel-saving technology in the form of electric assist power steering. The more performance-oriented Lancer GT and Ralliart models provide a convenient USB port for plugging in a memory stick or for easy iPod access plus Mitsubishi’s FUSE HandsFree Link System? that allows for hands-free access to Bluetooth?-enabled cell phones, an iPod ?, or a USB drive with the use of simple voice commands.
In terms of styling, the sheetmetal displays an aggressive, muscular image that replicates that of the popular, one-of-a-kind, ultra-high-performance Lancer Evolution sports sedan. The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer positions itself as one of the?more stylish 4-doors available in its price segment. The “shark-nosed” front end resembles that of a jet fighter with its air intakes, distinct wedge-like profile and sharp, tight angular edges. The greenhouse or cabin is sleekly curved, following the sharply sloped hood and angular nose.
Safety offerings are comprehensive, featuring Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody design. Also included as part of the safety package, is the dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, along with a driver’s knee air bag.
The interior of the Lancer GT follows the same clean, simple crisp, but sporty?theme as the exterior, with a roomy feel and user-friendly gauges and switch?gear. Both precision and function are strongly evidenced. The glove box is large, illuminated and damped to avoid bumped knees or shins. The center console in the two upper trim levels adds a rear storage box with an armrest.
While all Lancer models follow a value packaging philosophy, each trim?level adds content, allowing the consumer to select the model that best suits?his or her needs and budget limitations.
My test unit was the 2014?Mitsubishi Lancer GT with the CVT automatic transmission. The exterior was sprayed in Wicked White, with a Black interior. The MSRP was set at $21,445 while the optional Touring Package, Navigation System and Destination and Handling charge elevated the final sticker to $27,390.
SUMMARY: Mitsubishi designed the Lancer to meet or exceed customer expectations, which is dependent upon what one’s expectations happen to be. Budget of course, is a major issue, but there are so many variables that it should be possible to at least meet nearly everyone’s expectations.
Acceleration exceeds an adequate level in virtually all driving scenarios. The handling characteristics deliver a sporty feel, and the three-spoke steering wheel displays a nice, comfortable feel. The ride quality is compliant but stable, leaning to the firm side.
The 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system is set up a little differently and not?initially intuitive to operate. Spend a little time with it though, and it becomes more user friendly — I don?t happen to be a devout audiophile, so it was probably more me than the unit itself. The sound quality is incredible however, once the system?s operation is mastered.
Bottom line, the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer GT is an attractive, sporty 4-door sedan with an impressive list of desirable features as standard along with plenty of options to satisfy personal needs and requirements, making it possible to pick your own brand of fun.
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[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer GT [/wptabtitle]
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| Base Price: | $21,445. |
| Price as Tested: | $27,390. |
| Engine Type and Size: | 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve MIVEC inline four-cylinder with electronic Multi-Port fuel injection. |
| Horsepower (bhp): | 168 @ 6,000 rpm (-7 hp CA) |
| Torque (ft./ lbs.): | 167 @ 4,100 rpm (-6 fpt CA) |
| Transmission: | Sportronic™ CVT automatic with INVEC-III with 6 steps. |
| Drive Train: | Transversely mounted front engine / Front-Wheel drive. |
| Suspension: | Front – MacPherson strut with 21mm stabilizer bar. Rear – Multi-link with 18mm stabilizer bar. |
| Brakes: | Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front), 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS, EBD, Active Stability Control and Traction Control. |
| Tires: | Dunlop SP Sport 5000M 215/45 R18 89V M&S mounted on Silver-painted 8-spoke alloy wheels. |
| Wheelbase: | 103.7 inches |
| Length Overall: | 180.0 inches |
| Width: | 69.4 inches |
| Height: | 58.7 inches |
| Curb Weight: | 3,076 lbs. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 15.5 gallons |
| EPA Mileage Estimates: | 23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway |
| Drag Coefficient: | Not listed. |
| 0 – 60 mph: | Not tested. |
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