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Mitsubishi Lancer Information

 Overview:
    One of the sportiest compact sedans available, the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is aimed squarely at consumers who are bored with more mainstream choices. Whether you just want a car that looks and handles sharper than the average econobox or you need something speedy enough to embarrass genuine sports cars, the Lancer lineup likely has something with your name on it.

    The Lancer gives you apart-from-the-pack styling, above-average handling, fun-to-drive sporting variants and an impressive array of high-tech features that until recently were reserved for luxury automobiles.

    The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer adds electric-assist power steering and brake regeneration to its base engine models, increasing fuel economy. Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activation system also debuts while standard features and optional packages see a minor reorganization. Also, the base model replaces the former rear disc brakes with drum brakes.
Trim Levels:

    The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan available in DE, ES, GTS and Ralliart trim levels. The base DE comes with 16-inch steel wheels, lower body sill extensions, a tilt-only steering wheel, full power accessories, a trip computer and a four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo. The A/C and Power package adds air-conditioning, keyless entry and floor mats to the DE.

    The ES comes with all the aforementioned items and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, upgraded upholstery, a 60/40-split rear seat with a center armrest, manual driver-seat height adjustment, steering-wheel audio controls and an auxiliary audio jack for the stereo. The ES Sport package adds a front spoiler, a large rear wing, a chrome exhaust outlet and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

    The GTS gains a more powerful engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped shifter and handbrake handle, sport bucket front seats with upgraded fabric, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo. The Ralliart ups the performance ante with a turbocharged engine, an automated dual-clutch manual transmission (with shift paddles) and all-wheel drive. The latter also features keyless ignition and entry.

    A Touring package is available for GTS and Ralliart trims and features xenon headlights, a sunroof, a smaller rear spoiler, rain-sensing wipers, leather seats and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio. Also optional on all but the DE trim is a navigation system that features a 30GB hard drive capable of storing digital music files.

Powertrains & Performance:

    The Mitsubishi Lancer DE and ES come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 148 hp and 146 pound-feet of torque. In California-emissions states, this engine is classified as a Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle with a downgraded 143 hp and 143 lb-ft of torque. The Lancer GTS packs a 2.4-liter four that cranks out 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional. When added to the Lancer GTS, this CVT includes a manual mode with simulated gear ratios operated via paddle shifters. The Ralliart features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque.  Power is sent to all four wheels through an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles.

    The GTS with a manual transmission accelerates from zero to 60 mph in a quick-for-its-class 7.7 seconds. The base engine with the five-speed does the same sprint in 8.8 seconds, while the CVT gets there in 9.1. The Ralliart dispatches with the 0-60 dash in a sizzling 5.8 seconds.

    The 2.0-liter achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined with the manual transmission. The 2.4-liter gets 21 city/28 highway and 23 combined with the manual. The CVT produces a negligible difference in fuel efficiency. The Ralliart is rated at 17 city/25 highway and 20 combined.

    Safety:

      The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. Antilock brakes and stability control are standard across the board, as are four-wheel disc brakes. In independent testing, a Lancer GTS stopped from 60 mph in a scant 115 feet.

      In government crash testing, the Lancer received a five-star rating for driver frontal crash protection and front-seat side crash protection. It got four stars for passenger frontal crash protection and for rear-seat side protection. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests, the Lancer achieved the best rating of "Good."