Overview

Now in its second generation in the United States, the compact 5-passenger sedan is offered with a choice of 4-cylinder engines. The big news for 2010 is the addition of a new body style; the Lancer gains a new 5-door variant. The remaining models in the lineup benefit from revised option packages, freshened colors and styling updates.

• New model and several revisions for 2010
• New Lancer Sportback 5-door hatchback model
• Minor exterior styling revisions
• Trip computer is now full-color
• New UV-protective front door glass and odor-decomposing headliner
• Anti-lock brakes are now standard on all models
• New 16-inch wheel design on ES model
• New Touring package with leather upholstery, heated seats and better insulated windshield glass on GTS model
• New Hill Start Assist on Ralliart model
• New Recaro Sport package adds Recaro seats, HID headlamps and Rockford Fosgate audio system (Sportback)
• New Touring package with leather upholstery, heated seats, better insulated windshield glass, improved sound insulation, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and heated mirrors on Evolution X MR model
• New AUX audio jack and Bluetooth phone connectivity on Evo models

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan that can be equipped to meet the needs of a variety of consumers-from economy-minded minimalists to all-weather performance enthusiasts, and everything in between. First introduced in the United States in 1973 as the Plymouth Arrow, it's been sold under various names since, but in recent years the vehicle has grown in size and taken the Lancer badge.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer comes in four trim levels: DE, ES, GTS, and Ralliart. The Lancer DE features 16-inch steel wheels, trip computer, and 4-speaker sound system, with optional air conditioning, keyless entry, and floor mats. The Lancer ES includes those options plus cruise control, as well as upgraded seats, wheels, and upholstery. The Lancer GTS features a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, firmer suspension, automatic climate control, sport seats, 6-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Lancer Ralliart is the performance model, and features a turbocharged engine, upgraded transmission, and all-wheel drive, plus keyless entry and ignition as standard equipment. Various option packages add a sunroof and a navigation system to the upper trim levels, while the Ralliart qualifies for Recaro Sport seats and a premium sound system.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer DE and ES trims feature a 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with a continuously variable automatic transmission optional. The engine in the Lancer GTS is a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder unit. The Ralliart model features a turbocharged, 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, an automated dual-clutch transmission with manual shift paddles, and all-wheel drive. According to the EPA, the base engine in the Lancer delivers 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the Ralliart's turbocharged engine delivers 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, side air bags, driver's knee air bag, and overhead curtain air bags. In government crash tests, the NHTSA gave the Lancer 4 out of 5 stars for front-passenger protection and 5 stars for driver protection in front-impact tests, and 4 stars for rear-seat protection in side impacts.

Starting MSRP for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer was $14,790.