Mitsubishi Outlander: Styling
Some people suggest that a car's performance is the most important part of any review, but that's not the case with the new Lancer. This is one sharp-looking sedan. Rarely do I test a sub-$20,000 car that gets stares, but the Lancer GTS, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and super-sized spoiler, had plenty of heads turning in its direction.
The most daring design element is the front end, with its frowning grille and sharp headlights tucked underneath an angled hood. There are so many stylish lines on the new Lancer I was surprised by something new each time I showed it to someone. During a video shoot, I noticed that there are actually two distinct lines running down the rear flank of the car, not just one.
Around back, the taillights slant inward, toward the license plate, but also protrude out from the car's body — not flush like most vehicles — just at the top of the taillight. The bottoms are flush with another style line sliding underneath. That's a lot of detail for a company's entry-level vehicle.
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Interior
As stylish as the outside is, the inside carries over more of the company's
trends from other vehicles, like the Outlander compact SUV. It's a stark
existence; black is the only interior color cho
Performance
The 152-hp four-cylinder engine produces plenty of power to move the Lancer
at highway speeds, even when fully loaded with four adults and luggage. My only
reoccurring thought was that no matter h
Features
To come in at under $14,000, the base Lancer DE forgoes some important
equipment like air conditioning and antilock brakes; both are part of a $1,100
option package. The DE does come with power wi
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Adjustable seat belt anchor (front seats)
The seat belt anchor height can be adjusted.
Move the seat belt anchor down with the lock knob (A) depressed. To move the
anchor up, slide it without depressing the lock knob (A).
Warning
► When adjusting the seat belt anchor, set it at a position that is sufficiently
high so that th
Redesigned Front Suspension
The MacPherson strut front suspension is similar in layout to the previous
Lancer's, but all-new, with a sharpened focus on enhancing rigidity while
reducing weight and lowering the roll center. Slightly longer suspension travel
(10 mm) enhances road holding even on rough roads, and road shock
