Ike

I think Mazda finally has some serious competition for the Mazda 3. Official pricing and press release from Mitsubishi:





"Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has announced pricing for its all-new 2008 Lancer compact sedan. The rally-inspired Mitsubishi Lancer delivers driven-to-thrill dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The 2008 Lancer will start at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $13,990 for the value-minded DE model. The well-equipped Lancer ES will start at $15,990 and the sporty GTS, with available class-leading technology, starts at $17,490.

All Lancer models are front-wheel drive and powered exclusively by a new all-aluminum MIVEC 4-cylinder engine teamed to a five-speed manual transmission, achieving 152-hp (Federal emissions.) A Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (P-ZEV) engine achieves 143-hp. Each of the three trim lines offered for the 2008 Lancer - the value-minded DE, the well equipped ES and the sporty GTS - is available with continuously variable transmission (CVT.) The DE with CVT is $14,890. The ES with CVT is $16,890. The GTS with CVT features a 6-step Sportronic(R) mode using segment-first magnesium-alloy steering wheel paddle shifters and is priced at $18,490. Destination and handling charges for the 2008 Lancer are $625. more -

Rally-Inspired Lancer Comes Generously Equipped

The Lancer offers a distinctive wedge-like profile and crisp taut lines. The Lancer DE has 16-inch wheels with full cover, roomy seating for five and the segments' first driver's knee air bag. Other features are power windows and side view mirrors; anti-theft engine immobilizer; auto-off headlamps with daytime running lights; and an AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and four speakers. Air conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and power door locks can be added to the Lancer DE with CVT for an additional $1,100.

Excellent Value at Every Level

The Lancer ES projects a refined appearance with 5-spoke 16-in. alloy wheels, color-keyed door handles and mirrors and a chrome grille surround. Air conditioning, split folding rear seats, center console box with armrest, map lamps, floor mats, power locks and anti-theft alarm system are just a few of the features offered on the well-equipped ES. GTS has even more aggressive styling, with 10-spoke 18-in. alloy wheels, front and side air dams, fog lights, a rear spoiler and a chrome tailpipe tip. The GTS features exclusive sport-tuned suspension, 215/45R18 tires, plus the same disc brakes as the larger, heavier Outlander SUV. Sportronic magnesium shift paddles (steering wheel mounted), automatic climate control, sport bucket front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth(R) hands-free cellular phone interface, and 6-speaker audio add to the appeal of the top of the line GTS.

Premium Technology Options with Value Pricing

The Sun & Sound Package, $1,500 MSRP and available on ES or GTS, combines a power glass sunroof with sunshade with the 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate(R) Premium Audio system with nine speakers including subwoofer, six CD in-dash head unit and SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio with six month pre-paid subscription. Lancer GTS model offers an optional Navigation and Technology Package ($2,000 MSRP) that uses a seven-inch touch screen and hard disc drive with a digital music server. This package includes a versatile drive computer and an interface to customize operation of many vehicle features. Also included is the new Mitsubishi FAST key entry system for passive vehicle access and ignition.

Safety Features

Standard safety features for all 2008 Lancer models include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors; driver's side knee air bag, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags (front and rear); a and a tire pressure monitoring system. ES and GTS models have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

Premium Warranty

Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a fully-transferable 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components. All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, and marketing operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, a mid-size pickup truck and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 510 dealers.

Description (Eng/Tran) Suggested Retail Price*** Comments
Lancer DE 4-Door DOHC MIVEC (2.0L/5M) $13,990.00 5-Speed Manual
Lancer DE 4-Door DOHC MIVEC (2.0L/CVT) $14,890.00 Continuously Variable Transmission
Lancer ES 4-Door DOHC MIVEC (2.0L/5M) $15,990.00 5-Speed Manual
Lancer ES 4-Door DOHC MIVEC (2.0L/CVT) $16,890.00 Continuously Variable Transmission
Lancer GTS 4-Door DOHC MIVEC (2.0L/5M) $17,490.00 5-Speed Manual
Lancer GTS 4-Door DOHC MIVEC (2.0L/CVT) $18,490.00 Continuously Variable Transmission with 6-Step Sportronic(R) Paddle-Shifters

Options Suggested
Retail Price Lancer DE 4-Door Lancer ES 4-Door Lancer GTS 4-Door
A/C and Power Package:
Manual Air Conditioning w/ Micron Filter, Anti-Lock Brakes w/ EBD, Power Door Locks, Auto Up/Down Driver Window $1,100.00 OPT NA NA
Sun & Sound Package:
650 Watt (Max) Rockford-Fosgate(R) PUNCH Premium Sound System, SIRIUS Satellite Radio w/ 6-months of pre-paid subscription, 6CD/MP3 In-Dash Head Unit, Power Glass Sunroof, Auxiliary Audio Input Jacks

* Replaces Standard Audio Head Unit
$1,500.00 NA OPT OPT
Navigation & Technology Package:
FAST-Key Entry System, 30GB HDD Navigation System w/ Digital Music Server & CD/DVD Capablility, 7" Touch Screen Panel Display, Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System, Maintenance Recorder, ETACS Customized Setting, Calendar,
Trip Computer, Environmental In

* Replaces Standard Audio Head Unit
$2,000.00 NA NA OPT

Accessories
Suggested
Retail Price Lancer DE 4-Door Lancer ES 4-Door Lancer GTS 4-Door
Accessory HFP Bluetooth(R) Phone Link with Voice Recognition $250.00 NA ACY NA
Accessory Navigation Package:
30GB HDD Navigation w/ Digital Music Server & CD/DVD Capability
* Replaces Standard Audio Head Unit $2,190.00 NA ACY ACY
Accessory Fog Lights $280.00 ACY ACY NA
Accessory Floor Mats $60.00 ACY NA NA
Accessory Appearance Package: Exhaust Tip, Mudguards, Scuff Plates $210.00 ACY ACY NA
Accessory 6CD Audio Head Unit Package: In-Dash 6CD/MP3 Audio Head Unit
* Replaces Standard Audio Head Unit
$350.00 ACY ACY ACY
Accessory Keyless Entry $150.00 ACY NA NA
Accessory Cargo Organizer $50.00 ACY ACY ACY
Accessory Wheel Locks $40.00 NA ACY ACY
Accessory Trunk Mat without Subwoofer $80.00 ACY ACY ACY
Accessory Trunk Mat with Subwoofer $80.00 NA ACY ACY
Accessory Side Wind Deflectors $85.00 ACY ACY ACY "

Here's the preview C&D did a little while back. All early signs point to the new Lancer being a pretty damn good car for the money.

http://www.caranddriver.com/previews...ancer-gts.html

CarAndDriver

This week's Autoweek said CVT Lancer models were not very fun to drive, not too quick and not too sporty. The best model was the base model with the 5SPD manual. Not the most positive review.

Ike

Autoweek is about the last publication I would ever trust with a car review, but thanks for the heads up. It'll be interesting to see how the comparo tests end up between the Sentra, Mazda 3, Civic, Lancer, and Corolla.

CarAndDriver

Don't forget the Hyundai Elantra/Kia Spectra, VW Golf, Chevy Cobalt and Ford Focus.
I think the Lancer will do okay in a comparison test. I say about upper midpack for this group with the Americans and Corolla and Sentra at the bottom.

The compact cars to beat are the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and VW Golf. The new Elantra isn't bad and the price is so competitive. The new Sentra and updated Focus are really disappointing. The Corolla is old, the Cobalt hasn't changed much either.