Mitsubishi Lancer EX GT-S 2.0 (A) Review
04 Jun 2010|96,749 views
It was the regular GT at first. But now, fresh from the oven, is the new variant called the GT-S. Sounds similar, really. The main difference between the two is that the new brother comes with Active Stability Control (ASC) as a standard.
And I reckon that is a small difference in a big way.
Apart from that, underneath its bonnet lies a powerful 2.0-litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control) engine that delivers breath taking acceleration. Designing a good-looking car isn't easy nowadays. I mean designers have to think about the fierce-looking front end with sexy side lines, maximization of interior space and not to mention accommodate an expanding complement of airbags.
No doubt things can go horribly wrong when attempting to make a car "wow" its audience. But the talented minds of Mitsubishi design team nailed this one good.
Exterior
The new Lancer GT-S brings the bold, dynamic lines of the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to the showroom. With a shark-like front fascia and a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp lines, it definitely conveys something more than aggressive and borders on downright attractive.
And I reckon that is a small difference in a big way.
Apart from that, underneath its bonnet lies a powerful 2.0-litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control) engine that delivers breath taking acceleration. Designing a good-looking car isn't easy nowadays. I mean designers have to think about the fierce-looking front end with sexy side lines, maximization of interior space and not to mention accommodate an expanding complement of airbags.
No doubt things can go horribly wrong when attempting to make a car "wow" its audience. But the talented minds of Mitsubishi design team nailed this one good.
Exterior
The new Lancer GT-S brings the bold, dynamic lines of the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to the showroom. With a shark-like front fascia and a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp lines, it definitely conveys something more than aggressive and borders on downright attractive.
![]() |
This machine's proportions are spot on. The side view shows a beveled, high-waisted beltline that is capped by a curvy, coupe-like roof. Round the back, the tail is tall and sawed off short, topped with a wide wing. The overall look is crisp and edgy and while I prefer the handsome lad without the spoiler, the exact target market may disagree.
But it is a stunning development for Mitsubishi. This one sits on the road with a planted and purposeful stance and more importantly, its in-your-face snout and swept-up tail elevates a plain-Jane model from zero to hero.
Fortunately, the positivity continues inside.
![]() |
Interior
As with the exterior, the Lancer's interior is characterised by quality-obvious surfaces, free of gimmicks and using high-quality materials and marked by careful attention to detail. Interior trim and accessories are tasteful, if not totally fine to the touch.
The seats are nicely supportive, and although they were covered with the cheap-like boring suede during my test drive due to its new release, I was told personally that Mitsubishi will fully upholster the seats in leather in the coming weeks.
Sitting in the Mitsubishi Lancer GT-S for the first time, my impression of the car is that it seems quite comprehensively equipped for its class. The audio switches are finished in piano black for an upscale appearance and it displays the usual six presets and comes with the compact disc and AUX-in option which will always be greatly appreciated.
As with the exterior, the Lancer's interior is characterised by quality-obvious surfaces, free of gimmicks and using high-quality materials and marked by careful attention to detail. Interior trim and accessories are tasteful, if not totally fine to the touch.
The seats are nicely supportive, and although they were covered with the cheap-like boring suede during my test drive due to its new release, I was told personally that Mitsubishi will fully upholster the seats in leather in the coming weeks.
Sitting in the Mitsubishi Lancer GT-S for the first time, my impression of the car is that it seems quite comprehensively equipped for its class. The audio switches are finished in piano black for an upscale appearance and it displays the usual six presets and comes with the compact disc and AUX-in option which will always be greatly appreciated.
Apart from the Lancer being relatively roomy, the short-stroke switches also impart a feeling of quality and solidity. Additionally, steering-wheel buttons which control the usual audio and cruise functions are made available for convenience sake.
Speaking of convenient, the car key remains pocketed throughout the sporty experience, another feature we haven't seen in too many cars at this price. Keyless entry is made available by having sensors in the door handles and on the trunk which respond to touch as long as the key is close by.
Once inside, a twist of a lever in the usual ignition-key spot brings the car to life. Locking of the doors can be done with buttons on the door handles and it will activate the alarm when exiting, or warns you if the key is still in the car.
Speaking of convenient, the car key remains pocketed throughout the sporty experience, another feature we haven't seen in too many cars at this price. Keyless entry is made available by having sensors in the door handles and on the trunk which respond to touch as long as the key is close by.
Once inside, a twist of a lever in the usual ignition-key spot brings the car to life. Locking of the doors can be done with buttons on the door handles and it will activate the alarm when exiting, or warns you if the key is still in the car.
![]() |
Driving Impressions
The Lancer is no doubt a lean, mean machine.
Despite a mere 2.0-litre petrol capacity, the beefy engine makes a rather rich and adrenaline-pumping sound that can rival the music of the Guns N' Roses. The car does your bidding at the slightest tap of the pedal and it, thus, makes you feel like you have the power to dominate the roads.
With the 2.0-liter MIVEC that delivers 155 horsepower and the optional manual overdrive transmission with magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel, you have a package that defines sport driving.
The Lancer isn't an awful car to pilot. Although body roll was evident during the test drive, the easy-on-the-ears torque, relatively smooth shifts of the manual transmission and effortless high-speed cruising overwhelms the negative points.
The Lancer is no doubt a lean, mean machine.
Despite a mere 2.0-litre petrol capacity, the beefy engine makes a rather rich and adrenaline-pumping sound that can rival the music of the Guns N' Roses. The car does your bidding at the slightest tap of the pedal and it, thus, makes you feel like you have the power to dominate the roads.
With the 2.0-liter MIVEC that delivers 155 horsepower and the optional manual overdrive transmission with magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel, you have a package that defines sport driving.
The Lancer isn't an awful car to pilot. Although body roll was evident during the test drive, the easy-on-the-ears torque, relatively smooth shifts of the manual transmission and effortless high-speed cruising overwhelms the negative points.
Conclusion
I reckon the Lancer GT-S is more handsome than drop-dead gorgeous.
The aggressive looking Lancer GT-S is an impressive new player in the market and although it may not be as polished as some other offerings in its class, it's a lot more exciting. At a price of $96,988 (as of 20 May 2010), this is a car for those who value style and an overall experience that is sporty, yet economical.
Based on my 7 hours experience with the sturdy lad, you will not tire of the exhilarating voice and instant punch it has to offer.
I reckon the Lancer GT-S is more handsome than drop-dead gorgeous.
The aggressive looking Lancer GT-S is an impressive new player in the market and although it may not be as polished as some other offerings in its class, it's a lot more exciting. At a price of $96,988 (as of 20 May 2010), this is a car for those who value style and an overall experience that is sporty, yet economical.
Based on my 7 hours experience with the sturdy lad, you will not tire of the exhilarating voice and instant punch it has to offer.
It was the regular GT at first. But now, fresh from the oven, is the new variant called the GT-S. Sounds similar, really. The main difference between the two is that the new brother comes with Active Stability Control (ASC) as a standard.
And I reckon that is a small difference in a big way.
Apart from that, underneath its bonnet lies a powerful 2.0-litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control) engine that delivers breath taking acceleration. Designing a good-looking car isn't easy nowadays. I mean designers have to think about the fierce-looking front end with sexy side lines, maximization of interior space and not to mention accommodate an expanding complement of airbags.
No doubt things can go horribly wrong when attempting to make a car "wow" its audience. But the talented minds of Mitsubishi design team nailed this one good.
Exterior
The new Lancer GT-S brings the bold, dynamic lines of the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to the showroom. With a shark-like front fascia and a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp lines, it definitely conveys something more than aggressive and borders on downright attractive.
And I reckon that is a small difference in a big way.
Apart from that, underneath its bonnet lies a powerful 2.0-litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control) engine that delivers breath taking acceleration. Designing a good-looking car isn't easy nowadays. I mean designers have to think about the fierce-looking front end with sexy side lines, maximization of interior space and not to mention accommodate an expanding complement of airbags.
No doubt things can go horribly wrong when attempting to make a car "wow" its audience. But the talented minds of Mitsubishi design team nailed this one good.
Exterior
The new Lancer GT-S brings the bold, dynamic lines of the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to the showroom. With a shark-like front fascia and a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp lines, it definitely conveys something more than aggressive and borders on downright attractive.
![]() |
This machine's proportions are spot on. The side view shows a beveled, high-waisted beltline that is capped by a curvy, coupe-like roof. Round the back, the tail is tall and sawed off short, topped with a wide wing. The overall look is crisp and edgy and while I prefer the handsome lad without the spoiler, the exact target market may disagree.
But it is a stunning development for Mitsubishi. This one sits on the road with a planted and purposeful stance and more importantly, its in-your-face snout and swept-up tail elevates a plain-Jane model from zero to hero.
Fortunately, the positivity continues inside.
![]() |
Interior
As with the exterior, the Lancer's interior is characterised by quality-obvious surfaces, free of gimmicks and using high-quality materials and marked by careful attention to detail. Interior trim and accessories are tasteful, if not totally fine to the touch.
The seats are nicely supportive, and although they were covered with the cheap-like boring suede during my test drive due to its new release, I was told personally that Mitsubishi will fully upholster the seats in leather in the coming weeks.
Sitting in the Mitsubishi Lancer GT-S for the first time, my impression of the car is that it seems quite comprehensively equipped for its class. The audio switches are finished in piano black for an upscale appearance and it displays the usual six presets and comes with the compact disc and AUX-in option which will always be greatly appreciated.
As with the exterior, the Lancer's interior is characterised by quality-obvious surfaces, free of gimmicks and using high-quality materials and marked by careful attention to detail. Interior trim and accessories are tasteful, if not totally fine to the touch.
The seats are nicely supportive, and although they were covered with the cheap-like boring suede during my test drive due to its new release, I was told personally that Mitsubishi will fully upholster the seats in leather in the coming weeks.
Sitting in the Mitsubishi Lancer GT-S for the first time, my impression of the car is that it seems quite comprehensively equipped for its class. The audio switches are finished in piano black for an upscale appearance and it displays the usual six presets and comes with the compact disc and AUX-in option which will always be greatly appreciated.
Apart from the Lancer being relatively roomy, the short-stroke switches also impart a feeling of quality and solidity. Additionally, steering-wheel buttons which control the usual audio and cruise functions are made available for convenience sake.
Speaking of convenient, the car key remains pocketed throughout the sporty experience, another feature we haven't seen in too many cars at this price. Keyless entry is made available by having sensors in the door handles and on the trunk which respond to touch as long as the key is close by.
Once inside, a twist of a lever in the usual ignition-key spot brings the car to life. Locking of the doors can be done with buttons on the door handles and it will activate the alarm when exiting, or warns you if the key is still in the car.
Speaking of convenient, the car key remains pocketed throughout the sporty experience, another feature we haven't seen in too many cars at this price. Keyless entry is made available by having sensors in the door handles and on the trunk which respond to touch as long as the key is close by.
Once inside, a twist of a lever in the usual ignition-key spot brings the car to life. Locking of the doors can be done with buttons on the door handles and it will activate the alarm when exiting, or warns you if the key is still in the car.
![]() |
Driving Impressions
The Lancer is no doubt a lean, mean machine.
Despite a mere 2.0-litre petrol capacity, the beefy engine makes a rather rich and adrenaline-pumping sound that can rival the music of the Guns N' Roses. The car does your bidding at the slightest tap of the pedal and it, thus, makes you feel like you have the power to dominate the roads.
With the 2.0-liter MIVEC that delivers 155 horsepower and the optional manual overdrive transmission with magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel, you have a package that defines sport driving.
The Lancer isn't an awful car to pilot. Although body roll was evident during the test drive, the easy-on-the-ears torque, relatively smooth shifts of the manual transmission and effortless high-speed cruising overwhelms the negative points.
The Lancer is no doubt a lean, mean machine.
Despite a mere 2.0-litre petrol capacity, the beefy engine makes a rather rich and adrenaline-pumping sound that can rival the music of the Guns N' Roses. The car does your bidding at the slightest tap of the pedal and it, thus, makes you feel like you have the power to dominate the roads.
With the 2.0-liter MIVEC that delivers 155 horsepower and the optional manual overdrive transmission with magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel, you have a package that defines sport driving.
The Lancer isn't an awful car to pilot. Although body roll was evident during the test drive, the easy-on-the-ears torque, relatively smooth shifts of the manual transmission and effortless high-speed cruising overwhelms the negative points.
Conclusion
I reckon the Lancer GT-S is more handsome than drop-dead gorgeous.
The aggressive looking Lancer GT-S is an impressive new player in the market and although it may not be as polished as some other offerings in its class, it's a lot more exciting. At a price of $96,988 (as of 20 May 2010), this is a car for those who value style and an overall experience that is sporty, yet economical.
Based on my 7 hours experience with the sturdy lad, you will not tire of the exhilarating voice and instant punch it has to offer.
I reckon the Lancer GT-S is more handsome than drop-dead gorgeous.
The aggressive looking Lancer GT-S is an impressive new player in the market and although it may not be as polished as some other offerings in its class, it's a lot more exciting. At a price of $96,988 (as of 20 May 2010), this is a car for those who value style and an overall experience that is sporty, yet economical.
Based on my 7 hours experience with the sturdy lad, you will not tire of the exhilarating voice and instant punch it has to offer.
Car Information
Mitsubishi Lancer EX 2.0 GT-S (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11.7km/L
Horsepower
116kW (155 bhp)
Torque
199 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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