EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A midpack player until now, the introduction of the more powerful and fun-to-drive Sportback and Ralliart models gives the Lancer the boost it needs to compete with the class leaders.
Pros
Multiple body styles and trim levels, clean cabin design, solid power from Ralliart and Sportback models, wagon''s generous cargo capacity.
Cons
Base engine lacks punch, no manual gearbox in Ralliart models, ABS and side airbags not available on all models, small trunk in sedans.
What''s New for 2004
The Lancer Sportback wagon joins the lineup, along with performance-oriented Ralliart versions of both the sedan and wagon. All Sportback wagons as well as the Ralliart sedans get a new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower (162 hp in Ralliart form). The entire Lancer line gets a redesigned front fascia with Mitsubishi''s corporate grille design, plus new integrated bumpers, halogen headlamps and a relocated rear license plate.
Overview
Introduction:
Introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the aged Mirage sedan, the Lancer came to market boasting upscale style and more rear-seat room than most of its rivals. Apart from that, there was really nothing that separated the Lancer from the Civics, Corollas, Proteges, Sentras and Elantras slugging it out in the econosedan arena -- especially since the only engine choice was a weak 120-horsepower four-cylinder. This year, continuing its quest for young, active buyers, Mitsubishi not only introduced a new compact wagon known as the Sportback, it brought out performance-oriented Ralliart versions of the wagon and sedan as well. Although there are already several compact wagon options in this price range, Mitsubishi''s sporty front-wheel drive adaptation offers sharp styling to help distinguish it from the crowd. Based on the Lancer, the Sportback wagon is intended to preserve the driving characteristics of a sedan, while adding the utility of a wagon. A sizable boost in horsepower won''t hurt, either: The base Sportback packs 160 hp, and the Ralliart models offer 162. Performance is important, but since consumers generally purchase wagons to move people or goods, cargo capacity is also key. At 181.3 inches long, the Sportback is ten inches longer than the Matrix and almost 11 inches longer than the Protégé5. Most of the additional length shows up in the cargo area, as the Sportback offers roughly the same amount of front and rear legroom as its competitors. There are two Lancer Sportback models to choose from -- the base LS and the Ralliart performance version. The LS uses the same chassis as the Lancer sedan, although it''s been tightened up for the 2004 model. Engineers added a structural ring that circles the cargo door opening, adding stiffness to the body, therefore offering a more sedanlike ride. Ralliart is Mitsubishi''s international performance brand, engineered by the same people who worked on Mitsubishi''s high-performance Lancer Evolution sedan. Mitsubishi hopes to grab market share from not only the basic wagon market, but also from the econosport sedan and hatchback group which includes favorites like the Ford SVT Focus, by promoting its Ralliart sedan and wagon. In service of this mission, the Ralliart models have a sport-tuned suspension for tighter handling in the turns.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Both sedan and wagon body styles are offered; sedans come in base ES, faux-sport O-Z Rally, luxury LS, and true-sport Ralliart trim, while the Sportback wagon comes in LS and Ralliart versions only. ES sedans come with air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; a tilt steering wheel; simulated wood grain trim; a height-adjustable driver seat; and a 140-watt stereo with a CD player. The O-Z Rally sedan adds alloy wheels, ground effects, white-faced gauges, simulated carbon-fiber trim and embroidered floor mats. LS sedans and wagons feature a standard sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, cruise control, keyless entry, a split-folding rear seat with a center armrest, and floor mats. Top-of-the-line Ralliart models add fog lamps, lower body kit moldings, a sport grille, 16-inch alloy wheels, a tuned exhaust system, sport suspension, carbon fiber-style dash accents, and sport seats. Ralliart buyers can further upgrade with the Sun and Sound Package, which provides a power sunroof and a 315-watt Infinity stereo.
Powertrains and Performance:
The ES, OZ-Rally and LS sedans are powered by a 120-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder. Both Sportback wagon models, as well as the Ralliart sedan, are powered by a new 2.4-liter engine tuned to produce 160 hp and 160 pound-feet of torque in the Sportback LS and 162 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque in the Ralliart versions. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, except on the wagons, which come standard with the automatic.
Safety:
Antilock brakes are optional on the LS sedan, standard on the Ralliart models, and not available on the ES, OZ-Rally or LS wagon. Side airbags are optional on the LS sedan and Ralliart sedan, and standard on the Ralliart wagon. In government crash testing, the Lancer sedan scored four (out of five) stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact tests, the Lancer received two stars for front-occupant protection (without side airbags) and four stars for rear-occupant protection. In frontal offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the Lancer received a "Good" rating (the highest possible).
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Lancer has one of the roomiest cabins in its class. Rear-seat legroom, at 36.6 inches, is virtually equal to many larger midsize sedans. Ralliart models provide an all-black interior with carbonlike accents and sport bucket front seats. The wagon''s cargo capacity is a vast 60.7 cubic feet if you fold down the 60/40-split reclining rear seats, compared to 53.2 cubic feet for the Toyota Matrix.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Like its Galant sibling, the smooth-riding Lancer does a fine job of isolating passengers from nasty jolts on the roadway. Base models provide adequate power around town, but highway travel will make you wish you had more than 120 hp. With 160 horses to go around, the Sportback and Ralliart models are much more enjoyable, especially the Ralliart sedan equipped with the slick-shifting five-speed manual. Although standard Lancers offer modest handling capability, the sport-tuned Ralliart models have sharper reflexes and are fun to drive.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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