The Mitsubishi Lancer has a tough time standing out in the under-$20,000 compact sedan marketplace. It hardly overwhelms you with engine power or overall performance. But its spacious interior, especially in the rear seating area, and comfortable ride might appeal to those looking for a simple sedan with plenty of standard features. The sport-tuned Lancer Ralliart, with its more powerful engine and tighter suspension, offers higher performance at an affordable price, making it the best choice in the Lancer family.

Still in its first generation (it replaced the Mirage) the Lancer, which is now only available as a four-door sedan, is the smallest car in Mitsubishi's lineup. There are four trim levels. The ES, SE and O-Z Rally trims are powered by a 120-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The top-of-the-line Ralliart trim has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that's good for 162 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard across all models. A four-speed automatic is available as an option.

The Mitsubishi Lancer's cabin is notably roomy, and the amount of rear seating area is near the top of its class. Each trim level comes with a nice list of standard features, such as power windows, locks and mirrors; a CD player; and air-conditioning. Upgrading from the ES to SE trim provides a sunroof, six audio speakers, cruise control and remote keyless entry. The O-Z Rally trim offers a sportier look thanks to 15-inch O-Z alloy wheels and special interior trim upgrades. But keep in mind that the O-Z Rally trim is an appearance-only package. Upgraded performance is only found in the Lancer Ralliart.

Ralliart is Mitsubishi's international performance brand, and the Lancer Ralliart reflects Mitsubishi's rally racing heritage with carbon-fiber accents inside the cabin, aluminum pedals, sport bucket seats, a sport exhaust and 16-inch alloy wheels. In addition to the more powerful engine, the Lancer Ralliart is equipped with a stiffer suspension to reduce body roll, larger four-wheel disc brakes and ABS. Like the Lancer O-Z Rally, the Ralliart is decked out with sporty exterior enhancements, such as lower body side skirting and a rear spoiler.

In road tests, our editors found the Mitsubishi Lancer comfortable, though not especially fun to drive. The 162-hp Ralliart trim picks up the slack and is most enjoyable with the five-speed manual. But the 2.0-liter engine in the ES, SE and O-Z Rally is uninspiring, and steering feel in those trims is detached. For the price, the four-door sedan lacks the performance and refinements we've come to expect from its competition.

The Mitsubishi Lancer launched for the 2002 model year as a replacement for the Mirage sedan. It originally came in three trim levels: ES, O-Z Rally and LS. The LS distinguished itself with cruise control, ABS (not offered as an option on the ES or O-Z Rally) and remote keyless entry. All trims came with the 120-hp 2.0-liter engine and a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic was standard on the LS and available as an option in the other two models.

MITSUBISHI LANCER (Luxury Car)
(Air Conditioned)
Most Successful car in its class in India manufactured by Japanese car manufacturers Mitsubishi Motors.
Passengers : 4 (Including Driver)
Luggage : 3 (Incl. roof top carrier)