New Car Review of the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Compact Hatchback Sedan

Description: Compact Hatchback Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $14,299 - $34,699
Invoice Price Range: $13,636 - $32,733
Where built: Japan

Conformed as a sporty notchback sedan for the compact class, Lancer looks forceful with wheels pinned at corners to balance the stance. Body parts extend only briefly over front and back edges in the manner of racers as the two-step face and windshield tip backward to suggest swift movement.

Mitsubishi casts Lancer in three editions this year including the Ralliart issue with additional power. Two trims pull from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that nets 120-hp and connects to a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. Lancer ES is the base issue, with Lancer O-Z Rally wearing sporty body additions inspired by rally racers. Lancer Ralliart draws on Lancer Evolution for styling cues and also carries more hardware, such as a taut-tuned suspension, sport bucket seats and larger disc brakes, and it gets more power points too -- 162-hp -- from the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine off Outlander.

A new package dubbed Sun & Sound for OZ and Ralliart adds a power glass sunroof, 315-watt Infinity audio system and seat-mounted side air bags.