The 2009 Lancer GTS features a flexible 168 horsepower 2.4-liter engine. With a manual transmission it can deliver nearly 30-miles per gallon on the highway. The Lancer looks like a race car, with its vented aluminum hood that removes hot air from the engine compartment, while the hood’s light weight helps optimize weight distribution for great handling.
The all-wheel control (AWC) with active center differential (ACD) develops power that goes to all four wheels for impressive grip. Adding versatility is an ACD that varies the system’s behavior for different road surfaces. The ACD mode switch sets dynamics for “gravel” or “snow,” optimizing torque transfer for the available traction.
This morning icy sleet covered the landscape in North Texas. By midmorning the highway department had covered most bridges and slick spots with a salt and sand mixture. The Lancer handled beautifully through the changes in road surface from icy to sandy. Afternoon temperatures warmed to above freezing, and a simple adjustment of the ACP switch and travelers didn’t have to skip a beat or road surface.
Auto climate control keeps the cabin comfortable with a standard automatic control system, while easy to read sports meters make gauge reading easy for even my tired old eyes.
Although Lancer is sporty in looks, it is wrapped in luxury: leather wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth hands free system, auto-off halogen headlights, anti-theft alarm system, and rear heater floor ducts, just to name a few.
What startled me was the suggested retail price of $18,000. Add Sirius radio w/60-month service for another $1500 and you have a quality automobile with beaucoup features for very little money.
The only problem I had was finding the gas cap cover release. It was not lighted at night, and difficult for me to just put my hand on. Once I did find it, the icon was so small I couldn’t read it very well.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at dcaussey@sbcglobal.net .
