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When designers put finishing touches on a car, they can only hope that a compact sports sedan can accomplish what the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer GT 2.4L has achieved in creating an extraordinary 4-door available in several different iterations to fit just about any need or lifestyle. We found this out first-hand while testing the sleek offering from Mitsubishi.

EXTERIOR

Great looks is always a smart starting point for any vehicle, and the Lancer GT totally nailed it! The chassis design of the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer is so robust and well-engineered that it serves as the foundation for not only the popular Mitsubishi Outlander crossover utility vehicle (CUV), but also the multiple-time World Rally Championship (WRC) title holder Lancer Evolution, the ultra-high performance turbocharged sports sedan that has a worldwide fan following. The 18-inch alloy wheels and more aggressive front fascia really take the GT model to a whole new level of attractiveness.

The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer is available in six eye-popping colors: Wicked White, Apex Silver Metallic, Mercury Gray Pearl, Rally Red, Cosmic Blue (new for 2013), and Tarmac Black Pearl. Our Mercury Gray loaner had flawless paint, which looked amazing both day and night.

INTERIOR

High on style and features yet low on price, the 2013 Lancer has a vast array of welcome features and amenities that are included as standard, such as a fuel-saving Electric Power Steering (EPS); 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) control and 4 speakers; speed compensated volume and equalization control; remote keyless entry and anti-theft engine immobilizer; power door locks and mirrors with driver-side auto up/down; 4-way adjustable driver’s seat; a tilt-adjusted steering column; and a convenient 12-volt power outlet in the center console, which is perfect for recharging a handheld GPS unit or cell phone. Mixing both refinement and all-out performance, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer GT pampers their occupants with upscale touches and available accessories while also offering the enthusiast driver unrivaled sports sedan athleticism. Other amenities on the 2013 Lancer GT include sport front bucket seats, automatic climate control, a dynamic 6-speaker audio system, Mitsubishi’s FAST-key with panic feature and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

We were impressed with the amount of cabin space and trunk space, which was plentiful. Hats off to the folks at Mitsubishi for delivering such a refined interior at a price point of $20,790 as tested.

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PERFORMANCE

The 2013 Lancer GT features a brawny 168 bhp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine under its hood. Lancer GT comes with a rifle bolt-precise, short-throw, 5-speed manual transmission and the option of upgrading to a technological marvel: a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with INVEC-III (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control system) that “learns” a driver’s particular driving manner to better execute shift performance. The CVT-equipped Lancer GT also includes Sportronic shifting via steering wheel paddle shifters for the ultimate in driver enjoyment and control. The gearbox is silky smooth and makes you a step better in driving a manual transmission without any extra effort. Fuel efficiency is also strong coming in at 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg in highway driving.

OVERVIEW

There are times when you need to buy that car that just makes sense, but one also wants to bring some style to the table as well. Well, with the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer GT 2.4L, you can drive a great looking car for the fraction of the price that some others are demanding. From the well-equipped/value-oriented Lancer DE, to the GT model as tested, all the way to the amazing agility of the high-zoot Lancer Ralliart with its potent turbocharged power and exceptional handling and traction from its advanced All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive, Mitsubishi Motors’ Lancer 5-passenger compact sports sedan is an extraordinary 4-door available in several different iterations to fit just about any need or lifestyle.