Decent power, but lots of noise

Two four-cylinder engines are available in the 2017 Lancer. Neither is turbocharged, though turbos are becoming more commonplace in other small sedans because they can provide good four-cylinder performance.

The test-driven 2017 Lancer, an SEL 2.4 AWC, felt light, at just over 3,100 pounds. It had a 2.4-litre, double overhead cam four-cylinder engine that produced 168 horsepower and 167 footpounds of torque at 4,100 rpm. The car had decent power, but the continuously variable transmission caused droning engine sounds at higher engine revs.

With a lack of sound insulation, road noise and passing vehicles could be easily heard.

Unfortunately, even with the fueloptimizing transmission, the test-driven Lancer managed only to meet the federal government’s 26 mpg mileage rating for combined city and highway travel. That is far below the 36 mpg city/highway rating for the 2017 Civic sedan, which is the class leader.

The Lancer impresses with its nimble handling. Steering in the SEL, which had hydraulic power assist, not electric, had a good feel and decent response. The car can easily do U-turns on even narrow streets, as the turning circle is only 32.8 feet.

But the ride can feel stiff and unrefined. The plastics in the car and the trunk lining look cheap.

But the addition of the standard rear- view camera means every Lancer model now has a 6.1-inch display screen in the dashboard. Other standard features are seven air bags, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, steering wheelmounted controls for audio and cruise control, keyless entry and power windows, door locks and outside mirrors.

As with many compact sedans, seating three adults in the back seat is a close fit, though the backseat legroom is an acceptable 36.1 inches.

The trunk space ranges from 12.3 cubic feet to 11.8 cubic feet with the optional 710-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with subwoofer in the trunk.