CYPRESS, Calif. - The Mitsubishi Lancer today was named a 2008 Coolest New Car Under $18,000 by the expert editors at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. With versatility and technology becoming growing trends in the under-$18,000 segment, the next-generation 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer offers consumers an economic entry-level package that combines rally-inspired performance and handling features with cutting-edge in-car technology.

"The vehicles on our Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list are very fun to drive and feature-filled; first-time buyers and frugal down-sizers have never had it so good," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Manufacturers are finding ways to nicely equip their entry-level vehicles while still keeping the price reasonably low, and consumers are reaping the benefits more and more each year."

In choosing the 2008 list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, the kbb.com editors used the same set of criteria that many consumers use in examining this category: safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle's fun-to-drive-factor, as well as the decidedly subjective "cool" factor. Kbb.com's editorial staff commented:

"The Mitsubishi Lancer's aggressive, rally-inspired looks belie a starting price of less than $15,000. The low cost of entry will leave many buyers with enough extra cash to add cool options like a hard-drive navigation system, an impressive premium audio system or perhaps a stylish spoiler."

"We are delighted that the 2008 Lancer has received such a distinction from a prestigious expert resource like Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing for MMNA. "We feel that the Lancer presents consumers with a great value package that we believe will bring us continued success within the compact sedan category."

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is based on a new performance-engineered global platform that also forms the foundation of the new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. Powered by an all-new 2.0-liter 152-hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine (143 hp PZEV in California), the 2008 Lancer comes available in an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, on the GTS model, features a 6-step Sportronic mode using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters.

Available user-technology features with the 2008 Lancer include FAST Key (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) entry system, which allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop simply by carrying the remote control, Bluetooth wireless interface system with hands-free calling, pre-paid SIRIUS Satellite Radio subscription, a 30-GB hard drive navigation system (with 6-GB of digital music storage capacity) and a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system -- the most powerful factory-installed audio system in the segment.

The Mitsubishi Lancer is available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics -- DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS -- starting at a price of $13,990. For the 2009 model year, the GTS is equipped with a new 2.4-liter 168-hp

Courtesy : Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 1 May, 2008 5:48:33 PM IST #