Photos: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS

The Mitsubishi Lancer is the car on which the Mitsubishi Evo rally car is based.

New for the 2008 model year, the Lancer gives a good indication on what the next Evo will look like.

In its Lancer GTS form, it's a sporty little front-wheel-drive commute car.

Trunk space is reasonable, and there is a pass-through into the cabin for skis or other long cargo.

The rear deck spoiler is one of the cues suggesting that this car is a performer, although our testing didn't confirm that.

Big air intakes and a front spoiler are more for show in this car than real practicality.

The Lancer really shines in its cabin tech options, which are the most complete we've seen in this price range.

The navigation screen is bright and useful, and a phone icon shows when a Bluetooth phone is connected.

The stereo offers many music sources, the most interesting of which is the hard drive-based music server.

CD track navigation is good, and the system can automatically rip any CDs inserted to the hard drive.

The Sirius satellite radio screen shows loads of information.

This 650 watt Rockford Fosgate system offers some serious fine-tuning.

The single CD slot is accessed by flipping down the screen.

Phone controls live between the spokes of the steering wheel.

The Lancer GTS handles well, even in its non-rally, front-wheel-drive form.

The gauges have a performance look, giving the driver information at a glance.

The 143 horsepower four cylinder under the hood of the Lancer GTS didn't really excite us.