Mitsubishi Lancer GTS cuts a mean figure

— -- Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler were jointly developing a compact-car platform when the latter decided to quit putting money into what it saw as a risky deal with Mitsu.

The two sides took their incomplete development work and finished on their own. DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group came up with the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot.

Mitsu came up with Outlander SUV and Lancer sedan. Lancer, pumped up to around 300 horsepower and fitted with all-wheel drive (AWD), is to become the high-performance Evolution, 10th generation or Lancer Evo X. Could be here in time for Christmas.

Meantime, we're left with the civilian-grade Lancer line, topped by the GTS sporty version that was tested.

GTS has the same engine and transmission as the others, so that's not where it's sporty. Instead, it gets a stiff suspension, stubby sidewall tires, enfolding bucket seats, big multispoke wheels and an air spoiler rising from the trunk.

The suspension and tires help it carve corners with aplomb but also give it a hard ride. It feels as if it's bouncing off bumps, rather than absorbing them. That, in turn, creates a mildly out-of-control feeling. A sport machine is supposed to make you feel as if you're more in control, not less.

The wide tires toss up lots of road debris that made so much noise clattering into the underside of the car, you'd swear a window was open.

The big spoked wheels are a key reason Lancer GTS cuts a mean figure. The rear wing is somewhere between silly, because GTS doesn't need such aerodynamic help, and sexy, because it visually raises the tail for the rakish, racy look sports fans crave.

GTS' sport credentials aren't entirely successful. What it needs for legitimacy is more power and perhaps an AWD system. Mitsu's mum on whether any such machine is in the wings.

But a car company needs to make as many models as possible using shared parts to keep costs low. Mitsu has other engines and AWD available. Wouldn't the temptation to make a truly sporty GTS be irresistible?

What you wouldn't need are different seats. GTS' scooped-out bucket seats are a treat. They hold you in place during exuberant episodes without the wrenching contours of some sports seats that convince you there's really somewhere else you'd rather be.