Mitsu Lancer ES/LS/OZ

Mitsubishi Lancer ES
All-new for 2002, the Mitsubishi Lancer gets a major makeover for 2004, as well as a new, more powerful version—the Ralliart. The entire lineup receives a redesigned front end with a new bumper, grille, and halogen headlamps; the rear gets a redesigned bumper with the license plate relocated to the upper decklid. The new Ralliart, named after Mitsubishi’s motorsports arm, boasts the following: a 162-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing; shift linkage borrowed from the Lancer Evolution; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; bucket seats from the Japanese-market Lancer Evo GT-A; a sport-tuned suspension; and 16-inch wheels. The base ES, midlevel LS, and O-Z Racing edition continue with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 120 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all models, and a four-speed automatic is optional.


Base price: $14,172
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-drive; 4-door 5-passenger sedan
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 52/41/11
Wheelbase 102.4 in
Length/width/height 181.3/66.8/54.9 in
Turning circle 33.5 ft
Curb weight 2650–2750 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 24-26/30–33
Fuel-tank capacity/range 13.2 gal/317–343 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side (opt) airbags


POWERTRAIN
2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4, 120 hp, 130 lb-ft; 5-sp man, 4-sp auto

SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar

BRAKES
F/R vented disc/drum or disc
ABS optional


Volkswagen Passat GLS Sedan
In 2002, the W-8 model joined the ranks of the Passat, sporting a unique new eight-cylinder engine with two narrow (15-degree) V-4 cylinder banks huddled together under two cylinder heads. Before the Phaeton arrived, the W-8 was the most powerful VW ever sold in the U.S., and at almost $40,000, the most costly. Two transmissions are offered with the W-8 — a five-speed automatic with manumatic capability or a six-speed manual — and VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is standard. Passat changes for 2004 include new standard wheels on all models and Monsoon audio and Homelink as standard on the GLS. A telematics system is now optional on the GL and GLS but is standard on the GLX and W-8. A new 2.0-liter TDI engine comes later in the year, making 134 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Passats offer a great European sports-sedan feel at a reasonable price.

Base price: $22,355
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-drive; 4-door 5-passenger sedan
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 53/42/15
Wheelbase 106.4 in
Length/width/height 185.2/68.7/57.5-57.6 in
Turning circle 37.4-37.7 ft
Curb weight 3200–3950 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 17-22/24–31
Fuel-tank capacity/range 16.4–21.1 gal/359–361 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front, side, and curtain airbags; rear curtain airbags


POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-liter DOHC 20-valve inline-4, 170 hp, 166 lb-ft; 5-sp man

SUSPENSION
F ind, multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar

BRAKES
F/R vented disc/disc
ABS standard