It's been seven years since Mitsubishi's last generation Lancer debuted, so '07 is high time for a redo -- and what a redo it is.

The new compact wears styling based on 2005's Concept-X show car. Sexiest is the top-of-range GTS model, wearing 10-spoke, 18-inch alloys, front and side air dams, fog lights, rear spoiler and a chrome tailpipe.

The '08 Lancer is based on the same new global platform as the Outlander SUV. While shorter in length than the previous model, the wheelbase is longer and the track wider. Mitsubishi says torsional rigidity is up by 56 percent and bending rigidity by 50 percent -- numbers that exceed even the previous Lancer Evolution.

Power comes from a new 2.0-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine, making 152 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard and, in a first for Mitsubishi North America, a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) is optional. On GTS models, the CVT features a 6-step Sportronic mode allowing the driver to "manually" control the tranny with paddle shifters -- a first in the segment.

Inside, materials are much improved as are the available features. A short list includes optional Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a navigation system.

Finally competitive in power, looks and features

We're still waiting for the Evo