Performance: The base engine in the 2018 Mitsubishi Lancer is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this engine won't win any speed records, it's perfectly adequate for daily driving and commuting. If you're looking for a bit more power, there's a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine available that delivers 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. With the larger engine, the Lancer feels more responsive and capable, but it also comes with a slight fuel efficiency penalty.One of the Lancer's strengths is its handling. It's one of the few cars in its class that offers all-wheel drive, which provides better traction and stability in adverse weather conditions. The Lancer also has sharp steering and a well-tuned suspension that delivers a sporty, engaging driving experience. Overall, the Lancer is a fun car to drive, and it strikes a good balance between comfort and performance.Fuel Efficiency: The 2018 Mitsubishi Lancer has respectable fuel efficiency, especially considering its sporty nature. The base engine gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway when paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The larger engine drops those numbers to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive system, fuel economy takes a slight hit.Interior: The Lancer's interior is basic but functional. It features a clean, straightforward design with easy-to-use controls. The materials are mostly hard plastics, which is typical for the class, but they're well-assembled and don't feel cheap. Cloth upholstery comes standard, but higher trims offer leather seats. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and there's enough head- and legroom for most adults. The rear seats are a bit cramped, especially for taller passengers.The Lancer's infotainment system is simple but effective. It comes standard with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. Higher trims offer a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system. The system is easy to navigate, and the touchscreen is responsive.The Lancer's trunk is surprisingly spacious for a compact car, with 12.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear seats fold down for additional storage if needed.Safety: The 2018 Mitsubishi Lancer comes with a good number of standard safety features. These include a rearview camera, stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offer additional safety features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. The Lancer has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).Overall, the 2018 Mitsubishi Lancer is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable compact car with a sporty personality. It may not have the most powerful engine or the most luxurious interior, but it delivers a fun, engaging driving experience with respectable fuel efficiency. If you're in the market for a compact car, the Lancer is definitely worth considering.