2007 Honda Civic vs 2007 Hyundai Elantra vs 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer vs 2007 Nissan Sentra

From the big blue wing bisecting the vista in the Lancer's rearview mirror, you'll know you're in the boy racer. Initial impressions are great if you start with a smooth country road, not so hot if you jump on a freeway first. After more time with the car, its deficiencies start to accumulate. The word "supple" will never come up, and if you spend the rush hour hitting expansion strips and potholes, you'll wish you had 16-inch tires instead of the GTS's 18s.

By the numbers, these cars are remarkably close to each other. But after a quick drive, you'll be able to describe distinct personalities for each, which flies in the face of the stereotype for front-drive Asian sedans.

Testing also shows the Mitsu a hair ahead of the Nissan in 0-to-60-mph and quarter-mile times and a few hairs ahead of the Honda. But the most powerful engine here just doesn't feel that good. Its CVT saps any feeling of immediacy, and the engine sounds and feels agricultural. You get a lot more out of it by using the F1-style manumatic paddles, fixed to the steering column, and that's the way to drive it on the fun roads. Technical director Markus scoffs at them, though: They're antithetical to CVT efficiency, and they cost a half-second of acceleration time. Besides, the CVT won't let you rev past 6200 rpm in any gear, despite a 6500-rpm redline.

As with the Hyundai, you can stifle this by basking in the glow of the goodies the Lancer GTS offers, like the automatic climate control and the loud and clear Rockford Fosgate hi-fi. The stereo is by far the best of this bunch, guaranteed to keep you from the news and talk channels on your way to work, although its subwoofer takes up some space in the trunk. (Nissan offers a Rockford Fosgate stereo in the Sentra, too, but our test car didn't have it.) With six cupholders, including two in the front doors and two in the rear-center armrest, the Lancer can accommodate just about every kind of Starbucks latte. There are enough powerpoints for two of your carpoolers to work on their laptops on the drive to the office. Its only seatback map/magazine pocket is in the driver's seat, clearly a nod to right-hand-drive markets. Front seats are well bolstered, while the backs have low seat cushions to ensure enough headroom, forcing long-legged back-seat carpoolers to ride with their knees in their chins. Available options not in our car include Bluetooth, keyless start, and a CD/DVD nav or a 30-gig HD nav system.

Road-test editor Mortara notes the Elantra's rear seat is "pretty darn comfortable"; given his six-foot-three height, this is quite a compliment. High seating positions make the Hyundai a considerable pool car, and it has a good no-name stereo, large glovebox, easy-to-reach trunk-mounted rear-seat fold-down releases, auxiliary inputs with separate powerpoints, and, for some reason, a giant auxiliary cord with a gigantic filter. Must be pumping out a lot of the electronic interference. It's also a smoker's car, with an ashtray and cigar lighter. Never again will you stand shivering while puffing outside your office building.