Mitsubishi has taken a minimalist approach with the Lancer Sportback's cabin styling, and some places it works while in others it doesn't. While the dashboard has an uncluttered, simple look that's appealing, the few buttons there to control the optional Rockford Fosgate stereo make it harder to use than it should be. Rather than being able to directly select the radio band you want, there's only one button to cycle through a few FM bands, four satellite bands and an AM one. If you accidently cycle past AM, for example, you have to press the button a bunch of times to get back to it.

As for materials and the quality of the controls, the Lancer Sportback is closer to the best among compact cars than it is to the worst. There are a few instances of low-grade-looking plastic — like the grab handles for closing the doors — but they don't notably diminish what Mitsubishi has done overall, which is craft an appealing interior for its compact car.

Our test car came with optional heated leather front seats. The bucket seats have sizable side bolsters to keep you in place, but the wide seat cushions mean they don't hug your torso unnecessarily tightly. The manual controls for the driver's seat include height adjustment, and I was able to find a comfortable driving position. The backseat is roomy enough for adults, but don't expect a lot of extra space. Backseat headroom is good.