We think this car's handling will make a favorable impression when a showroom look-see leads to a test drive.Although we wouldn't rank the avenger's athleticism with cars such as the Prelude, Probe GT or Talon, and though its steering could benefit from a little more road feel, the Avenger inspires driver confidence the first time it bites into a hard turn - and this partnership escalates from there.
It looks like it's fun to drive, and in the area of handling confidence, the looks reflect the soul of the machine.
However, the avenger's exterior suggests something else about its performance that isn't quite true. The machine may have soul, but it isn't very long on heart.
In a car that weighs between 2800 lb. and 3000 lb., depending on equipment, there's not enough power to raise your pulse rate much, regardless of your engine choice - although the basic 4-cylinder at least allows the fun of a 5-speed manual transmission.
A manual transmission isn't available with the V6, and our response to the performance that goes with the V6/automatic combination is about the same as it was for the slightly heavier Cirrus: Is that all there is?
The Mitsubishi-built V6 is smooth and reasonably quiet in normal operation, but it begins sounding distinctly busy when you go for the gusto. And, after all, there's nothing like the kind of punch available in the premium models of most other sport coupes, great and small.
Like the in the Cirrus, the automatic transmission's gearing doesn't seem well-conceived for passing. If you're in a real hurry and mash the throttle right against the fire wall, the transmission kicks down to second gear, which sends the tachometer needle and decibel levels soaring without adding much additional acceleration.
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