The Lancer’s build quality is significantly improved from its predecessor, but still a half-step behind the class leaders. Most seams are tight inside, and the flush fit dash panels mostly live up to their billing. The dash uses a minimum of panels in its construction, giving it a clean appearance. Fit and finish were good outside too, where we found only minimal variations in panel gaps. The only glaring flaws were the wrinkling of the headliner fabric around the pillar covers, and the quarter-inch gap between the B-pillar covers and the bottom part of the interior trim.