Lancer stands-out like a beacon in the small car segment currently awash with negative numbers – Mitsubishi can boast 14 per cent growth for its small car year-to-date to the end of September.
Flushed with this success, the Adelaide-based importer has unveiled the 2009 model year update for the Lancer plus some fantastic additions to the lineup.
Headlining the show is the all-new Sportback (5- door hatch), designed in Mitsubishi’s European design centre near Frankfurt, Germany and mirroring the sedan with variants – ES, VR and VRX.
Lancer sedans gain a flagship model – the Aspire which comes with a new 2.4-litre powerplant (also now standard in VRX model sedans and Sportbacks).
Representing the sporty end of the Lancer spectrum is the new Lancer Ralliart (sedan and Sportback) boasting a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, twin-clutch sport shift transmission and all-wheel-drive.
Across the range have been some minor trim and specification upgrades including enhanced interiors, improved sound deadening and revised gear ratios for enhanced fuel economy.
Timely too for Mitsubishi to roll-out such an impressive roll-call of Lancers with Australian buyers deserting large cars in massive numbers.
It is a critical car for Mitsubishi and riding on the back of Lancer’s current popularity, the company is confident of monthly sales exceeding 3,000 when the Sportback sales kick-in early next year. If so, this would have Mitsubishi challenging Toyota’s Corolla for market leadership of the small car segment – and that would be a real achievement.
But currently it is the Lancer Sportback that is capturing the headlines. The newcomer is a goodlooking five-door hatchback and it is remarkable to note it has been some 13 years since Mitsubishi has sold a hatchback model in Australia.
First shown as a concept car in 2005, the Sportback looks great with a distinctive wedge-like profile, sharp lines and distinctive front grille. It’s wide track and low lines give it purposeful stance on the road.
Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-litre engine – standard in Aspire sedans as well as VRX sedans and Sportbacks – is very competent with 125kW of power at 6,000rpm and 226Nm of torque at 4,100rpm.
First seeing light-of-day in the Outlander SUV, the engine is the so-called ‘World Engine’ jointly developed by Mitsubishi, DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai. It’s very clever – compact in package size to allow better front-end crash protection, fuel efficient and kind to the environment.
ES, VR and VRX Sportback provide a choice of five-speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic.
Like the sedan, Lancer Sportback comes featurepacked on the inside. Entry level ES models include air-conditioning, cruise control, central locking, a sound system with inbuilt CD and MP3 compatibility and optional side and curtain airbags to supplement twin front airbags and drivers knee airbag.
Among the extras included in the specifications of the mid-range VR models are side and curtain airbags, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 16” alloy wheels, spoilers and a leather steering wheel.
VR models head down the sporty route with goodies such as 18” alloy wheels, sports-tuned suspension, sports seats, front and rear spoilers and paddle shifts for the CVT transmission.
A nice touch Mitsubishi claims is unique to the Lancer are one-touch folding rear seats to maximise the load area.
The other big news from ‘Lancerville’ are the sporty Ralliart Sportback and sedan – both sharing many of the advanced high performance technical enhancements featured on the Lancer Evolution models.
For starters there is the DOHC turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that’s good for 177 kW of power and a rip-snorting 343Nm of torque.
Drive is to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s ‘All Wheel Control’ system which includes Active Traction Control, Active Stability Control, ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, Active Centre Differential Control and more. Sounds complex and high-tech and it is…but the result is supreme driving confidence and safety in all manner of road conditions.
Inside there are paddle-shifters for the twin clutch sport shift transmission, sports seats, aluminium pedals, unique instrument cluster and the usual array of Lancer features including climate control, The stylish VR Sportsback is sure to turn heads air-conditioning, automatic headlights and wipers etc.
The suspension gets tweaked for high performance work (including front strut braces) and Lancer Ralliarts sit on 18” alloy wheels wit 251/45R tyres.
‘Impressive’ is the word performance car enthusiasts would use to describe the Ralliart Lancers, but really the same term applies to the entire Lancer range.
According to Mitsubishi Australia chief, Robert McEniry, the timing is right for Lancer’s continued sales growth.
“In the current economic environment, Australians are turning to the small car to meet their driving needs and the success of the Lancer is testament to that fact,” he said.
