Exterior

The restyled Lancer models adopt the new MMC identity in their front end design. The new-design headlamps, front grille-integral bumper and engine hood are among the elements that contribute to a spirited new-look nose that gives pride of place to the Mitsubishi 3-diamond badge.

Black-finish headlamp extensions add a sporty dash to the Lancer MX-Touring sedan and all Lancer Wagon trim levels. Xenon-gas high-intensity discharge headlamps (low-beam) that improve visibility at night and add a sporty zest to the appearance are available as a factory-fitted option.

Sedan models feature an elegantly sporty rear end design that is styled around an oversize trunk lid accented by a centrally located license plate. On the MX-Touring, a new rear-lid spoiler and side airdams that are design-keyed to the generous and flowing lines of the trunk lid stamp out the model's sporty personality.

Again on sedan models, the rear end is distinguished by the distinctive light pattern that results from the use of curved tail and stop lamp reflectors in the combination lamp units. Rear clearance lights on the MX-Touring add zest to its already sporty flavor.

Reflecting the popularity of the current model's design, rear end styling changes on the Lancer Wagon have been kept to a minimum. The rear bumper uses a smoother surface composition that ties it in to the front visage, and rear combination lamp visibility has been optimized for improved safety.

Interior

Lancer sedan models come in three interior color schemes: Sport uses a black monotone keynote color; Elegant a dark-gray/beige two-tone; and Casual a black/light-gray two-tone. The new two-tone colors have been developed to impart a light and bright feel to the interior. All trim levels are offered in a choice of two of these schemes. (The MX-E Business Package model comes in the Casual interior scheme only).

All Lancer Wagon models use a sporty black monotone interior color scheme. On the T-Touring, the standard leather trim for the steering wheel, with its thumb-operated gear selectors, for the shifter and the shifter boot adds accent to the model's sporty personality.

All Lancer and Lancer Wagon models are fitted as standard with SRS airbags for driver and front passenger. With the exception of the MX-E Business Package, all models are also available in a factory-fitted option with roof-mounted side curtain airbags that provide extra head protection in a side impact.

Drivetrain

The Lancer MX sedan, powered by MMC's 1.5-liter ECI-Multi fuel injection engine, is J-ULEV emissions rated. Returning 16.8 km/l with the 5-speed manual gearbox (0.4 km/l better than its predecessor) and 16.2 km/l with the INVECS-III CVT transmission (0.6 km/l improvement) in the Japanese 10-15 urban mileage test, it meets Japan 2010 fuel efficiency standards and qualifies for the Vehicle Green Tax dispensation.

SE-G sedan and Touring wagon trim levels are powered by MMC's 1.8-liter GDI3 engine, tuned to use regular instead of premium grade gasoline, and are LEV emissions rated. In the Japanese 10-15 urban mileage test, the SE-G sedan returns 15.4 km/l and the Touring wagon 14.2 km/l, matching the mileage performance of their premium grade gasoline predecessors.

The Lancer Wagon IT-Touring model is powered by MMC's highly popular 1.8-liter GDI Turbo engine, which has undergone detail tuning to enhance response and feel.

3 Gasoline Direct Injection

Body and suspension

Along with the extensive restyling, the body has been made stronger and suspension tuning has been optimized front and rear on both sedan and wagon models. The greater stiffness resulting from these changes improves handling stability, without sacrificing ride comfort, and reduces vibration and noise levels.

Braking performance on Lancer Wagon models has been improved with the use of 15-inch ventilated disc front and 14-inch disc rear brakes.

All Lancer Wagon models ride on 15-inch aluminum alloy road wheels and all sedan and wagon models, with the exception of the MX-E Business Package and MX-Touring trim levels, use new-design full wheel covers. The MX-E is fitted with 185/65R14 size tires, 10mm wider than on its predecessor.

Equipment specification

All Lancer and Lancer Wagon models, with the exception of the MX-E Business Package, are fitted with an anti-theft alarm system as standard. Other items in the uprated equipment specification include: a Door-Ajar warning light and buzzer that are activated when vehicle speed exceeds 8 km/h if any door is not closed properly; wipers with a car speed-sensitive intermittent wipe interval; and an automatic Headlamp Off control that prevents battery drain should the driver forget to turn off the headlamps when he leaves the car and locks the doors.

Trim levels

The Lancer sedan is offered in four trim levels. The entry level MX-E Business Package, the casual MX-E and the sporty MX-Touring are all powered by a 1.5-liter ECI-Multi engine.

The elegant SE-G is powered by a 1.8-liter GDI engine. The Lancer Wagon is offered in two sporty trim levels: Touring powered by the 1.8-liter GDI engine; and T-Touring powered by the 1.8-liter GDI-Turbo.

A number of customizing packages that include those items most keenly sought by customers are available on both sedan and wagon models. These and the straightforward lineup simplify the customer's task of choosing the model that best meets his needs.