Mitsubishi adds side and curtain airbags to Lancer ES

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has added side and curtain airbags to its entry-level ES Lancer sedan and hatchback, extending the life-saving equipment across the range of its popular small car just 11 weeks after introducing a 2010 model year upgrade for the series.

Prices hold firm for the ES, with MMAL adding the extra equipment rather than reducing pricing in line with the January 1 import tariff cut, which has prompted the Japanese marque to reduce the RRP for the remainder of its mainstream non-Ralliart Lancer range.

Mitsubishi has chosen not to pass on the benefits of the tariff reduction to consumers for any other vehicle in its fully imported line-up.

While the ES sedan and Sportback hatch remain priced from $21,990 (plus statutory and dealer charges) – with CVT transmission adding $2500 – the mid-range VR has fallen $900 to now start from $25,890, the sporting VRX is down $1000 to a $29,990 price point, and the upper-crust Aspire sedan has had $1200 taken from its sticker price, now kicking off at $33,990.

The additional airbags on ES – which bring its total to seven (including a driver’s knee airbag) – enable Mitsubishi to claim that the Lancer offers more occupant protection features than its direct competitors.

As well as the seven airbags, all Lancer sedan and hatchbacks offer electronic traction and stability control, seatbelt load limiters and pretensioners, and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

MMAL president and CEO Robert McEniry said: “2009 was a standout year for Lancer, and it recorded the best-ever result with more than 21,000 vehicles sold.

“Now, with side and curtain airbags fitted as standard to each and every vehicle in the range, Lancer is guaranteed a great start in 2010.”