Value packs for Lancer, Pajero

MITSUBISHI has introduced value-added editions of its Lancer small car and Pajero off-roader.

The limited edition Lancer LRX-1 - available in sedan and coupe body styles - features a factory-fitted rear spoiler, custom alloy wheels and CD stacker/cassette in lieu of the single-slot standard unit.

Driveaway pricing for the LRX-1 starts at $19,990 for the coupe and $21,990 for the sedan.

The LRX-1 is available in a range of hues, including a limited special production run of Amethyst Black - a colour previously reserved for the range-topping MR coupe.

The coupe is powered by a 1.5-litre, 12-valve, four cylinder engine, while the sedan uses a 1.8-litre unit. Power is relayed to the front wheels by a five-speed manual transmission or optional Invecs-II "Smart-Logic" auto.

Other standard features include power steering, air-conditioning, remote fuel and boot release, electric mirrors and central locking.

The Lancer has been a strong performer for Mitsubishi, notching up 6551 sales until the end of April. It is placed fourth in the small-car segment, behind the Toyota Corolla (8350 sales), Holden Astra (7261) and Nissan Pulsar (6626).

An all-new Lancer was due here mid-year, but the launch of the newcomer has been pushed back to 2002 due to the popularity of the existing model.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi has also introduced a value-added version of the Pajero off-roader that adds $3500 worth of extras to the GLX at no extra cost.

The $43,990 Pajero Dakar ommemorates Mitsubishi's victory in this year's Paris-Dakar rally, in which German-born Jutta Kleinschmidt piloted a Pajero to victory. In doing so, she became the first woman to win the gruelling event.

The special limited edition DAKAR pack includes 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and wheel-arch flares, a rear roof spoiler, Dakar-labelled spare wheel cover, in-dash CD stacker and unique DAKAR badging.

Other standard features include air conditioning, driver airbag, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control and remote central locking. A passenger side air bag and ABS brakes are optional.

The wagons will be on sale during May and June, and Mitsubishi expects that with the extra $3500 worth of value at no extra cost they will sell quickly.

Under the bonnet lurks the familiar 3.5-litre V6 that generates 140kW and 303Nm. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission.

Alternately, you can specify an intercooled turbo-diesel engine that cranks out 92kW and 292Nm. A five-speed manual is the only transmission offered with the diesel.

Mitsubishi says its "Super Select II" 4WD system, limited-slip differential and fully independent suspension give the vehicle car-like driving characteristics and good off-road ability.