Mitsubishi multiplies Lancer line

MITSUBISHI has trimmed $500 from the admission price for its small Lancer sedan and hatchback model range, which will also be bolstered by enhancements across the model year 2011 range and the addition of a new SX variant that brings the number of Lancer model grades to 11.

Slotting into the range above the entry-level Lancer ES, which now costs $21,490 plus on-road costs in both manual sedan and hatch guise (down from $21,990), the new Lancer SX is based on the Lancer ACTiV special-edition released in May.

Back then, the Lancer ACTiV added extra standard equipment like 16-inch alloy wheels for a drive-away price of $21,990. Now, the SX has been announced with a similar standard features list – and a price of $22,490 plus on-road costs.

Left: Mitsubishi Lancer ACTiV.

Priced just $1000 above the ES but $3400 below the popular VR variant, the SX comes with a number of extras over the base model, including the same rear spoiler and 16-inch multi-spoke alloys seen on the ACTiV, plus a leather-clad steering wheel with audio controls and SX exterior badging.

Like the ES and VR, the SX comes with Mitsubishi’s 113kW/198Nm 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve MIVEC four-cylinder petrol engine, while the VRX and auto-only Aspire sedan variants score Mitsubishi’s 125kW/226Nm 2.4-litre petrol four.

The Lancer Ralliart continues with a 177kW/343Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine, while the 217kW/366Nm all-wheel drive Evolution sedan continues to top the Lancer range at a similarly unchanged $61,390 – or $74,390 for the flagship Lancer Evo MR SST.

“The SX Lancer complements the current Lancer line-up and provides a variety of high quality safety and functional features, at an attractive and economical price,” said Mitsubishi Motors Australia president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi.

“With 11 variants, the Lancer range has a model to suit any style or budget. And with the addition of the new SX variant, the Lancer line-up can offer customers style, functionality, efficiency, safety and power without breaking the bank.”

Range-wide MY11 upgrades include an updated brake assist system, an improved power window safety system, enhanced cabin sound insulation and the addition of a USB port, colour LCD display and welcome lights as standard on all variants.

Further, Bluetooth 2.0 wireless connectivity is offered as standard with the VR, VRX and Ralliart models, while i-Pod cables now come with all variants when coupled with the MMCS driver interface, making the MY11 range what Mitsubishi claims is the safest, sportiest and most functional Lancer range yet.

All Lancers continue to come standard with seven airbags, stability/traction control, ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and a maximum five-start ANCAP safety rating, while metallic or pearlescent paint remains a $450 option across the range.

Likewise, the Lancer’s exterior paint colour palette is unchanged and, like all Mitsubishis in Australia, the model comes with a five-year/130,000km new-car warranty, plus a 10-year/160,000km powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance package.

Lancer sales are up a big 27 per cent to August this year, with 16,458 vehicles representing a 10.5 per cent share of – and fifth place within - Australia’s sub-$40,000 small-car segment.

The Mazda3 continues to dominate the category with 16.7 per cent, just ahead of Toyota’s once-dominant Corolla (16.6 per cent), Hyundai’s i30 (13.8 per cent) and Holden’s Cruze (12.1 per cent).

2011 MitsubishiLancer pricing:
ES2.0	$21,490
ES 2.0 (CVT)	$23,990
SX 2.0	$22,490
SX 2.0 (CVT)	$24,990
VR 2.0	$25,890
VR 2.0 (CVT)	$28,390
VRX 2.4	$29,990
VRX 2.4 (CVT)	$32,490
Aspire 2.4 (CVT) sedanonly	$33,990
Ralliart 2.0 Turbo(TC-SST)	$43,890
Evolution 2.0 Turbo	$61,190
Evolution &nbsp 2.0Turbo (TC-SST)	$66,390
Evolution MR 2.0 Turbo(TC-SST)	$74,390