Automobile Live

Mitsubishi introduced the Lancer in 1973, it is a family car built at Mitsubishi’s plant in Okayama, Japan. Since its introduction in the 70’s more than six million Lancer units have been sold globally. The latest model was launched in 2007 and is the ninth generation model. The new Lancer is based on the Concept-X that Mitsubishi revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005 and the Concept-Sportback that was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The current model comes as a 4 door saloon and a 5 door hatchback; it is available as a front engine 2 wheel drive model. The Evolution model differs slightly and is available only with four wheel drive and as a 4 door saloon.

The Mitsubishi Lancer in Kent is available with a choice of 2 petrol engines and 1 diesel, the petrol range consists of a 1.5 litre with 108 bhp and a 1.8 litre with 142 bhp. There is also a “Evo-Lite” model that comes with 237 bhp. The diesel engine is a VW sourced 2.0 litre unit with 138 bhp, the diesel unit is old and is not very low on CO2 emission levels.

The model that put the Lancer on the global platform was the Evolution model which won many rallies over the past years. It is a competitively priced car that offers tonnes of performance and practicality. There were rumours that the Evolution X would be the last of the Evo models but MMC President and Global Chief Executive, Osamu Masuko has said, “Production of the current Lancer Evolution X continues as planned. As for its successor, regulations and market feedback will dictate its engineering package and architecture.”