More Herbs for Mitsubishi Lancer

News Editor - 25/8/2005

Mitsubishi’s popular Lancer sedan has been riding high in the sales stakes in the fiercely competitive small market segment, and is now set to increase its attractiveness to Australian motorists with the release of the 2006 model year upgrade that introduces a 2.4 litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi’s proprietory variable valve timing) engine to the range.

Increasing power by 25% to 115kW @ 5750rpm, and torque by 27% to 220Nm @ 3500rpm, the 2.4 litre engine was initially introduced to Australia with the release of the Grandis people-mover in May 2004, and was also placed in the Outlander SUV later the same year.

It has proved to be a great engine in those applications, and is sure to provide dazzling performance in Lancer due to its much lighter weight. It is standard on luxury LS and and sporty VR-X models, and optional on entry level ES models and is also Euro 3 compliant.

The MIVEC system provides the engine with intake cams for a low-speed mode (in which the two intake valves of each cylinder have a different lift) and intake cams for a high-speed mode (in which both intake valves have equally high lift), and it selects the cams as necessary.

When the engine speed is relatively low the valve-lift difference boosts in-cylinder flows, thereby stabilising combustion and giving low fuel consumption, low emissions and high torque. When the engine speed becomes relatively high, increases in the valve-open duration and valve lift give relatively large air intake volumes and increased output.

In order to satisfy budget conscious consumers Mitsubishi is retaining its trusty 2.0 litre 16-valve SOHC fuel-injected four-cylinder engine in the ES entry model. This engine generates 92kW of power at 5500rpm and 173Nm of torque at 4250rpm.

However, it is not only an engine story with the latest Lancer upgrade. The model line-up has been overhauled, and the top-of-the-line Exceed has been deleted. Other models now get additional features on top of their already extensive list.

The ES gets a chrome rim on the grille on the outside, while a sporty black mono-tone interior trim treatment, driver vanity mirror with ticket holder and cruise control have been added as standard features.

The 2.4 litre ES gets 15” wheels with ABS with EBD, full wheel covers, power windows (on all windows), white-faced instrument cluster and optional 4-speed automatic with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential shifting option as standard equipment.

Mid-range LS also comes in for a freshen-up and gets the chrome rim on the grille, 15” alloy wheels and standard sized bumpers front and rear (the rear was formerly an extended bumper) for a sportier external appearance.

Inside, a driver’s vanity mirror with ticket holder, black mono-tone trim treatment, 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear-shift knob and handbrake lever grip, cloth centre console lid, black woodprint instrument panel garnish and dark titanium-look centre panel have all been added for a more luxurious, integrated look. A 2-DIN premium AM/FM audio system with a 6-CD in-dash stacker and six speakers, automatic climate control air conditioning and an air pollen filter complete the interior package.

The sporty VR-X models will now look even sportier with their Evo-influenced mesh grille and standard sized bumpers (the rear was formerly and extended bumper). Inside, a driver’s vanity mirror with ticket holder, black mono-tone interior trim, sporty front seats with see-through head rests, aluminium sports pedals, cloth centre console lid, and silver mesh instrument panel garnish have all been added. . A 2-DIN premium AM/FM audio system with a 6-CD in-dash stacker with six speakers , automatic climate control air conditioning and an air pollen filter have also been added.

When added to Lancer’s already impressive list of standard features – power steering, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, engine immobiliser, driver and passenger air bags, independent suspension, variable intermittent wipers, 3-point front ELR seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, adjustable front seat belt anchorage points, and 3-point ELR / ALR rear seat belts in all positions – it makes an impressive value for money story.

The introduction of the 2.4 litre engine has also seen an upgrading of the braking package, with 276mm ventilated disc brakes fitted to the front, and 262mm solid discs fitted to the rear to ensure safe, consistent, straight-line braking in all situations. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is fitted as standard on all 2.4 litre models.

The colour palette has been revised with two new colours added. It is now White Solid, Yellow Solid, Red Solid (new colour), Cool Silver Metallic, Effect Grey Mica (new colour), Dark Blue Mica, and Black Mica.

ES
Sedan 2.0L: $19,990 ($21,990 auto)
Sedan 2.4L: $20,990 ($23,490 auto)
Wagon 2.4L: $23,490 ($25,990 auto)

LS
Sedan 2.4L: $24,490 ($26,990 auto)

VR-X
Sedan 2.4L $28,990 ($31,490 auto)
Wagon 2.4L $31,490 ($33,990 auto)