Mitsubishi Lancer: Sophisticated New Sportback

Motoring Channel Staff - 27/June/2007

Tokyo, Japan — Not content to rely on updates of current models to increase profitability, Mitsubishi is currently hard at work prepping a hatchback Lancer model to rival the newly 'hatched' Subaru Impreza.

Mitsubishi's fortunes are improving not just in Australia, but right across the globe. With the impending launch of the new Lancer sedan and Evolution X performance car the Asian car maker is expected to move even further into the black, seeing as it's one of the marque's best-selling models.

At the same time, Mitsubishi is forging ahead with plans for a new model to be launched in 2008, a sporty hatchback version of the new Lancer, aptly called the Sportback.

The Lancer and Impreza vehicles have been long time rivals both on the showroom floor and in the World Rally Championship, and now Mitsubishi has a new weapon with which to combat Subaru.The Lancer Sportback will join the Lancer sedan models later in 2008, and according to Mitsubishi "the all-new 5-door Lancer Sportback will further strengthen the Lancer family." 

In its release the company says the new Lancer Sportback will be modelled on the 2005 Frankfurt concept car of the same name, and that "it will specifically target hatchback-minded European customers."

The new 'Euro' targetted Lancer Sportback may be a slightly more upmarket model focussing more on luxury appointments than outright performance, and will be offered with both petrol and diesel 4-cylinder powerplants. As for a piping hot version of the Lancer Sportback powered by the hard charging turbocharged 2.0-litre Evo engine? Mitsubishi isn't talking, but this doesn't mean it won't happen.

Nothing has been set in concrete at this stage and very little has been divulged by Mitsubishi concerning the cars physical setup and components, but it will be based on the same platform as the Lancer sedan, which would mean that most of the Lancer sedans components could be easily transferred between models - and could potentially include the 4x4 drivetrain and turbo engine.

Judging by its new Concept Sportback's exterior design, one could even argue the aggressively styled Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has all the hallmarks of a 250km/h performance vehicle.

It's sleek profile, ground hugging stance and shark-like front end all point towards a vehicle with a point to prove, but at the same time these images are from the concept car, and the production model will doubtless be toned down to achieve cost effectiveness. 

The Sportback concept is also likely to be slightly larger than the Lancer sedan, with similar front and rear styling, albeit with a far sleeker profile and sloping roofline culminating in a trendy hatch.

Based on the same platform as the current Outlander (road tested here), known as 'Project Global', the new Lancer sedan and will be larger than its predecessors and considerably more sophisticated with a dual clutch gearbox not unlike Volkswagen's critically acclaimed DSG.

Mitsubishi explains that Project Global represents a multi-million dollar investment, and beyond the Outlander, Lancer sedan and Lancer Sportback, the new platform will underpin "several" other Mitsubishi vehicles over the next few years.

Mitsubishi has confirmed the following engine types for the new Mitsubishi Lancer sedan:

• 81kW (110hp) – 1.5-litre DOHC MIVEC petrol

• 103kW (140hp) – 2.0-litre Pump Jet Diesel (VAG-supplied)

• 106kW (144hp) – 1.8-litre DOHC MIVEC petrol

• 220kW* (300hp) – 2.0-litre Turbo DOHC MIVEC petrol (*Lancer Evolution - output to be unveiled at later date)

Mitsubishi has stated the above 2008 model year Lancer sedan line-up will be offered with five gearbox types:

• 5-speed manual transmission

• 6-speed manual transmission

• CVT (continuously variable transmission)

• 4-speed automatic transmission

• 6-speed automated manual transmission

Related articles:
- Mitsubishi Outlander (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008)
- Mitsubishi Evolution X Concept (2008)
- Mitsubishi Lancer (2008)
- Mitsubishi Evolution IX (Road Test)
- Suzuki Swift Sport vs. Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi's Customised Cars: SEMA (2006)
- Mitsubishi NS Pajero (2006)
- Mitsubishi 380 VRX (2006)