Mitsubishi tweaks Lancer line

Fresh from confirming it will slash its Lancer Sportback range to just a single GSR model priced from $22,990 in March, Mitsubishi has added a new ES Sport sedan variant to its aging small-car range.

The release of the rationalised MY14.5 Lancer line-up follows confirmation that Mitsubishi is yet to sign off on its next-generation Lancer, which may be co-developed with Renault-Nissan and news that the replacement for its existing Lancer EVOLUTION sports sedan may emerge as a high-performance crossover.

For now, Mitsubishi has replaced its Lancer Sportback range with just one sports-oriented model – the GSR – fitted with a 125kW 2.4-litre petrol engine, sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, a Ralliart grille, side air-dams, rear spoiler and cloth sports seats.

It is priced at $22,990 plus on-road costs for the five-speed manual and $25,240 with a CVT automatic transmissions with paddle shifters.

Mitsubishi has now also introduced a new entry-level Lancer sedan, the ES Sport, which at $20,390 plus on-road costs (manual) effectively increases the models’ entry price from $19,990 plus ORCs for the previous Lancer ES.

Priced from $22,640 as a CVT auto, the Lancer ES comes with a rear spoiler, chromed exhaust outlet, side air-dams, 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, climate-control and a Ralliart-style grille, making the sports fascia standard across the entire Lancer range.

“Last year, we had such a great response to the limited-edition ES Sport model that we decided to make it a permanent part of the Lancer portfolio,” said Mitsubishi Motors Australia Executive Director of Marketing Tony Principe.

“We also redefined the hatch line-up to capitalise on the sporty character of Lancer Sportback and give it an image that’s quite distinct from sedan.”

Meantime, the latest mid-range Lancer LX sedan also receives a Ralliart-style grille and front foglights, and is now priced from $22,990 (manual) and $25,240 (CVT) – $1000 less than before.