2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

2011 model pictured

NEW FOR 2012:

• New all-wheel drive SE AWC sedan
• Ralliart Sportback discontinued
• Brake override system added
• Soft pad trim on inner door panel centre
• Stereo auxiliary input deleted due to USB port on all models (except DE)
• CVT-equipped models add Eco mode indicator; five-speed manual adds gearshift mode indicator
• DE adds new 16-inch wheel cover design
• SE models add chrome lower front grille surround, dark silver interior decoration panel
• GT adds Ralliart-style front bumper and new pattern on interior decoration panel
• Large rear spoiler on Sportback replaced with smaller European version
• Ralliart sedan adds new 18-inch alloy wheel design and Eco mode indicator

For 2012, the Mitsubishi Lancer undergoes several changes. A new all-wheel drive sedan is added, while the Ralliart Sportback is discontinued, leaving only the Ralliart sedan. A brake override system is added to all models, and the various trim lines receive new features.

The Lancer is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback, called the Sportback. The sedan is available as the DE, SE, SE AWC (all-wheel drive), GT and Ralliart. The Sportback comes as the SE and GT. The Lancer Evolution is covered in a separate entry.

The DE, SE and GT use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with five-speed manual transmission or optional CVT. The SE AWC uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with CVT. The Ralliart uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic (TC-SST) automatic transmission and paddle shifters. The regular Lancers are front-wheel drive, while the SE AWC uses an all-wheel system that can be set into 2WD, 4WD on demand, and 4WD lock. The Ralliart uses a full-time all-wheel drive system with active centre differential and limited-slip front and rear differentials.

Features on the DE sedan include 16-inch steel wheels, auto-off headlamps, variable intermittent wipers, black grille, power mirrors, black door handles, front stabilizer bar, cloth seats, four-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering wheel, driver’s knee airbag, active front head restraints, tire pressure monitoring system, power locks, CD/MP3 stereo, power windows, and multi-information display.

The SE adds 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, chrome grille, body-colour door handles, front air dam, rear stabilizer bar, deluxe fabric heated seats, six-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, centre console armrest lid, front map lights, anti-theft alarm, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and keyless entry.

The SE AWC is similarly equipped.

The GT adds automatic climate control, fog lights, rear wing spoiler, exhaust finisher, sport-tuned suspension, leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome inner door handles, heated leather seats, power sunroof, six-CD/MP3 premium Rockford-Fosgate stereo, Sirius satellite radio, proximity key and colour multi-information display.

The Ralliart adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, Ralliart-specific grille, aluminum hood with heat extractor vents, integrated front air dam, rear wing spoiler, leather-wrapped sport-type steering wheel with magnesium paddles, four-way adjustable Recaro heated sport bucket seats with premium sport fabric, aluminum pedals, and hill start assist.

The Sportback SE and GT are equipped similarly to the corresponding sedan trim lines, and add a rear intermittent washer/wiper.