Now entering its ninth year in production for the current generation, the Mitsubishi Lancer is a simple compact car that boasts a robust warranty, available all-wheel drive, and a good level of standard equipment that now includes air conditioning, a reverse camera, heated front seats, and power windows, locks, and keyless entry.
The sedan, updated just last year, received a slightly refreshed exterior that included added available daytime LED running lights, and a chromed grille, plus revisions to the centre console's design. Despite these tweaks, the Lancer is looking increasingly dated next to cars like the Corolla, Cruze, and Civic which offer luxuries like heated steering wheels, and advanced safety features such as emergency autonomous braking. In addition, the Lancer appears out-classed compared to more modern rivals in interior size, quality of materials, and trunk space.
The Lancer carries over into 2017 unchanged other than the fact that the base DE trim level is now discontinued. The range now consists of ES, SE Limited, and GTS trims.
The Lancer ES and SE Limited sedans are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which develops 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque; it can be had with either a five-speed manual (9.6 L/100 km city, 7.0 L/100 km highway) or an optional CVT (8.6 L/100 km city, 6.8 L/100 km highway).
The Lancer ES and SE Limited are also available with Mitsubishi’s AWC (All Wheel Control all-wheel drive), but come with a larger more powerful 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 168 hp, and standard CVT. This configuration is rated at 10.2 L/100 km city and 7.8 L/100 km highway.
Those looking for a slightly sportier appearance can upgrade to the Lancer GTS which gets the more powerful 2.4-litre engine as standard, plus seats with added bolstering, sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and more. It’s available in both manual (10.5 L/100 km city, 7.7 L/100 km highway) and CVT (9.8 L/100 km city, 7.6 L/100 km highway) with front-wheel drive, or with the AWC all-wheel drive system. The GTS offers decent performance with its upgraded engine and secure handling that’s a bit more dialed in than the average compact car; fuel consumption with this motor is above the class average, though.
Buyers looking for additional functionality can opt for the Lancer in a five-door body style called Sportback. It’s covered in further detail in a separate report.
With the revised lineup, the Lancer now starts at $17,998 for the ES, while the top-of-the-line GTS AWC sells for $26,298.
