All-New Mitsubishi Lancer Arrives In Australia With Active Stability Control Standard Across The Entire Range
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has set the safety benchmark in the Australian small car segment with the launch of its all-new Lancer sedan.
Offering Active Stability Control and Traction Control (ASTC) as a standard feature across its entire model range, the all-new Lancer is in a prime position to shake-up the small car segment with its stylish design, nimble performance and industry leading safety standards at an affordable price point.
And the inclusion of ASTC across the model line-up is just the start of the all-new Lancer's groundbreaking safety story. In addition to the Active Stability Control and Traction Control, all Lancers feature an ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist.
A total of seven airbags are available on all 2008 Mitsubishi Lancers - entry level ES models receive standard SRS driver and passenger airbags and driver knee airbag, with side and curtain airbags an affordable option. All other Lancer models - dubbed VR and VRX variants - receive the full seven-airbag pack as standard fitment.
Add to this Mitsubishi's acclaimed RISE body structure, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, five height adjustable headrests and the all-new Lancer presents the prime, affordable, safety-oriented choice in the Australian small car segment.
MMAL has revealed that, like the entire Mitsubishi range, the recommended retail pricing for the new vehicle will be sharp, very competitive and will start from just $20,990 for the ES model - and that includes the standard ASTC.
Launching the vehicle in Canberra this week, Robert McEniry, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, confirmed the all-new Lancer's industry-leading specification levels and aggressive pricing structure was designed to make an impact on the Australian vehicle market.
"The inclusion of ASTC across the entire Lancer line-up, and the availability of seven airbags on each and every model is unprecedented, at this price point, in this segment," Mr McEniry said.
"The all-new Lancer now offers Australian consumers a small car jam-packed with every safety specification available to us, with great looks and performance - it's simply a winning combination."
The all-new Lancer is built on Mitsubishi's most ambitious automotive project ever - its first global platform. Already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, this new global platform represents a multi-million dollar investment for the company.
Conceived and developed at Mitsubishi Design in Europe, the all-new Lancer takes it design cues from the Concept-Sportback and Concept-X show cars exhibited at the 2005 Frankfurt and Tokyo shows respectively.
Its low stance, long hood and short deck proportions, wide track, trademark "Jet Fighter" grille and distinctively deep set "eyes", all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans.
Dimensionally, the new-generation Lancer projects a tighter, more confident road-hugging stance. The vehicle is built on a longer wheelbase and wider track with a 60mm increase in both the front and rear track dimensions contributing to Lancer's solid, stable handling capability as well as its strong visual presence.
The increased dimensions of the vehicle's exterior have not been wasted - a combination of clever packaging and intuitive design has ensured these larger dimensions make a direct translation to the interior of the vehicle. The result is the all-new Lancer offers customers a well-appointed interior with a functional, uncluttered and spacious cabin.
Vibrant performance is guaranteed with an all-new 2.0-litre dual overhead cam MIVEC four-cylinder engine delivering 113kW of power @ 6000 rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm standard on all models.
Mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode and INVECS III software, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer delivers flexible, responsive and economical motoring. The sports oriented VRX model offers a unique paddle shift on the CVT transmission.
Driving dynamics are enhanced and ride and stability characteristics produce a sports oriented and satisfying driving experience for both driver and passenger. The 2008 Lancer ES and VR models, with their standard sixteen inch wheels (alloy on VR) and 205/60 R16 tyres, provide solid and stable driving performance that can help make even the most ordinary outing more enjoyable. The range-topping VRX variant adds a special sport-tuned suspension package and eighteen inch wheels with 215/45 R18 tyres.
The all-new Lancer ES and VR sedans not only tame curves, but do so with the confident stopping power of fifteen inch ventilated discs in front and fourteen inch solid discs in rear. The Lancer VRX models employ sixteen inch ventilated front disc brakes and sixteen inch solid rear discs.
Available in three well-appointed variants, the all-new Lancer model line-up delivers new levels of comfort and a host of standard features for the enjoyment of all occupants.
The entry-level ES variant offers all the safety and engineering features listed before for secure, relaxed driving and adds creature comforts deemed essential by today's savvy customers - three-way adjustable driver's seat, central locking, front and rear power windows, sixty/forty split fold rear seat, air-conditioning, FM/AM Tuner with CD and MP3 compatibility, cruise control with steering mounted controls, as well as storage spaces and cup holders galore. Optional side and curtain airbags are available on the ES model.
The mid-range VR model includes all these specifications and builds in even more features - side and curtain airbags, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, lip spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel, six CD stacker with remote steering mounted controls and, for lovers of wide open spaces, an optional sunroof is available.
For drivers who like an energetic, flexible and dynamic on-road experience, there is only one choice - the range-topping VRX model. This variant of the all-new Lancer range takes the standard specifications of the VR model and adds sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, front air dam, rear spoiler, eighteen inch wheels, sport type front seats and fabric, unique panel and door trim, paddle shifts (CVT model only), Smart Key entry and Bluetooth hands-free phone with steering wheel controls. Options include the sunroof from the VR model as well as a barnstorming, optional Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio system with nine speakers.
All 2008 model Lancers are available in a wide-ranging palette of modern colours, including Effect Grey, Lightening Blue, Red, Black, Mystic Blue, Champagne, Cool Silver and White.
According to Robert McEniry, the knock-out specification levels of the all-new Lancer line-up are concrete evidence of the company's ongoing commitment to introducing new, safety-oriented, attractive and affordable vehicles to the Australian vehicle market.
"Everyone at Mitsubishi is committed to sourcing vehicles for this market that offer the best levels of occupant safety, security and comfort at the best possible price - and the all-new Lancer answers that call," Mr McEniry said.
"And this is just the start of the story. Within the next eighteen months, we will be introducing you to the rest of the Lancer family, including the new member of the iconic Evolution range, the Evo X, then two more Ralliart sports variants, and finally the stunning Lancer hatchback line-up."
The all-new Lancer line-up will be available at Mitsubishi dealers nationally from October 1st.
Blending elements from the Concept-Sportback (the overall concept), Lancer Evolution X (the execution) and US-spec Lancer Ralliart (240 Hp 2.0L turbo engine, Twin Clutch gearbox & full-time 4WD drivetrain), the Prototype-S is a pre-production version of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback Ralliart that will be launched later in the year. We’ve already seen the official pictures of the prototype (click here), but this is the first time that we get the chance to see Mitsubishi’s sporty hatchback in motion. You can see the video right after the jump. -Continued
