Mitsubishi’s Lancer sedan gets a shot of Botox and more standard features for 2016

By Ronan Glon September 30, 2015

Mitsubishi has embarked on an ambitious crossover and SUV offensive, but that doesn’t mean it’s letting the Lancer wither on the vine. For the 2016 model year, the only Mitsubishi sedan sold in the United States gets a series of upgrades inside and out.

The front end gains a new bumper with a body-colored piece of trim that separates the grille and the air dam, discreet chrome accents, and less aggressive-looking headlights. Select trim raises the ante with C-shaped LED daytime running lights. New 18-inch alloy wheel designs and additional paint colors further help differentiate the upgraded Lancer from the outgoing model.

The interior benefits from a redrawn center console with an additional USB port, and the latest generation of Mitsubishi’s touch screen-based infotainment system. All models regardless of trim level come standard with Bluetooth connectivity, automatic A/C, a multi-function steering wheel, fog lights, and automatic headlights.

The base Lancer is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The other four trim levels ship with a 2.4-liter four-banger that’s tuned to deliver 168 ponies at 6,000 rpm and 167 lb-ft. of twist at 4,100 rpm. Base and GT models are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, while ES, SE, and SEL trims get a CVT.

The efficiency champ of the lineup is the base model, which returns 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway when it’s ordered with a five-speed manual.

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is scheduled to go on sale in the coming weeks with a base price of $17,595.

What’s next?

Mitsubishi has previously confirmed that the sport-focused Lancer Evolution will not be replaced, meaning that the GT (pictured) is the new range-topping model. However, the company openly admits that the Evolution nameplate will reappear on a hot-rodded version of the next Outlander Sport that will pack a powerful gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributor

Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.