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.
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