Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer, one of the legendary creations of Mitsubishi Motor Corp, happens to be one of the best-sellers, exclusively designed for families.

Alternate Nomenclature in Global Markets

It has also been marketed as the Mitsubishi Mirage, Mitsubishi Carisma, Soueast Lioncel, Hindustan Lancer, Eagle Summit, Chrysler Lancer, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Plymouth/ Dodge Colt, and Colt Lancer in different countries throughout its production, and traded as the Galant Fortis at its native market since 2007. In Tiwan, it had been traded as Lancer Fortis with an exclusive facelift, which makes it look far different from Galant Fortis version.

First Generation (1973-1978)

The Mitsubishi Lancer was first introduced in 1973 and it had a successful run in most rallies. At the instance of its introduction, Mitsubishi had the compact Galant car and the Minica Kei running fairly good in the market. To date, the Mitsubishi Lancer has been marketed in twelve versions, starting from the basic sedan version with standard 1.2 L engine down to the powerful rally-derived 1600 GSR model.

The car was evolved in vivid body styles such as a strangely seen 5-door station wagon, a 2-door hardtop coupe, and 4-door and 2-door sedans.

Second Generation (1979-1981)

The Lancer EX was launched in Japan in 1979. This version was offered with two engine choices; a 1.4 L MCA-JET packed engine that was embedded with Silent Shaft Technology of Mitsubishi for the generation of 80 hp (60 kW) and a 1.6 L engine that could generate 100 hp (75 kW) and 85 hp (63 kW) too.

It was included by a MCA-JET system, which was relatively newer than the old carburetor system. The MCA stands for Mitsubishi Clean Air that means the EX was designed in accordance with the US as well as Japan emission standards.

In 1980, the 1.8 L Sirius 80 engines were provided in the Lancer, with the introduction of a new 1.2 L engine that could deliver 70 hp (52 kW). This was offered after providing a variety of engine choices for the Mitsubishi Lancer. The engine also got turbocharged version, which could deliver a whooping 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp).

Third Generation (1982-1989)

The 3rd generation model was introduced in 1982 known as the Lancer Fiore that was developed on similar lines of Mitsubishi Mirage. This was traded as Lancer in international markets.

Fourth Generation (1990-1997)

The Lancer Sedan and Mirage became almost identical over time. The Lancer Fiore incorporated advanced computer control engine technology with and electronic fuel injection. It was also included with a turbocharger engine for high performance of 120ps. For the gas conscious buyers, a diesel engine was manufactured in 1800cc and 1500cc MD (Modulated Displacement) versions.

Fifth Generation (1998-1992)

An aerodynamic-looking Lancer was introduced in 1998, which had almost identical shape of the Galant. To this range, a 5-door hatchback was also included. Nomenclature of both Lancer and Mirage sustained in different global markets, but essentially they became the same.

In Australia, both were traded as the Mitsubishi Lancer, which was originally designed as the CA lineup in 1990, whereas in Japan, it was called the Mirage Aspire.

Sixth Generation (1993-1994)

The Sixth Generation was launched in 1993 as a Proton Wira sedan in five-door hatchback body style. This was introduced in Malaysia too, with four engine variants; 1.8 L, 1.6L, 1.5L, and 1.3L.

Seventh Generation (1995-2001)

The seventh generation was prefaced in 1995 and built in earlier generation’s format. It was included with a turbocharged GSR version. This was the major addition over the last version.

Eighth Generation (2002-2004)

The eighth generation Lancer was introduced in 2002 and labeled as the Lancer Cedia. This was the direct substitution for Mirage. It had a 2.0 L 4G94 engine that could deliver

• 130 lb•ft (176 N•m) of torque and
• 120 hp (92 kW).

Ninth Generation (2005-Present)

The ninth version came in 2005 and it sustains to date. It was launched with two models; they are the Concept-Sportback model that was prefaced at the Frankfurt motor show and Concept-X model car, unveield at the Tokyo Motor Show.