Mitsubishi Lancer (2008 – 2014) Review

Mitsubishi Lancer (2008 – 2014) handling and engines

The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 2.0 turbo with twin clutch SST is a generously proportioned C-segment car.

Due for launch is early 2009 it looks set to provide him and her with a great balance between a good looking and comfortable family car with the high sports performance and handling of the Evo as well as an array of great kit that comes as standard.

Complementing the Lancer Sports Sedan and the Lancer Evolution, The Sportback and Sportback Ralliart have been designed to connect the strategic dots and become the driving force of Mitsubishi Motors passenger car offensive.

The Ralliart has a de-tuned 2.0 litre 16 valve MIVEC engine which generates 236 bhp. Its not as aggressively quick as the EVO but it its certainly a pokey engine doing 0 60 in an impressive 7 seconds. Because the suspension of the Ralliart is softer than the EVO it makes for a far smoother ride particularly as a passenger and does what it needs to do in all situations we put it through.

In traffic its quiet and obedient without the jerkiness of the EVO or its ability to make your passenger sick in slow moving traffic. On the motorway you feel safe and in control with enough muscle to make you feel like youre at the very least Prince of the road as and when you need to be.

The Ralliart comes with Sports Shift transmission which is a dual clutch gearbox like a VAG DSG with two settings: Normal and Sports. The Sports setting really came into its own on the winding mountain roads of the Spanish countryside. The car really feels like its been let out of its box in sports mode and enjoys the challenge of a really good camber. The safety features makes you feel confident in putting it through its paces at speed Mitsubishi have tested the car to 5* NCAP requirements but this wont be confirmed until launch.

The Sportback model will be the first of the Mitsubishi range to carry the Ralliart badge, its name an amalgamation of some corporate brain storming exercise whereby two of the brand attributes identified were: Rally and Art. The Ralliart is a lighter interpretation of the Concept-X/Lancer Evos design theme and also sports the shark like grimace of the new trademark jet fighter grille designed for visual identity across the range.

With this car, Mitsubishi have really succeeded in connecting the Lancer and the Lancer Evolution to create a proper family of sporting Lancers for the first time since the late 80s.

The size and kit that comes as standard make this a good car for a family with a sporty attitude to motoring. It would certainly be a shame to waste it with regular city slicking and a weekly shop.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart - a car that likes to get out and about.

Road Test by Sarah Thomas

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.5 43–44 mpg 11.6–11.8 s 153–156 g/km
1.8 34–37 mpg 9.8–12.0 s 183–198 g/km
1.8 Automatic 34–36 mpg 11.2–12.0 s 188–198 g/km
1.8 CVT 34 mpg 12.0 s 198 g/km
2.0 DI-D 44–45 mpg 9.6–10.0 s 165–173 g/km
2.0 Ralliart SST 28 mpg 7.1 s 243 g/km

Real MPG average for the Mitsubishi Lancer (2008 – 2014)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

105%

Real MPG

22–59 mpg

MPGs submitted

71

Mitsubishi Lancer (2008 – 2014) interior

Dimensions
Length 4570–4585 mm
Width 1760 mm
Height 1490–1515 mm
Wheelbase 2635 mm

Full specifications

With 344 litres of standard boot and 1,394 litres with the back seats down, the Ralliart is one of the largest cars in the competitive C segment, making it an excellent choice for the family who like to get out and about. You also get a lot of car for your money, even at basic trim level as the Sportback Ralliart is kitted out to a very high spec and comes as standard with:

*650 W Rockford FosgateTM premium audio system
*Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 7-inch LCD monitor on-board navigation
*BluetoothTM-enabled hands-free phone kit
*Auto-light control & rain-sensitive auto wipers
*Adaptive front lighting system
*Electronic Total Automobile Control System (ETACS)
*Emergency Stop Signal System (Sportback and Sportback Ralliart)

Mitsubishi Lancer (2008 – 2014) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4570–4585 mm
Width 1760 mm
Height 1490–1515 mm
Wheelbase 2635 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1290–1595 kg
Boot Space 344–1349 L
Warranty 3 years / Unlimited miles
Servicing 10000–12500 miles
Costs
List Price £12,499–£24,149
Insurance Groups 14–34
Road Tax Bands G–L
Official MPG 27.7–44.8 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

On sale until December 2011

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.8 GS2 Auto 5dr £16,399 35.3 mpg 11.7 s
1.8 GS3 Auto 5dr £17,399 34.0 mpg 12.0 s
1.8 GS4 CVT 5dr Auto £19,399 34.0 mpg 12.0 s
2.0 DI-D GS2 5dr £17,399 44.8 mpg 9.6 s
2.0 DI-D Juro 5dr £14,999 44.8 mpg 9.6 s

On sale until October 2011

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.5 GS2 5dr £15,199 42.8 mpg 11.8 s
1.5 Juro 5dr £14,749 42.8 mpg 11.8 s
1.8 GS4 5dr £18,399 35.8 mpg 10.6 s
2.0 DI-D GS3 5dr £17,899 43.5 mpg 10.0 s
2.0 Ralliart GS SST 5dr £22,149 27.7 mpg 7.1 s
Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.8 GS3 4dr £16,784 36.7 mpg 9.8 s
1.8 GS4 4dr £18,784 36.7 mpg 9.8 s

On sale until April 2011

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.8 GS2 5dr £15,399 35.8 mpg 10.4 s
Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.8 GS3 Auto 4dr £17,784 35.8 mpg 11.2 s
1.8 GS4 Auto 4dr £19,784 35.8 mpg 11.2 s
2.0 DI-D GS3 4dr £18,284 44.1 mpg 9.7 s

On sale until July 2010

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.8 GS3 5dr £15,999 35.8 mpg 10.6 s
1.8 GS3 5dr Auto £15,999 34.0 mpg 12.0 s

On sale until January 2010

Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.5 SE 4dr £12,849 - -

On sale until December 2009

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0 DI-D GS4 5dr £19,499 43.5 mpg 10.0 s
Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.8 GS3 4dr £15,999 36.7 mpg 9.8 s
1.8 GS3 4dr Auto £15,999 - -
2.0 DI-D GS4 4dr £19,499 44.1 mpg 9.7 s

On sale until April 2009

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0 Ralliart GSR SST £24,149 27.7 mpg 7.1 s

On sale until March 2008

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.5 GS1 5dr £12,499 44.1 mpg 11.6 s
1.5 GS1 5dr Auto £12,499 - -

Model History

January 2008

New Lancer with Evo styling launched

New Lancer saloon with dramatic front. Looks exactly like Evo X. High spec 2.0 litre version with alloy wheels to sell from around £15,000. Commodious beetlebacked hatchback version from mid 2008.

The new Lancer is available in four trim levels - the GS1, GS2, GS3 and GS4 with the next generation Lancer Evolution X topping the range and providing a significant sporting “halo effect”.

Lancer GS1 (5-door “Sportback” only)

The GS1 variant benefits from a superb specification for safety, style and convenience, especially for an entry level model in the C-D segment. Pricing starts at just £12,499 for the 1.5 litre petrol engine with an additional £750 for the 4-speed automatic transmission:

  • Rear Spoiler
  • Electric Windows (Front & Rear)
  • Front & Side Airdams
  • Air Conditioning
  • Driver, passenger, side and knee airbags
  • Remote Door Locking
  • Trip Computer
  • Cat 1 alarm system with immobiliser
  • Deadlocks
  • CD / Tuner with MP3 Capability & 4 Speakers
  • Pollen Filter
  • ISO-Fix Child Restraint Points

Lancer GS2 (5-door “Sportback” only)

The GS2 gains the following items in addition to that of the GS1, with the 4-speed automatic being replaced by a 6-speed CVT automatic on petrol models for £1,000. The 1.8 litre petrol is priced at £13,999 and the 2.0 litre diesel at £15,499:

  • 16" Alloy Wheels
  • Leather Steering Wheel / Shift Knob
  • Steering Wheel Audio Controls
  • Curtain Airbags
  • Six-Speakers
  • Front Grille Chrome Surround

Lancer GS3 (4-door and 5-door “Sportback”)

The GS3 steps up a gear in sporty driving dynamics, and additional comfort and convenience features. All the following items come as standard for just a £1,000 premium over the GS2, with the 6-speed CVT automatic on petrol models costing an additional £1,000. The 1.8 litre petrol is priced at £14,999 and the 2.0 litre diesel at £16,499

  • 18" Alloy Wheels
  • Front Fog Lamps
  • Cruise Control
  • Stability & Traction Control
  • Privacy Glass
  • Climate Controlled Air Conditioning
  • Sports Suspension
  • Front Strut Tower Bar

Lancer GS4 (4-door and 5-door “Sportback”)

The GS4 gains the following items for just a £2,000 premium over the GS3, with the 6-speed CVT automatic on petrol models costing an additional £1,000. The 1.8 litre petrol is priced at £16,999 and the 2.0 litre diesel at £18,499:

  • Pan-European HDD satellite navigation system with colour touch screen
  • 30GB music server
  • Heated leather seats
  • iPod / MP3 auxiliary input
  • Personalisation of car set up (e.g. set your own preferences for windscreen wiper operation, interior light delays, auto-folding wing mirror options, etc).
  • Advanced vehicle data system: vehicle environment, altitude, direction, advanced trip computer, etc.

Lancer Ralliart

One down from the EVO X, and effectively replacing the EVO 260, the Lancer Ralliart comes with a 2.0 litre (Dual Valve VVT) Turbo Engine with 6-speed Twin Clutch - SST transmission producing 240 PS, coupled with a full-time 4WD system with Active Yaw Control and Active Centre Differential.

Specification will include the following items:

  • Auto rain sensing wipers
  • Auto headlight sensor
  • Aluminium bonnet panel
  • Recaro front seats
  • Sports steering wheel with paddle shift
  • Ralliart radiator grille
  • Aluminium pedals
  • Xenon headlamps
  • Headlamp washers

Pricing for the Lancer Ralliart will be announced shortly.

Engine Technology

Two petrol and one diesel engine are available for the new Lancer.

The 1.5 litre petrol engine is a VVT MIVEC unit, with VVT on the intake valves and produces a healthy 110 PS. The unit takes the car from 0-62 in 11.6 seconds (14.3 seconds with the auto) and has CO2 emissions of 153g/km combined, VED Band D (168 g/km combined, VED Band E for the auto). Fuel consumption is an excellent 44.14 mpg (40.35 mpg for the auto) on the combined cycle.

The 1.8 litre petrol engine is a brand new DOHC VVT design with VVT on both the intake and exhaust valves. It benefits from 144PS of power and is available with either a 5-speed manual or a new 6-speed CVT automatic transmission. The unit takes the car from 0-62 in 9.8 seconds (11.2 seconds with the CVT auto) and has CO2 emissions of 183g/km combined, VED Band E (188 g/km combined, VED Band F for the auto). You can also complete 36.69 mpg (35.76 mpg for the CVT auto) on the combined cycle.

Also a 140PS 2.0 DI-D 16-valve intercooled turbocharged diesel with a 6-speed manual transmission is also available. The power unit is sourced from VW, and has been further enhanced by Mitsubishi’s engineering team to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Taking the car from 0-62 in 9.6 seconds the unit has CO2 emissions of 165g/km combined, VED Band D. Fuel consumption is 44.83 mpg on the combined cycle.

Styling

Built on a longer wheelbase and wider track – but with a slightly shorter overall length than the previous model, the new Lancer has a more road-hugging attitude that is especially evident with the 18” alloy wheels and the sporty body kit.

Safety

The new Lancer body structure is built around Mitsubishi’s next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) design. It disperses energy loads during side and rear impacts and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection and also helping to protect the fuel system during a rear impact.

In addition, the new vehicle makes extensive use of high strength steel in its construction. Compared to the previous generation Lancer it is much more rigid - torsional rigidity has been increased by 56% and bending rigidity by 50%. This has the additional benefit of improving the vehicle handling and ride.

The Lancer’s safety package is extremely comprehensive and includes an advanced dual front air bag Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag.

Furthermore, Active Stability Control (ASC) reduces rotational movement when the vehicle begins to skid, while the traction control prevents wheel spin in slippery conditions.

Colours

The new Lancer range is available in the following colours:

  • Cool Silver (Metallic)
  • Orient Red (Metallic)
  • Thunder Blue (Pearlescent)
  • Amethyst Black (Pearlescent)
  • Stone Grey (Pearlescent)
  • Frost White (Solid)

Lancer pricing excludes cost of metallic / pearlescent paint at £350.00

Insurance Groups

With the improvements to technology and safety the insurance group rating for the new Lancer is highly competitive, as follows:

Estimated Insurance Groups:

  • Lancer 1.5 GS1 5-door Manual IG 5-6E
  • Lancer 1.8 GS2 5-door Manual IG 6-7E
  • Lancer 1.5 GS1 5-door Auto IG 5-6E
  • Lancer 1.8 GS2 5-door CVT IG 6-7E
  • Lancer 2.0 DI-D GS2 5-door Manual IG 6-7E
  • Lancer 1.8 GS3 4 Door Manual IG 8E
  • Lancer 1.8 GS4 4 Door Manual IG 9E
  • Lancer 1.8 GS3 4 Door CVT IG 8E
  • Lancer 1.8 GS4 4 Door CVT IG 9E
  • Lancer 2.0 DI-D GS3 4 Door Manual IG 8E
  • Lancer 2.0 DI-D GS4 4 Door Manual IG 9E

August 2009

The new Lancer 1.5 4-door SE announced

At £12,499 offers metallic paint, 16” alloys, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, Bluetooth, air conditioning, front fogs, steering wheel audio and Bluetooth controls, iPod input and CAT 1 alarm. With a manual transmission and Mitsubishi’s 1.5 litre petrol MIVEC VVT engine, the car goes from 0-62 in 11.6 seconds, has CO2 emissions of 153g/km combined, VED Band G (£155 per annum road tax), and has an excellent fuel consumption of 44mpg.

October 2010

Juro special goes on sale

Mitsubishi Motors announced 1,000 examples of the 2010MY Lancer 2.0 DI-D Juro special. This latest iteration of the Lancer hatchback offers a high level of specification at a low price.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Juro has a Kenwood integrated Satellite Navigation system complete with reversing camera and even leather seats. Specification further includes:

  • Black Leather
  • Kenwood System
  • Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Reversing Camera, iPod connection
  • 16" 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Fog Lamps
  • Steering Wheel Audio Controls
  • Leather Steering wheel & Gear Shift Knob
  • Front and Rear Electric Windows
  • iPod Socket
  • Front, Side, Curtain & Knee Airbags
  • Brake Assist (BA)
  • Emergency Stop signal System (ESS)
  • Alarm/Immobiliser
  • Electric & Heated Door Mirrors
  • Colour Keyed Rear Spoiler
  • ISO-Fix Child Seat Mounting Points

The Kenwood high specification multimedia system comprises, integrated Garmin Satellite Navigation, Parrott Bluetooth, iPod connection and a reversing camera. It also includes a steering wheel control interface allowing the operation of the factory-fitted steering wheel mounted controls.

January 0001

T

he Mitsubishi Lancer Juro hatchback is available in the following colours:

  • Cool Silver (metallic)
  • Stone Grey (metallic)
  • Orient Red (metallic)
  • Amethyst Black (metallic)
  • Lightening Blue (metallic)
  • Frost White (solid]

With a List Price starting at £14,999 (inc. VAT) the Lancer Juro offers an outstanding deal. With 163g/km CO 2 emissions the Lancer 2.0 DI-D Juro falls into VED Band G – therefore qualifying for £155 1st Year rate VED. The Lancer falls under insurance group 21E and costs £315 for the Mitsubishi Service Plan.

January 2011

Mitsubish Lancer Juro special edition announced

Based on current Lancer 1.5 GS2 but Mitsubishi has introduced black leather upholstery and a Kenwood integrated satellite navigation system which also includes a reversing camera as standard.

The Lancer Juro features the following high level of standard equipment:

  • Black Leather seats
  • Kenwood System
  • Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Reversing Camera, i-Pod connection lead
  • 16" Alloy wheels
  • Climate Control
  • Leather Steering wheel with audio controls
  • Electric windows
  • Front, Side, Curtain & Knee airbags
  • CAT 1 Alarm/immobiliser
  • Electric & Heated door mirrors
  • Colour keyed rear spoiler

The Kenwood multimedia system comprises integrated Garmin Satellite Navigation, Parrott Bluetooth, iPod connection lead and reversing camera. It also includes a steering wheel control interface allowing the operation of the factory fitted steering wheel mounted controls 1 .

The Lancer 1.5 Juro petrol vehicle will be available in the following colours:

  • Cool Silver
  • Stone Grey
  • Orient Red
  • Amethyst Black
  • Lightening Blue

The Lancer 1.5 Juro petrol is priced at £14,749 including free metallic paint and VAT.

With the improvements to technology and safety the insurance group rating for the Lancer 1.5 Juro is Group 14E in the 50 Group system.

The Lancer Juro has a 3-year/unlimited mileage warranty together with a pan-European roadside assistance package. Service intervals are 12 month/12,500 mile (whichever comes first) and Mitsubishi’s extremely competitive Service Plan (MSP), covering the first three scheduled services can be purchased for just £400.

What to watch out for

28-02-2017:

Report of 82,000 mile 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 with 82,000 miles burning oil. Has full compression on all four cylinders, has a completely dry engine without leaks, doesn’t blow smoke and drives very smoothly and speedily. On purchase, it was a given a full service, including Castrol Edge 5-30 engine oil. Problem is, it uses an enormous amount of oil, for instance, at least one pint on a 70 mph 45-mile cruise down the motorway, though much less on low speed inner-city trips. Turned out to be the PCV valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve: "The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, also called the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, is a possible cause of expensive oil leaks and sludge build-up in an engine. All car engines are lubricated with oil and when oil is churned by moving parts, pressure is produced. Piston rings and valve guides also leak slightly producing pressure in the crankcase. In early days, they simply vented the pressure into the atmosphere with a tube and breather cap. Now positive crankcase ventilation is used to handle this. The PCV/EGR system is relatively simple. An inlet hose connects to a filtered air source that is used to supply clean air drawn through the engine. Most of the time this air is supplied through the engine air filter (on a few designs there is a separate inlet filter that cleans the incoming air for the PCV/EGR system only). This filtered air flows through the engine, picking up fumes and vapors. The air exits through another hose, connected to manifold vacuum. The flow of air draws fumes from the crankcase and burns them harmlessly in the engine. This also creates a slight vacuum, relieving any pressure that may build. Negative pressure helps to prevent oil leaks and oil consumption by the engine. The PCV/EGR valve also helps regulate the amount of air flow, which helps prevent oil being drawn out of the engine."

09-03-2017:

Report of 107k mile 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GS2 diesel needing four new injectors and a new turbo.