Mitsubishi->ke58 introduced the Lancer nomenclature to its lineup back in 1973 and since then it became one of its most successful models, with more than six million units being sold over the years. Depending on the market, Lancer->ke1122 was sold under different names, ranging from Dodge Colt (first generation) in the United States and up to Galant Fortis (current generation) on the Japanese one.

The model was sold under different body versions, and starting 1992 it received an Evolution version - which is basically a high-performance version featuring a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive system.

For the 2014 model year, the Lancer continues to be offered in four trim levels: ES, SE, GT and Ralliart - each of them offering different upgrades for the new year. Still, you shouldn't expect anything big, because all the major updates were reserved for the next generation.

Updated 06/13/2014: Mitsubishi announced details on the 2015 Lancer which comes with quite an impressive number of updates and new features. As usual, Mitsubishi focused its attention on upgrading the Lancer's safety, so for the 2015 model the sedan was updated with an advanced, seven air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that offers the best protection for both front and rear passengers. Also, all models will get new heated side view mirrors with turn indicators and a slew of new, standard features.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer.

2014 - 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 148 @ 6000
  • Torque: 145 @ 4200
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The current-generation Mitsubishi Lancer was previewed by the 2006 Mitsubishi Concept-X and since its introduction back in 2007 the model remained pretty much unchanged.

The Lancer features an aggressive front grille, angled headlamps, chrome-tipped exhaust and a raised rear spoiler.

Dimensions

Wheelbase (in./mm)

103.7/2,635

Length (in./mm)

180.0/4,570

Width (in./mm)

69.4/1,760

Height (in./mm)

58.3/1,480

Track, front (in./mm)

60.2/1,530

Track, rear (in./mm)

60.2/1,530

Curb weight (lbs.)

2,866


Standard Exterior Features -- By Trim Level:

Lancer ES

-Auto-off reflector-type halogen headlights

-Black slotted-mesh grille with upper chrome surround

-Side turn indicators

-Color-keyed outside door handles and side mirrors

-Dual power side view mirrors (manual folding)

-Side air dams

-Roof-mounted antenna and high-mount rear brake light

-Clear and black tail lights

Lancer SE

-All ES features, plus:

-Dual power heated side view mirrors (manual folding)

-Roof rack plug-in accommodation

-16-inch alloy wheels

Lancer GT

-All SE features, plus:

-Fog lights

-Color-keyed rear spoiler

-Dual power side view mirrors (manual folding)

-Roof-mounted antenna and high-mount rear brake light

-Clear and black tail lights

-18-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R18 tires

-Chrome exhaust tip

Lancer Ralliart

-Black upper and lower grille with large chrome surround

-Aluminum hood with air vents

-Chrome door molding

-Dual power side view mirrors (manual folding)

-18-inch alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN® A10 summer performance tires

-Dual chrome exhaust tips

New For 2015

Lancer ES:

- Next-generation continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that mimics a 7-speed gearbox

- A new Value Package that includes: newly designed 16-in. alloy wheels, FUSE Hands-Free Link System® with USB port, high contrast meters with color multi-information display, chrome interior door handles, soft-touch front upper door trim and rear disc brakes

Lancer SE AWC:

- Newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels

- FUSE Hands-Free Link System® with USB port

- High contrast meters with color multi-information display

- 6 speaker audio system

- Fog lights

- Sport front fascia with color-keyed center bumpers

Lancer GT:

- New white contrast seat and door stitching

- A new Sun and Sound package that includes: power glass sunroof, 9 speaker 710-watt Rockford Fosgate® premium sound system and HID headlights

Lancer Ralliart:

- HID headlights

- 18-in. dark finish alloy wheels

- 9 speaker 710-watt Rockford Fosgate® premium sound system

- Auto-dimming rearview mirror

- Auto on/off headlight control

- Rain-sensing wipers

- New white contrast seat and door stitching

Interior

Mitsubishi designed the Lancer as a compact family car, so it's no surprise that the interior was specially designed for that. Unfortunately, base model offers no leather surfaces, but you can bump up to the Ralliart version, which includes then, or you can pay for them.

The Ralliart version received most of the updates for the 2014 model year. Its improvements for the new year include a gloss-black interior decoration panel and a new 6.1-inch touchscreen display audio system with HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Dimensions

Interior volume (cu. ft.)

105.8

Passenger volume (cu. ft.)

93.5

Cargo volume (cu. ft.)

12.3

Front head room (in.)

39.6

Front shoulder room (in.)

54.7

Front hip room (in.)

53.3

Front leg room (in.)

42.3

Rear head room (in.)

36.9

Rear shoulder room (in.)

54.3

Rear hip room (in.)

54.1

Rear leg room (in.)

36.1


Standard Exterior Features -- By Trim Level

Lancer ES

-Steering-wheel-mounted cruise control and audio control switches

-Premium interior fabric

-6-way adjustable driver's seat

-60/40 split rear seat

-Two-color multi-information display

-12-volt power outlet in center console

-Air conditioning with micron air filter

-Bluetooth hands-free ready

-140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers

-Auxiliary audio input jack

Lancer SE

-All ES features, plus:

-Tilt adjustable steering column

-SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with three months pre-paid service

-6.1-inch touchscreen audio display

Lancer GT

-All SE features, plus:

-Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

-Sport interior fabric

-Sport front bucket seats

-Covered cup holders and center console storage

-Automatic climate control with micron air filter

-140-watt CD/MP3/HD Radio® audio system with six speakers

-FUSE Hands-free Link System® with USB port

Lancer Ralliart

-All GT features, plus:

-Aluminum sport pedals

Drivetrain

Depending on the trim level, customers can choose between three different engines. The base version gets its power from a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. This four-banger engine affords the Lancer an EPA rated 34 mpg on the highway when equipped with the high-tech continuously variable transmission.

Next there is the 2.4-liter normally-aspirated four-cylinder engine offered for the SE and GT versions. It delivers a total of 168 horsepower 167 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. This engine can hook up to either a five-speed manual or a continuously-variable transmission with six-step Sportronic mode that you can shift via steering wheel paddle shifters.

The most powerful engine can be found in the Ralliart version. This is a 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled MIVEC-equipped four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 237 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 253 pound-feet of torque between 2500 and 4750 rpm. This engine hooks up to a six-speed automated manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST).

Trims

ES

SE

GT

Ralliart

Engine Type

2.0L MIVEC I4

2.4L MIVEC I4

2.4L MIVEC I4

2.0L MIVEC Turbo I4

Engine Code

4B11

4B12

4B12

4B11T

Displacement (cu in./cc)

122/1,998

144/2,360

144/2,360

122/1,998

Bore x Stroke (in./mm)

3.4 x 3.4 / 86.0 x 86.0

3.5 x 3.8 / 88.0 x 97.0

3.5 x 3.8 / 88.0 x 97.0

3.4 x 3.4 / 86.0 x 86.0

Compression Ratio

10:1

10.5:1

10.5:1

9:1

Horsepower @ RPM (BHP)

148 @ 6000

168 @ 6000

168 @ 6000

237 @ 6000

Torque @ RPM (lb-ft.)

145 @ 4200

167 @ 4100

167 @ 4100

253 @ 2500~4750


Prices

ES M/T

$17,195

ES CVT

$18,095

SE CVT

$20,695

GT M/T

$20,445

GT CVT

$21,445

RALLIART

$28,395


Competition

2014 Mazda3 sedan

The new-generation Mazda3 just hit the market and it looks better than ever. The model features the latest "KODO – Soul of Motion" design theme also seen in models like Mazda6.

For the U.S. market, the new-generation Mazda3 sedan is offered with a choice of two engines: a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 155 horsepower or a new SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine with 184 horsepower.

Subaru Impreza

There was always a war between the Lancer and the Impreza, and the past few years have been wins for the Suby. As of 2012, the Impreza is powered by a new 2.0-liter boxer engine that delivers a total of 148 horsepower - the same as a base Lancer.

The base model, four-door Impreza 2.0i with a five-speed manual transmission starts off at $17,495 - nearly the same as a base Lancer.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the most successful compact sedans on the market, but there are no real surprises for the 2014 model year. The price is right, as it starts at under $20k, and it offers tons of equipment you will usually find in much more expensive models. For those wanting a little extra pep without opting for the outlandish Evo model, there is the $28k Ralliart model to scratch your performance itch.