Car Evolution: Lancer History

First generation (1973-1979)

First generation

Also called	Chrysler Valiant Lancer Dodge Colt
Production	1973�1979 Celeste: 1975-1981
Body style(s)	2-door sedan 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 3-door hatchback (Celeste)
Layout	FR layout
Platform	A142A�A145A
Engine(s)	1.2 l I4 1.6 l I4 1.4 l I4 2.0 l I4
Wheelbase	2,343 mm (92.2 in) (sedan/saloon)
Length	3,981 mm (156.7 in)
Width	1,524 mm (60.0 in)
Height	1,362 mm (53.6 in)
Curb weight	832 kg (1,830 lb) (approx)^[2]
Designer	Shinichi Yamamura (design) Munechika Namba (engineering)^[3]

The Lancer (LA series in Australia, where it was called the Chrysler Valiant Lancer initially) was first launched in January 1973 and proved to be particularly successful in rallies, a claim that it retains to this day. At the time of its launch, Mitsubishi had the Minica kei car and the compact Galant, so the Lancer served to fill the gap in the small to lower-medium segment of the growing Japanese market. Twelve models were launched, ranging from a basic 1.2 L sedan to a more powerful rally-derived 1600 GSR model.

In some Latin American countries, as for example, in El Salvador the car initially was known as the Dodge Lancer.

There were four body styles, 2-door and 4-door sedans, a 2-door hardtop coupe and a rarely seen 5-door station wagon.

Celeste

Pre-facelift Lancer Celeste

In February 1975, the Lancer was complemented by a hatchback coup� called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste (A70-series). It was also called the Mitsubishi Celeste or Colt Celeste in some markets; and sold as the Chrysler Lancer Coup� in Australia, the Dodge Lancer Celeste in El Salvador, the Plymouth Arrow in the United States), and the Dodge Arrow in Canada.

The Celeste was originally available with 1.4 L and 1.6 L options, a 2.0 L model was added later. The 1979-80 Plymouth "Fire Arrow" came with the large 2,555 cc four-cylinder, but strangled by American emissions regulations it only offered 105 hp,^[4] no more than the Japanese market 2000 GT. After receiving a facelift in July 1977, the Lancer Celeste received square headlights and new bumpers, also gaining a new modelcode (A140-series).^[5] Production of the Lancer Celeste ended in 1981, it was replaced by the front-wheel drive Cordia in early 1982.

First generation facelift (1979-1983)

1980 LC Lancer

A facelifted Lancer followed soon in 1979, called the LB series in Australia (without the Valiant tag). It was this series that emerged in the United States as the Dodge Colt for the 1977 model year, taking over from a badge-engineered Mitsubishi Galant from the previous year. It was offered for one more model year before the Dodge Colt name was transferred to the front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage.

Second generation (1979-1988)

Second generation

Production	1979�1988
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	A172A�A176A
Engine(s)	4G62 1.8 L SOHC Turbo I4 4G62 1.8 L SOHC I4 4G33 / 4G12 1.4 L SOHC I4 4G32 1.6 L SOHCl4 4G11 1.2 L SOHC l4 4G63 2.0 L OHC Turbo l4 (EX 2000 Turbo)
Transmission(s)	4-speed manual 5-speed manual Automatic (1400/1600 - GL/XL, 1800 SE)
Wheelbase	2,440 mm (96.1 in)
Length	4,230 mm (166.5 in)
Width	1,620 mm (63.8 in)
Height	1,380�1,390 mm (54.3�54.7 in)
Curb weight	1,170�1,295 kg (2,600�2,850 lb)
Designer	Aldo Sessano (design) Rakuzo Mitamura (engineering)^[3]

In 1979, the Lancer EX was unveiled in Japan. Only two engines were offered at the time, a 1.4 L MCA-JET equipped engine paired with Mitsubishi's Silent Shaft Technology, which generated 80 hp (60 kW) and a 1.6 L engine that generated 85 hp (63 kW) and 100 hp (75 kW). The MCA-JET system was an entirely new concept when compared with the previously used carburetor system. The MCA stands for Mitsubishi Clean Air which meant that the EX passed both Japan and US emission standards, while the new cylinder head design of the engine gave way for a Jet valve which introduced an extra swirl of air to the combustion chamber, swirling the fuel-air mixture for a cleaner, efficient and more thorough burn.

In addition to these improvements, another breakthrough in the Lancer lineup was the Silent Shaft Technology, which was actually two counterbalancing shafts that rotated in opposite directions, cancelling the power pulses inherent in an inline 4 cylinder engine. This reduced both engine noise and vibration, and provided a smoother driving experience. The 1.8 L Sirius 80 engines were then introduced in the Lancer in 1980, along with a new 70 hp (52 kW), 1.2 L engine a year later, providing a broader range of engines for the Mitsubishi's Lancer. Also, a turbocharged, 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) engine was added in 1980 for sportier performance, and an Intercooler system was also integrated in the existing turbocharged engine to produce 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) in 1983.

Lancer EX 1800GSR and GT Turbo

In 1980, The Lancer EX was introduced with a 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder option known as the 1800GSR and GT Turbo. The first generation 1800GSR and GT were only available with a turbocharged, non-intercooled 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp). However, in 1983, an intercooler was introduced, helping the turbocharged mill to produce 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp)..

Japan model and trim levels

1400SL - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.4L engine, with a 4-speed Manual Transmission. 5-speed was also introduced. (1979-1987)
1200SL - Same as the SL, with a 1.2L engine option. (1979-1983)
1400GL - 3-speed Automatic version of the SL (1979-1983)
1400SL A/T - Same as the GL, with minor changes. (1983-1987)
1600XL - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.6L engine, with a 3-speed Automatic Transmission. (1979-1983)
1600GSR - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.6L engine with twin carbs, with a 5-speed Manual Transmission. (1981-1983)
1600XL Super - Same as the XL, with minor changes. (1983-1987)
1800SE - 4-door sedan powered by a 1.8L producing 100 hp (75 kW) engine, and available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission or a 3-speed Automatic Transmission. (1981-1983)
1800GSR Turbo - 4-door sedan powered by a turbocharged 1.8L engine producing 135 PS (99 kW), with aesthetic upgrades.(1981-1983)
1800GT Turbo - Same as the GSR, but with a different body trim. (1981-1983)
1800GSR Turbo Intercooler - Intercooled version of the first turbo version, producing 160 PS (118 kW), and with minor changes to the aesthetics. (1983-1987)
1800GT Turbo Intercooler - Same as the GSR Turbo Intercooler, again with different body trim. (1983-1987)
1800GSL Turbo - Same as the GSR Turbo Intercooler, only it used the engine from the GSR/GT Turbo, and equipped with a 3-speed Automatic Transmission, and with a more luxurious interior. Along with an AM/FM Multi-Cassette Stereo System. (1983-1987)

Lancer EX 2000 Turbo

Rally Version of the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo

In Europe, the Lancer EX was offered with a turbocharged 2.0 L 4�cylinder engine known as the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo. It was the first Lancer to use the very first 4g63 engine which was then used in succeeding models such as the Galant VR-4 and the Lancer Evolution I to IX.

It achieved a maximum output of 168 bhp (125 kW) and manages a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) and a quarter mile time of less than 15.5 s. A new feature on this model is that it is equipped with ECI or Advanced Electronically-Controlled Fuel Injection which gave the Lancer more power and outstanding fuel economy as it did 23.0 mpg in city driving and 28.8 to 37.2 mpg in highway driving. A rally version of the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo was made for the 1000 Lakes Rally that gave out 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). Sales of this model were low because of emission regulations Japan imposed at that time.

Philippines (1979-1989)

In The Philippines, the Lancer EX (which is popularly known as the Box Type Lancer) was offered with three variants. These variants are the SL, GSR, and GT. All engines were equipped with the Silent Shaft Technology (the SL had the 1.4 L while the GSR and GT had 1.6 L) and soon after, Automatic was available for SL and GSR variants. Sales stopped in 1989 since it was to be replaced by the Fourth generation Lancer.

Model and trim levels

SL - Base Model. 4-door sedan powered by a 1.4L engine with a 4-speed Manual Transmission and later introduced with the 1.2 L engine (4G11) alongside with the 3-speed Automatic Transmission
GSR - Mid Range Model. 4-door sedan powered by a 1.6L engine with a 5-speed Manual Transmission. 3-speed Automatic Transmission along with a 1.8L engine option (4G62 - carb ver.) was then introduced.
GT - Limited Edition version with the Lancer EX Turbo Bodykit, 14" alloy rims, and same 1.6L engine.

Other markets

The Lancer EX (the Lancer name was used, and excluding Japan) was sold throughout the Asia and the Pacific (Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Australia, New Zealand). It was also sold in South America.

Engines used

4G63

ECI turbocharged SOHC 1997 cc (2.0L) I4, 170 hp (127 kW)

4G62/G62B

ECI turbocharged SOHC 1795 cc (1.8L) I4, 160 hp (119 kW)
ECI turbocharged (Non-Intercooled) SOHC 1795 cc I4, 135 hp (101 kW)
Carb SOHC 1795 cc I4, 100 hp (75 kW)

4G32/G32B

Carb SOHC 1597 cc (1.6L) I4, 85 hp (63 kW)

4G33/G12B

Carb "MCA-Jet" SOHC 1410 cc (1.4L) I4, 80 hp (60 kW)

4G11/G11B

Carb SOHC 1244 cc (1.2L) I4, 54 hp (40 kW)

Third generation: Lancer Fiore (1982-1983)

Lancer Fiore (Third generation)
Also called	Mitsubishi Colt Sedan Mitsubishi Lancer, Lancer F Mitsubishi Mirage Saloon
Production	1982�1983
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	A155A/A156A
Engine(s)	1.2 L Orion 4G11 I4 1.4 L Orion 4G12 I4 (NA or Turbo)

In January 1982, a special model was launched called the Lancer Fiore, also known as third version of the Lancer, based on the A15#-series Mitsubishi Colt/Mirage. It's introduction coincided with the Mirage II facelift, from which the Fiore benefitted too. The Fiore was often sold as a Lancer in international markets, and also as the Mirage Saloon in Japan. In Australia, it would eventually be sold as the Mitsubishi Colt Sedan although cosmetically different. Thus, Mitsubishi had two similarly sized models competing in the same market segment, sometimes even while sharing the "Lancer" badge.

Later, Australian built Lancer Fiore (labelled "Colt")

It was available in the home market with 1,244 and 1,410 cc iterations of the familiar Orion, putting out 72 and 82 hp (53 and 60 kW).^[6] A 105 hp (77 kW) 1400 GT Turbo was added in September 1982.^[7]

The Lancer Fiore/Third generation was discontinued in October 1983 with the introduction of the fourth generation, a mere two years after its original launch. Production continued in Australia until 1990 (alongside the hatchback version), but labelled as "Mitsubishi Colt". The RWD Lancer EX outlasted it in most markets though.

Fourth generation (1983-1988)

Fourth generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Mirage
Production	1983�1988
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, front/four-wheel drive
Platform	C11A�C14A, C18A
Engine(s)	1,298 cc Orion 4G13 I4 1,468 cc Orion 4G15 I4 1,597 cc Saturn 4G32 I4 1,755 cc Saturn 4G37 I4 (4WD) 1,795 cc Sirius 4D65 I4
Related	Proton Saga Proton Iswara

With the introduction of the C10 series, the Mirage Saloon and Lancer Fiore (just Lancer in the export) remained the same car. The new Lancer Fiore incorporated the latest in computer control engine technology including an electronic fuel injection for its high performance 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with a power output of 120ps. For the fuel conscious, a 1.8-litre "Sirius" diesel engine was added as well as the new 1.5-litre MD (Modulated Displacement) engine which was developed by Mitsubishi Motors and introduced to the market for the first time.

1987 Mitsubishi Lancer Station Wagon

Mitsubishi Mirage CX Wagon 4WD

In 1985, the Lancer Wagon/Cargo (also marketed as the Mirage Wagon/Van) was introduced to address expanding user needs and to extend the versatility of the Lancer lineup. It had rather unusual, diagonal taillights. The following year saw the addition of a full-time four wheel drive Wagon version, with a 1.8-litre engine. This model went on to become very popular in both the commercial and private sectors overseas as well as in Japan. Since there was no wagon version of the fifth generation Mirage/Lancer, production of this one continued until 1991.

This model formed the basis of the original Proton sedan, the Saga, which was still in production until early 2008. However, in the Philippines, this generation of Lancer was not sold through Mitsubishi dealers.

Fifth generation (1988-1991)

Fifth Generation

Production	1988�1991
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-/four-wheel drive
Platform	C61A�C65A
Wheelbase	2,455 mm (96.7 in)
Related	Mitsubishi Mirage Mitsubishi Chariot/Space Wagon/Expo Dodge/Plymouth Colt Eagle Summit Eagle Vista
Designer	Masaru Furukawa (design) Yasukichi Akamatsu (engineering)^[3]

In 1988, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the Galant. A five-door hatchback was added to the range. The Mirage and Lancer nomenclature continued. The station wagon continued on the old platform and shape, as did, in some markets, a five-door version of the Mirage. In Australia, all models were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer, initially designated as the CA series and from 1990 as the CB. By that time, the Lancer name was shared with the Dodge Lancer sold in North America. The sedan was sold as the Mirage Aspire in Japan.

In some markets a 'van' model was produced, being the three-door hatchback without rear side windows (attracting a reduced sales tax in the Dutch market).

In the Philippines, the Fifth generation lancer is also known as "Lancer singkit". "Singkit" is a Tagalog word that describes the typical almond-shape that the epicanthic fold gives the eyes of East Asians. It is a reference to the shape of the headlamps and turn signals which taper at the sides. The headlamps of the previous generation were rectangular in comparison.

Sixth generation (1991-1995)

Sixth generation

Production	1991�1995
Body style(s)	2-door coupe (Mirage based) 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, front-/four-wheel drive
Platform	CB2A�CB4A-CD9A
Engine(s)	1.3 L SOHC I4 1.5 L SOHC I4 1.5 L DOHC I4 1.6 L SOHC I4 1.6 L DOHC MIVEC I4 1.6 L DOHC V6 1.8 L SOHC I4 1.8 L DOHC I4 1.8 L DOHC Turbo I4 2.0 L SOHC I4 Turbo Diesel
Transmission(s)	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,500 mm (98.4 in) (sedan) 2,440 mm (96.1 in) (coupe)
Related	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Mitsubishi Carisma Mitsubishi Mirage Mitsubishi Chariot/Space Wagon/Expo Dodge/Plymouth Colt Eagle Summit Eagle Vista Proton Wira

1993�1996 Mitsubishi Lancer (CC) Executive sedan (Australia)

1995�1996 Mitsubishi Lancer (CC) GLXi coupe (Australia)

It was only in 1991 that there was greater differentiation between the Mirage and Lancer. Although both were on the same platform, the Lancer sedan received different sheetmetal from the Mirage four-door. The Mirage variant was sold in North America under the Eagle Summit name. Minivan models, such as the Mitsubishi Space Runner and Mitsubishi Chariot, were mechanically related. In 1993, the Lancer wagon, named the Libero in Japan, was launched.

An electric version was also released named the Libero EV that ran on NiCd batteries. A V6 variant was also introduced with only 1.6 L, making it the smallest mass-produced V6. The high-performance, turbocharged GSR version formed the basis of the contemporary Lancer Evolution (or 'Lancer Evo') from September 1993, using the drivetrain of the successful Galant VR-4 rally car.

The Mirage Asti Coup� in Japan was offered as the Lancer Coup� in many export markets.

The Sixth generation Lancer was rebadged as the Proton Wira sedan and 5-door hatchback models in Malaysia in 1993 with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 L engine capacities. A short-lived 2.0 L diesel model was also available. Currently, the car has stopped production as one of the longest running Proton models in Malaysia after Proton Saga, which is also based on a previous Lancer model. The Proton Wira was recently replaced by Proton's latest model, the Proton Persona.

Australia (1992�1996)

In Australia, this generation was officially referred to as the CC series.^[8] It was sold as a 2-door coupe, as well as a 4-door sedan, wagon and 5-door hatchback (essentially carried over from the previous generation). The GL trim model was the last Lancer to use a carburetor internal combustion engine. The rest of the range used an electronic fuel injection engine. This generation was sold until 1996, when it was replaced by the popular CE series model.

GL - 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon. Powered by a 1.5 L engine (67 kW)
GLXi - 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86 kW) (sold from new with 1.8 instead of 1.6 variant, due to Australia's poor quality "91 octane" fuel)
Executive - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86 kW)
GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L engine (4G93t DOHC - 141 kW)

Philippines (1993-1996)

Described as Lancer egg (also known as Lancer hotdog type), because of the shape of its body and its rear signal light.

EL - 4-door sedan and no tachometer. Powered by a 1.3 L Cyclone Variable Venturi carbureted engine (4G13 SOHC) (59 kW) (Note: if E10 shall be used, consult manufacturer first)
GLi - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.5 L Cyclone ECI-Multi engine (4G15 SOHC) (66 kW)
GLXi - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.6 L Cyclone ECI-Multi engine (4G92 SOHC) (86 kW)
EX - 4-door sedan. Same specifications as the EL, and released in 1996.

Europe (1992�1996)

GLi - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.3 L ECI-Multi engine (4G13 SOHC) (55 kW) or 1.6 L ECI-Multi engine (4G92 SOHC) (83 kW)
GLXi - 4-door sedan and wagon. FWD or AWD. Powered by a 1.6 L ECI-Multi engine (4G92 SOHC) (83 kW)
GLX - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 2.0 L Diesel engine (4D68)
GTI -(gera from over there) 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.8 L ECI-Multi engine (4G93 DOHC) (103 kW)
GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.8 L ECI-Multi turbo-charged engine (4G93 DOHC turbo) (150 kW)

Latin America (1993�1997)

GL - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.3 L carburated engine (4G13 SOHC) (58 kW)
GLX - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.5 L carburated engine (4G15 SOHC) (65 kW)
GLXi - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.6 L ECI-Multi engine (4G92 SOHC) (84 kW)

Indonesia (1993-1996)

GLX - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.6L carburated engine (4G92 SOHC)
GLXi - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.6L ECI-Multi engine (4G92 SOHC) (84 kW/113 hp)
GTi - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.8L ECI-Multi engine (4G93 DOHC) (103 kW/140 hp)

Seventh generation (1995-present)

Seventh generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Signo (Venezuela)^[9]
Production	1995�present
Body style(s)	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, front-/four-wheel drive
Platform	CK1A�CM8A
Engine(s)	1.3 L SOHC 4G13 I4 1.5 L SOHC 4G15 I4 1.5 L DOHC 4G15 I4 1.6 L SOHC 4G92 I4 1.6 L DOHC 4G92 Mivec I4 1.8 L SOHC 4G93 I4 1.8 L DOHC 4G93 Turbo I4 1.8 L SOHC 6A11 V6 2.0 L SOHC 4D68 I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 4-speed semi-auto 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,500 mm (98.4 in) (sedan) 2,440 mm (96.1 in) (coupe)
Related	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Mitsubishi Carisma Volvo S40 Volvo V40 Mitsubishi Mirage Mitsubishi Chariot/Space Wagon/Expo Dodge/Plymouth Colt Eagle Summit Soueast Lioncel Proton Waja

In 1995, the Lancer was renewed for its Seventh generation, building on the earlier model's format. Apart from the Evo models' continuation, it did not depart from the established Lancer formula. A sedan and wagon (Libero in Japan) were offered, with a related Mirage model. The coup� continued as the Mirage Asti in Japan, known as the Lancer Coup� elsewhere. The 1995 Lancer (Model from 1995-2002 in some countries) is more popularly known as the 1997 Lancer. A turbocharged GSR version continued to be sold until the end of the 1990s. This platform was also the basis for the Mirage, as it was known in North America and various other markets.

From 1996 to 2004, the Mitsubishi Carisma replaced the Mitsubishi Lancer in some markets.

It is of note, that the Lancer Evolution V was the only Lancer Evolution to gain Mitsubishi the WRC constructors championship. However, driver Tommi Makinen was able to claim four WRC driver's championships for himself, in 1996-1999, driving Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution III, IV, V & VI.

Australia (1996�2004)

In Australia, the Seventh sold from 1996-2004. It was designated as the CE series. Like the previous generation, it was available in a variety of body styles, which helped to cater for a more broad audience. The introduction of a sporty MR coupe helped to target this model directly towards a younger audience.

1999�2001 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE II) GLXi sedan (Australia)

The station wagon continued on as a CE model, even though it was essentially carried over from the previous generation. This model had an unusually long model run, becoming increasingly uncompetitive as the years went by and often heavily discounted by dealers. Towards the end of its model run, Mitsubishi introduced some limited edition models (based on the GLi) to remain competitive with its rivals, these editions featured extras such as sports interiors, alloys and body kits off higher spec models. Generally, this generation sold well throughout its production run.

It should be noted that despite the introduction of the eighth generation Lancer Cedia in 2000, the CE series continued to be sold alongside it until mid-2004. The sedan was available in GLi trim, until it was finally discontinued in 2003. The coupe was facelifted and now only available in GLi and MR trims.

Due to its appearance, affordability, and the rise in status of the Lancer Evolution, this generation was quite popular with young car enthusiasts and the aftermarket modified Japanese car scene. Some popular modifications include exhaust systems, suspension, after market stereos and replica Evolution body kits.

Series I (96-98) and Series II (98-99)

GLi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.5 L engine (4G15 SOHC - 69 kW)
GLXi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC - 88 kW)
MR - 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86 kW)
MR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8L MIVEC engine (4G93 SOHC - 141 kW)
GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L engine (4G93t DOHC - 141 kW)
MXd - 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbodiesel 2.0 L engine (4D68T SOHC - 65 kW)

Series III (99-03)

GLi - 2-door coupe (1.5 L or 1.8 L) and 4-door sedan (4 cylinder, 1.8 L)
GLXi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine
MR - 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder (6 cylinder, 99-00), 1.8 L engine

Series IV (02-04) coupe update only

GLi - Choice of 1.5 L engine (discontinued in 2003) or 1.8 L engine, 4 Cylinder
MR - Powered by a 1.8 L engine, producing 86 kW (115 hp) & 163 N�m (120 lb�ft) of torque (1500-4500 rpm) out of a 4 cylinder

Philippines (1996�2002)

2000-2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (Philippines)

Described as "Lancer Pizza" such for their pizza-shaped rear lamps.

EL - 4-door sedan with 1.3 L carb engine (4G13 - 55 kW)
GL - 4-door sedan with 1.5 L engine (4G15 - 65 kW)
GLXi - 4-door sedan with 1.6 L SOHC engine (4G92 - 85 kW)
GLX - 1999-2002 model 4-door sedan with 1.5 L carb engine
GLS - 1999-2002 model 4-door sedan with 1.6 L Fuel injected engine
MX - 1999-2002 model 4-door sedan top of the line with 1.6 L EFI 4G92 SOHC engine with INVECS automatic transmission.
MR - 2-door coupe (97-02) Powered by 1.6 L 4G92 SOHC engine

Indonesia (1997-2002)

comes in 2 types (1997-2002)

GLXi - 4-door sedan with 1.6 L Fuel Injected Engine (4G92)
SEi - 4-door sedan with 1.6 L Fuel Injected Engine (4G92) equipped with front, side and rear spoilers, airbags, foglamps, and rear garnish.

In late 2001, comes with a facelift model taken from Philippine version. One piece headlights, longer bumpers, vertical chrome grille, and 15" alloy wheels. also in two types: SEi and GLXi as mentioned above. This model discontinued at December 2002, and replaced by its successor Lancer Cedia.

Venezuela (Mitsubishi Signo; 1995-present)

In Venezuela the model was introduced in 1996 as the Mitsubishi Signo and is assembled by the MMC Automoritz plant. Available model variants are

GLi - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.3 L ECI-Multi engine (57 kW)
Plus - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.3 L ECI-Multi engine (57 kW)
Taxi - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.3 L ECI-Multi engine (57 kW)

India

In India the model was introduced in June 1998 as the Mitsubishi Lancer and is assembled by the Hindustan Motors Limited.^[10] Available model variants are^[11]

LX - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 1.5 L ECI-Multi engine (87 PS)
LX - 4-door sedan. FWD. Powered by a 2.0 L IDI Diesel engine (68 PS)

Eighth generation (2000-present)

Eighth Generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Lancer Classic (Russia) Mitsubishi Lancer 1600^[12] (Uruguay) Mitsubishi Lancer GL^[13] (Curacao) Mitsubishi Lancer GLX^[14] (Chile) Soueast Lioncel II (China & Ukraine)
Production	2000�present
Predecessor	Mitsubishi Carisma (Europe) Mitsubishi Mirage (USA)
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	CS2A�CS5W
Engine(s)	4G13 1.3 L SOHC I4 4G18 1.6 L SOHC I4 4G93 1.8 L DOHC I4 4G93 1.8 L DOHC I4 GDI Turbo 4G94 2.0 L SOHC I4I4 4G63 2.0 L DOHC I4 4G69 2.4 L SOHC MIVEC I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 4-speed semi-auto 5-speed manual invecs III CVT
Wheelbase	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,495�4,605 mm (177.0�181.3 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,375�1,425 mm (54.1�56.1 in)
Related	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi Outlander

2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer (US)

The year 2000 saw the release of the eighth-generation Lancer Cedia in Japan (meaning Century Diamond); though in most markets the seventh generation Lancer continued, built at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant in Japan. The new model was available in sedan and station wagon forms. The Mirage, apart from the export models, became a different car in Japan that was unrelated to the Lancer. In Europe, the Lancer was not offered in some countries, being too close to the size of the Dutch-built Carisma, so the Evo VII model sold there bore the Carisma name. This is the first generation in many years where the Lancer nameplate is universally used. It is still sold in Japan where the ninth generation Lancer is known as Galant Fortis

In North America, the Lancer Cedia was introduced in 2002 as a direct replacement for the Mirage. It is powered by a 2.0 L 4G94 engine producing 120 hp (92 kW) and 130 lb�ft (176 N�m) of torque.

In Australia, the eighth generation Lancer was introduced as the CG series in July 2002 with the 2.0 L 4G94 engine. It was introduced as a replacement for the seventh generation sedan, and was sold alongside the popular seventh generation coupe.

Mid-generation facelift

In 2004, a heavily restyled Lancer surfaced with a front facia that brought it into line with the Mitsubishi corporate look, as well as a restyled rear, to further differentiate itself from the Lancer Evolution and for a more modern appearance. The car's grille was then redesigned again in 2006.

North America

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES (U.S.)

In North America, additional minor styling changes also occurred for 2005 and 2006. For the 2005 model year, the grille was changed to include more fins to reflect a closer similarity to the North American Galant. For the 2006 model year, the fascia was changed again from a bridged fascia to one with an open vent after Mitsubishi received complaints from current owners regarding its similarity in appearance to General Motors Division Pontiac's corporate look, and to bring the appearance closer to its bigger brother, the Evolution.

In Mexico, the Lancer was available in DE, ES, LS and GS trims with a 2.0 L DOHC 4G63 engine. There were no estate versions: only the four-door saloon.

Ralliart

2004-2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart sedan (U.S.)

In addition to the facelift, North America received two additional models to the Lancer line in 2004 - Sportback and Ralliart. The latter slated in between the base and high performance Evolution model. Both the Sportback and Ralliart had high levels of equipment, based on the Australian Lancer VR-X. The main difference being that these cars came equipped with Mitsubishi's 2.4 L4G69 engine (rated at 160 hp (119 kW)/162 lb�ft (220 N�m) for the Sportback, and 162 hp (121 kW)/162 lb�ft (220 N�m) for the Ralliart), included a new, stiffer suspension package that improved handling and lowered the cars stance by 1 centimeter, 16" alloy wheels, front bucket seats borrowed from Japan's Mitsubishi Evolution GT-A, fog lamps, and a new aerodynamic ground package. The Ralliart also came equipped with a cosmetic rear deck spoiler, and clear rear tail lights. The Sportback was equipped with a 4-speed INVECS-II automatic transmission, with no option for a manual transmission, while the Ralliart came with a 5-speed manual transmission with an option for the 4-speed automatic. The Sportback was also available in the lower spec LS trim.

2006-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer (CH MY07) ES station wagon (Australia)

Due to^{[citation needed]} Mitsubishi's deteriorating financial situation and slow sales, the Lancer Sportback wagon was cancelled in the United States one year after its release. But the Mitsubishi Lancer wagon was sold in Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and was available in at least the latter two until 2009.

Australia

The 2003 facelift, designated the CH series,^[15] introduced a heavily updated VR-X, which included new 16" alloys, stiffer suspension, body styling kit, and gear shifter borrowed from the Lancer Evolution. In 2004, the new Lancer wagon was introduced as a direct replacement for its ageing predecessor.

In August 2005, all Lancers were upgraded to the 2.4 L 4G69 engine, producing 115 kW (154 hp) and 220 N�m (162 lb�ft) of torque. The upgraded engine also saw a change in trim levels and upgraded equipment�the ES and LS models now featured a more upmarket looking black interior, while the VR-X gained a new black grille to closer resemble the Lancer Evolution IX. The equipment levels of all models were also upgraded, with the LS and VR-X gaining climate control, and a premium audio system sourced from the luxury Mitsubishi Verada. The Exceed model was discontinued, and all updated models now used JDM sized rear bumpers instead of the larger USDM sized versions. Additionally, the wagon also saw these changes; and as of 2007, continues to be sold alongside the sedan.

The ES and LS models were given a minor facelift for the 2007 model year; this time gaining the same front grille as the US models, and putting it into line with the current corporate look�similar to that of the Colt and the locally built 380. Prior to the introduction of the all-new ninth generation Lancer, a limited edition ES model dubbed 'Velocity' went on sale. This package included VR-X grill, rear spoiler, leather/alcantara bolsted seats, sports pedals, 15" OZ alloy wheels and chrome exhaust tip�all for the same price as the previous standard ES.