Mitsubishi, as we know has decided to not refresh the Lancer range and let it fade into history with time. Hence, regional centres are at best carrying out minor changes to keep customers interested. Mitsubishi China however has gone a league ahead of its peers and developed a new look for the Lancer, which frankly looks impressive in these pictures published by Chinese website Autohome.
The designers at Mitsubishi China have transformed the Lancer’s look to resemble the Outlander more than the Lancer that’s globally on sale right now. The front-end with an ‘X’ grille and sharp headlamps looks modern and dynamic. The quantity of chrome however is a bit too much for our liking but the Chinese love chrome so no wonder there’s this much on the car. The black and metal combination alloy wheels too look impressive and help the new Lancer look a bit younger. Yes, younger we say because in reality all of these design changes are the equivalent of plastic surgery on an old person. Underneath, this Lancer is actually the same as when it was launched in 2007.
The interiors in contrast to the exterior have been spruced up only mildly as the steering wheel and the dashboard feature cosmetic changes. Both these changes help the cabin exude a bit more of quality than the global model, at least in pictures. Since this is the old platform, we do not expect any new engines to be offered although Mitsubishi China could tune the existing engines to offer a bit more power to make a more compelling buying proposition.
This new Lancer is slated for China-only production, which will limit its consumption to the domestic market. Chances of this car coming to India aren’t particularly strong right now but you never know. Given the choices of Indian consumers in the sedan segment, this new Lancer seems to check more boxes than the global version for the masses. We hope someone at Mitsubishi in India is listening to us.
