2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER Review

Overview

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is an ace five-passenger Mitsubishi sports sedan, available in DE, ES, SE, GT and Ralliart trims. Smartly engineered with top-notch technology, the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer offers neat interiors, posh features and outstanding performance at a great value. Mitsubishi Lancer SE now includes the famed All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system, heated front seats and side view mirrors; 16-inch alloy wheels; upgrade dark silver instrument panel trim and unique black and beige trim seating fabric; and a chrome lower grille.

Powertrain And Performance

The Lancer DE and ES are powered by a 2.0-liter, 148-horsepower DOHC MIVEC engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission or continuously variable transmission (CVT). A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine connected to a smooth-operating continuously-variable transmission (CVT) power the SE. Lancer GT - with a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter DOHC MIVEC engine - is a powerful answer to the blahs. The Lancer Ralliart is powered by a 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter, DOHC MIVEC, turbocharged and intercooled engine mated to a six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), a sequential shift manual transmission with magnesium paddle shifters and two shift modes (Normal and Sport). The engine utilizes a proprietary All-Wheel Control (AWC) system based on the Mitsubishi Active Center Differential (ACD) and the system is controlled by the Mitsubishi AWC computer that delivers one heck of a driving experience.

Build And Styling

Every Mitsubishi Lancer model includes auto-off halogen headlamps, power windows and side view mirrors, power door locks and auto up/down driver window, 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with DSP control. The exterior features include (Depending upon the trim selected) 16-inch steel wheels (DE), color-keyed door handles and side-view mirrors, chrome grille accent, remote keyless entry (ES), rear wing spoiler, fog lights, chrome exhaust tip, sport-tuned suspension including front strut tower brace, 18-inch alloy wheels, side turn markers (GT), 18-inch alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN performance tires, dual exhaust with chrome exhaust tips, rear combination tail lamps with black housing, front Ralliart chrome grille surround and bumper and rear Ralliart bumper (Ralliart). Inside, FAST-Key, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface system, automatic climate control Magnesium paddle shifters, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt adjustable steering column, cruise control, sport-type meter gauges multi-information display, variable intermittent wipers, auxiliary audio inputs jack, chrome, 12V accessory outlet, 60/40 folding rear seats, leather-wrapped sport-type steering wheel and shift knob with shift boot, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio switches, aluminum pedals, adjustable rear headrests and a 140-watt, Mitsubishi AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and auxiliary audio inputs are key features.

Safety Features

Seven-airbag safety system including a driver's knee airbag, active Stability Control, 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Height-adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts in all three rear seat positions are among the standard safety features of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.