At the
Detroit Show in January, Mitsubishi will give air its new Lancer saloon for the first time, alongside a concept version of the Evo X, dubbed
Prototype X.
Taking styling cues from Mitsubishi's latest concept cars, the
Concept-X and the
Concept Sportback, the new Lancer looks quite tame in non-Evo mode pictured. However, Mitsubishi hopes to compete against the likes of the
Ford Focus and
VW Golf with more space, a high level of equipment and distinctive style.
The new Lancer has been developed on the same platform as the
Outlander and therefore has a longer wheelbase and wider track than that outgoing Lancer, though the overall length has been reduced.
North American buyers will be the first to get their hands on the new Lancer, early in 2007, though with only one engine option, a 152bhp 2-litre four-cylinder petrol unit featuring the MIVEC variable valve timing and lift system. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, with the option of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the first time. The latter comes with a six-step 'Sportronic' mode and steering-wheel gearchange paddles on the GTS model, the sportiest version until the Evo arrives. We suspect that this may pave the way for an automated manual version of the Evo X.
It looks like UK buyers may not see the new Lancer until either the end of 2007 or the very start of 2008, coinciding with the release of the Evo X. We've been told that there will be five engine options eventually, which should be the 2-litre and 2.4-litre petrol units, the VAG-supplied 2-litre turbodiesel fitted to the
Grandis Di-D and perhaps another entry-level petrol unit and the Evo's turbocharged four-cylinder.
We'll be in Detroit in January and it is likely that the Evo X will debut at the Tokyo Show in October 2007, so keep an eye on our main
Motorshows Page for all the latest news.
Shane O' Donoghue - 20 Dec 2006