Refined 2.0-litre petrol engine
Responsive 2.4-litre petrol engine
Accomplished ride/handling balance
Accurate steering provides good feel

Flat front seats lack support
CVT drone when accelerating
Cabin lacks sound insulation
Variable build quality

Review: Mitsubishi CJ.I Lancer (2007-14)

Overview

Released in October 2007, the Mitsubishi CJ Series I (CJ.I) Lancer was initially available as a mid-size sedan, with Sportback (hatchback) models following in September 2008. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Lancer was initially available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT). In September 2008, 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines were introduced.

4B11 and 4B12 engines

The 2.0- and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines – Mitsubishi’s 4B11 and 4B12 engines, respectively – had an aluminium cylinder block and head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves (Mitsubishi’s MIVEC system).

Dimensions

Compared to its CH Lancer predecessor, the CJ Lancer sedan was 90 mm longer (at 4570 mm), 65 mm wider (1760 mm), 60 mm taller (1490 mm) and had a 35 mm longer wheelbase (2635 mm). Furthermore, the Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody design resulted in a 56 per cent increase in torsional rigidity and a 50 per cent increase in bending rigidity. Relative to the sedan, the Lancer Sportback was 15 mm longer (at 4585 mm) and 25 mm taller (1515 mm).

Suspension

The CJ Lancer had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars).

Mitsubishi CJ.I Lancer specifications
Body	Variant	Year	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Sedan	ES	2007-14	2.0-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 6sp CVT	113 kW at 6000 rpm	198 Nm at 4250 rpm
	SX	2010-11
	Olympic Special	2008
	RX	2009
	VR	2007-12
	LX	2012-14
	Platinum Edition	2009, 2012
	VRX	2007-08
	Activ	2010, 2012
	VRX	2008-14	2.4-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 6sp CVT	125 kW at 6000 rpm	226 Nm at 4100 rpm
	Aspire	2008-12	2.4-litre petrol I4	6sp CVT	125 kW at 6000 rpm	226 Nm at 4100 rpm
Sportback	ES	2008-14	2.0-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 6sp CVT	113 kW at 6000 rpm	198 Nm at 4250 rpm
	SX	2010-14
	VR	2008-12
	LX	2012-14
	Platinum Edition	2009
	RX	2009
	Activ	2010, 2012
	VRX	2008-14	2.4-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 6sp CVT	125 kW at 6000 rpm	226 Nm at 4100 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the CJ Lancer consisted of dual front airbags, driver’s knee airbag, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters. Initially, all variants other than the ES were also fitted with front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants). From January 2010, however, front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags were fitted as standard across the range.

In September 2009, the electronic stability control system was upgraded; the brake assist system was also upgraded in September 2010.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2007 Lancer ES sedan – fitted with dual front airbags and a driver’s knee airbag – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 31.56 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver. In the side impact test, high loadings were applied to the dummy’s pelvis.

ANCAP conducted an additional pole test on a vehicle fitted with curtain airbags, which provided an additional two points and a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.56 out of 37. This result, however, utilised the same side impact result for models without curtain airbags, such that models with curtain airbags could be expected to achieve a higher score in this test. ANCAP subsequently applied the occupant protection ratings for the sedan to the Sportback.

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2009 Lancer Sportback – fitted with dual front airbags, front side airbags and curtain airbags – received a five star safety rating which included an 81 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 80 per child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset impact, the head of the driver ‘bottomed out’ the airbag though the knees and femurs of the front occupants were well protected. In the pole test, protection of the chest was rated as weak, while protection of the abdomen was marginal.

Features

Standard features for the Lancer ES included a four speaker sound system with a CD player and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control (with steering wheel controls), 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet, tinted windows, a trip computer and an immobiliser. Beyond this, the SX added 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and rear spoiler.

The Lancer VR was further equipped with a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, front foglights, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers. The VRX was differentiated by its 18-inch alloys with sports suspension, a strut tower brace, bigger brakes and body kit; the VRX also featured Bluetooth connectivity.

Compared to the VR, the Lancer Aspire was distinguished by its nine speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with a six-disc CD player, leather seats, high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, Bluetooth connectivity and woodgrain finished instrument panel, shift panel and front console. As a special introductory offer, early models were also fitted with the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) which consisted of a seven-inch touch screen, satellite navigation, single CD/DVD player, 30GB hard drive and audio controls.

September 2009: Lancer update

In September 2009, the CJ Lancer underwent a minor update as the ES variants gained an additional floor console storage compartment and lidded cupholder. Furthermore, the VRX was fitted with the nine speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system, an acoustic windscreen and leather-wrapped handbrake; Aspire variants were further equipped with MMCS as standard.

Visually, the post-September 2009 models could be identified by their VRX tail-lights, which were made standard across the range; furthermore, the VR was fitted with a new chrome upper grille and the Aspire received chromed door handles. Inside, there was a new instrument cluster.

September 2010: Lancer update

The CJ Lancer underwent another update in September 2010, with Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity made standard for the SX, VR, VRX and Aspire variants. Other changes included improved noise insulation, a USB port, colour LCD and ‘welcome’ lights.

October 2011: Lancer update

In October 2011, the CJ Lancer range was updated as the SX variant was discontinued, but the ES and VR were fitted with electric power steering for improved fuel economy. With respect to features, the VR and VRX were fitted with a reversing camera (displayed in the rear view mirror), the latter also fitted with leather-trimmed seats and power adjustable and heated front seats. The Aspire was also fitted with power adjustable and heated front seats, a reversing camera (displayed in the MMCS) and an electrochromatic mirror.

Interior fittings were also upgraded as the ES received new seat fabrics, chrome-plated inner door handles, dark silver decoration panels and, for Sportback models, a new rear spoiler. The VR was fitted with front corner air dams and the VRX received new 18-inch alloy wheel designs, a Ralliart-style grille and front bumper and gloss black interior panels. The Aspire was also fitted with new 18-inch alloy wheel designs and gloss black interior panels.

August 2012: Lancer update

In August 2012, the CJ Lancer range was revised as the VR and Aspire variants were discontinued and an LX variant was introduced. Standard features were extended to include Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity with voice recognition and audio streaming, a leather-wrapped steering wheel (with audio and phone controls) and a new audio system; for models with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), a Hill Start Assist function was also standard. Furthermore, the VRX variant received iPod connectivity and a 6.1-inch display with a rear view camera.

Compared to the ES, the LX was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, leather seat trim, heated front seats, a 6.1-inch colour display, a rear view camera, rear parking sensors and a proximity key.

August 2013: Lancer update

In August 2013, standard features were extended to include 16-inch alloy wheels, Mitsubishi’s ‘LINK’ audio systems and keyless entry; cosmetic changes included new seat fabrics, dark silver interior trim, synthetic leather door inserts and chrome door handles. Furthermore, the VRX gained a seven-inch touch screen with satellite navigation and 3D maps.

2008 Lancer Olympic Special

In April 2008, a limited-run Olympic Special variant was released. Based on the VRX, albeit with a 2.0-litre engine, the Olympic Special was distinguished by its Rockford Fosgate sound system with full iPod integration, MMCS, black leather seats, woodgrain interior trim and chrome exterior highlights.

2009 and 2012 Lancer Platinum Edition

In January 2009, a limited-run Platinum Edition was released. Compared to the VR, the Platinum Edition was equipped with the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) which consisted of a seven-inch touch screen, satellite navigation, CD/DVD player and audio controls. Visually, the Platinum Edition could be identified by its chrome grille and belt line moulding.

In January 2012, the Platinum Edition returned. On this occasion, the Platinum Edition was based on the ES but further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera (displayed within the rear view mirror), Bluetooth connectivity with voice commands and steering wheel audio controls. Visually, the Platinum Edition could also be identified by its side air dams, chrome exhaust tip and ‘Platinum’ badges; sedan models were also fitted with a rear spoiler.

2009 Lancer RX

Released in September 2009, the limited-run RX was similarly equipped to the ES but added 16-inch alloy wheels and ‘RX’ badges; Sportback models were also equipped with a hatchback spoiler.

2010 and 2012 Lancer Activ

In March 2010, a limited-run Activ variant was released. Based on the ES, the Activ was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel (with audio and Bluetooth controls) and rear privacy glass. Visually, the Activ could be identified by its side air dams, rear spoiler, chromed exhaust tip and ‘Activ’ badging. The Activ returned in April 2012 with the same distinguishing features.

Brochures

Specifications

Review: Mitsubishi CJ.II Lancer (2014-15)