- Durable and economical powertrains
- Good ride/handling balance
- Supportive front seats
- Performance of 1.5-litre engine only adequate
- Limited rear seat head and legroom
- Boot hinges reduce cargo space
Review: Mitsubishi CE.I Lancer (1996-98)
Overview
Released in June 1996, the Mitsubishi CE Series I (CE.I) Lancer was available as a small sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Kurashiki, Japan, the front-wheel drive Lancer was powered by 1.5- and 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines (the GLi and GLXi variants, respectively). Transmission choices consisted of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic unit.
Compared to its CC Lancer predecessor, the CE Lancer sedan was 35 mm longer (at 4290 mm), the same width (1690 mm), 10 mm taller (1395 mm) and the same length wheelbase (2500 mm). Relative to the sedans, the wagon models were 15 mm shorter (at 4275 mm) and 25 mm taller (1420 mm).
The CE Lancer sedan had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension; wagon models, however, had a three-link U-beam rear axle with trailing arms.
| Body | Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | GLi | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
69 kW at 5500 rpm | 126 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| Sedan, wagon |
GLXi | 1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
86 kW at 5500 rpm | 161 Nm at 4500 rpm |
Features
Standard features for the Lancer GLi included a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.
The Lancer GLXi was further equipped with a four speaker sound system, central locking and power mirrors.
Review: Mitsubishi CE.II Lancer (1998-99)
Overview
Released in August 1998, the CE Series II (CE.II) Lancer could be identified by its new grille and headlights; GLi variants were also fitted with body-coloured bumpers (previously restricted to the GLXi). Inside, there were also minor cabin trim changes.
| Body | Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | GLi | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
69 kW at 5500 rpm | 126 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| Sedan, wagon |
GLXi | 1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
86 kW at 5500 rpm | 161 Nm at 4500 rpm |
Features
Compared to its CE.I predecessor, standard features were extended to include a four speaker sound system; the Lancer GLXi variants were also equipped with power windows.
Review: Mitsubishi CE.III Lancer (1999-03)
Overview
Released in October 1999, the CE Series III (CE.III) Lancer was fitted with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and 14-inch wheels with 185/65 R14 tyres as standard. Visually, the CE.III Lancer could be identified by its restyled boot lid and new number plate garnish; the GLXi variants were also fitted with body-coloured door mirrors and handles.
| Body | Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | GLi | 1999-03 | 1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
86 kW at 5500 rpm | 161 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| VRX | 1999-00 | |||||
| Limited Edition | 2001 | |||||
| LRX-1 | 2001 | |||||
| C’wealth Games | 2002 | |||||
| GLXi | 1999-02 | |||||
| Wagon | GLXi | 1999-03 | 1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
86 kW at 5500 rpm | 161 Nm at 4500 rpm |
Features
Compared to its CE.II predecessor, standard features for the CE.III Lancer were extended to include a CD player, air conditioning and central locking.
In September 2001, standard features were extended to include power mirrors and a height adjustable driver’s seat; cosmetic changes included new 14-inch wheel covers.
From November 2001, a driver’s airbag and remote central locking were fitted as standard across the range.
Mitsubishi Lancer VRX
The VRX was initially released as a limited-run variant in October 1999, but returned in April 2000 and October 2000. Compared to the GLi, the VRX was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels and rear spoiler; the VRX could also be identified by its white-faced instrument dials, black interior with blue/black seat trim, chrome grille, extended front air dam and brightly finished exhaust extension.
2001 Lancer LRX-1
In May 2001, a limited-run LRX-1 variant was released. Compared to the GLi, the LRX-1 was distinguished by its unique 14-inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD changer and rear spoiler.
2001 Lancer Limited Edition
In November 2001, a Limited Edition variant was released. Incorporating the September and November 2001 changes, the Limited Edition was differentiated from the GLi by its 14-inch alloy wheels, white-faced instrument dials, body-coloured door handles, full body kit (including front, side and rear air dams), brightly finished exhaust extension and rear deck spoiler.
2002 Lancer Commonwealth Games Edition
In March 2002, a limited-run Commonwealth Games Edition variant was released; compared to the GLi, it featured 14-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer and rear spoiler.
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