- Durable and economical powertrains
- Good ride/handling balance
- Supportive front seats
- Performance of 1.5-litre engine only adequate
- Limited rear seat access
- Boot hinges reduce cargo space
Review: Mitsubishi CE.I Lancer coupe (1996-98)
Overview
Released in June 1996, the Mitsubishi CE Series I (CE.I) Lancer coupe was a small, two-door coupe. Manufactured in Kurashiki, Japan, the front-wheel drive Lancer coupe was available with 1.5-litre engines for the GLi variants and 1.8-litre engines for the GLXi and MR variants. Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and four-speed automatic units.
Compared to the CE Lancer sedan on which it was based, the CE Lancer coupe was 20 mm shorter (at 4270 mm), the same width (1690 mm), 30 mm lower (1365 mm) and had an 85 mm shorter wheelbase (2415 mm). The CE Lancer coupe was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLi | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
69 kW at 5500 rpm | 126 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| GLXi, MR |
1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
86 kW at 5500 rpm | 161 Nm at 4500 rpm |
Features: Lancer GLi, GLXi and MR
Standard features for the Lancer Coupe GLi included a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. Beyond this, the GLXi added a four speaker sound system, central locking and power mirrors.
The Lancer Coupe MR was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and power windows; the MR was also fitted with a body kit and rear spoiler.
Review: Mitsubishi CE.II Lancer coupe (1998-99)
Overview
Released in August 1998, the CE Series II (CE.II) Lancer coupe introduced minor updates with a sequential shift function for the automatic transmission and body-coloured mirrors for MR variants.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLi | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
69 kW at 5500 rpm | 126 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| GLXi, MR |
1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
86 kW at 5500 rpm | 161 Nm at 4500 rpm |
Features
Compared to their CE.I predecessors, standard features for the CE.II Lancer coupe were extended to include a four speaker sound system.
Review: Mitsubishi CE.III Lancer coupe (1999-01)
Overview
Released in October 1999, the CE Series III (CE.III) Lancer coupe could be identified by its restyled boot lid with new number plate garnish and 14-inch wheels with 185/65 R14 tyres were fitted as standard across the range. Furthermore, the GLXi and MR were fitted with body-coloured door mirrors and handles; the MR also received new 14-inch alloy wheel designs and a bright exhaust extension. Inside, the GLi was fitted with a tachometer, while the MR received white-faced instrument dials and a carbon centre instrument panel.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLi | 1999-01 | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
69 kW at 5500 rpm | 126 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| Limited Edition | 2001 | ||||
| LRX-1 | 2001 | ||||
| VRX | 1999-00 | ||||
| GLi | 2001 | 1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
86 kW at 5500 rpm | 161 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| GLXi, MR |
1999-01 |
Features
Compared to its CE.II predecessor, standard features for the CE.III Lancer coupe were extended to include a CD player and air conditioning.
Lancer VRX Coupe
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 Coupe
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.
Limited Edition
In May 2001, a Limited Edition variant was released. Compared to the GLi, the Limited Edition featured 14-inch alloy wheels and CD player with a six-disc CD changer; it was also fitted with a rear spoiler.
Review: Mitsubishi CE.IV Lancer coupe (2001-03)
Overview
Released in August 2001, the CE Series IV (CE.IV) Lancer coupe introduced a revised range as the GLXi variant was discontinued and the GLi was available with a 1.8-litre engine.
Visually, the CE.IV Lancer coupe could be identified by its new front bumper and grille; the MR was also fitted with round fog lights. Inside, there were new trims and the MR received Evo VI-style interior trim material.
| Engine | Variant | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-litre petrol I4 | GLi | 2001-03 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
69 kW at 5500 rpm | 126 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| 1.8-litre petrol I4 | GLi, MR |
2001-03 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
86 kW at 5500 rpm | 161 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| Limited Edition | 2001 | ||||
| C’wealth Games | 2002 |
Safety equipment
Compared to its CE.III predecessor, safety equipment for the CE.IV Lancer coupe was initially unchanged. From November 2001, however, a driver’s airbag was fitted as standard.
Features
Standard features were extended to include central locking, while MR variants were further equipped with a six-disc CD changer and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob.
2001 Lancer Limited Edition
In November 2001, a Limited Edition variant was released. Compared to the GLi, the Limited Edition was further equipped with 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 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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