Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Unveils All-New Lancer EX
May 30, 2008 by Tsikot
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation takes the compact sedan market to a higher level of excitement with the introduction of its all-new Mitsubishi Lancer EX 2008 launched late this month.
From the outside, the Lancer EX is truly exciting and aggressive. Jet fighter-inspired front grille and slim headlight design contributes to the sporty character and confident stance. The windshield curves steeply forward to a low beltline and looking at the side, one would notice slimmer windows but surprisingly, the view from the inside is good making it an easy car to drive around even in tight spaces. The fenders also has subtle bulges to accommodate the GT-A and GT’s 10-spoke class leading 18-inch rims fitted with 215 / 45 profile tires. Rear end styling is equally daunting to drivers who have been overtaken as they will see a high back with ‘puckered brow’ tail lamps. Complementing the new body shape are standard aero parts like front airdam, side skirts, rear skirts, and rear spoiler. Dimension wise, the new Lancer EX has grown to 4570 mm long, 1760 mm wide, and 1490 mm tall. (compared to its predecessor which is 4535mm x 1695mm x 1445mm) Wheelbase was also extended to 2635 mm over the previous 2600mm.
Mitsubishi Motors has also raised the bar inside the all new Lancer EX. When you sit on the Lancer EX GT-A’s sport type seats, you will first notice a 3-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and magnesium alloy paddle shifters similar to the Outlander. The dashboard is complemented with a carbon-look accent strip which stretches from side to side. All the controls, dials of the auto-climate system, and buttons have been simplified and well located offering an uncluttered personal space. Beyond the steering wheel, two sporty analog gauges flank the multi-information display monitor that displays the odometer, trip meters, outside temperature, engine coolant temperature, fuel level, average fuel economy, kilometer range, maintenance reminder, and a thoughtful rest reminder. Audio entertainment coming from either the 6 In-dash CD Changer, FM/AM tuner, or from the auxiliary MP3 player port can be heard with the Rockford Fosgate made system. 650 watts of amplified hi-fidelity music plays through 9 speakers (including a 10-inch trunk mounted subwoofer). At the back, the rear seat now folds down split 60:40 which is perfect for transporting long items.
The all-new Lancer EX features an all-new 4B11 engine. This new DOHC engine is 27 kilos lighter than its predecessor, due to its all-aluminum engine block and composite valve cover. MIVEC technology (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control) controls cam phasing/timing of both intake and exhaust cams which results to high performance, good fuel economy, and a fatter power and torque band. Maximum power for this EURO 2 compliant engine is 155 PS @ 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 199 Newton-meter is achieved at 4,250 rpm.
Two types of transmissions are available for the all-new Lancer EX. The GT-A and the MX variants will have the INVECS-III Continuously Variable Transmission with 6-speed Sportronic shift mode plus magnesium alloy paddle shifters. The CVT transmission presents the best of both worlds to drivers who often find themselves in heavy metro traffic and have the occasional urge for spirited driving. For the purist, Mitsubishi is also offering the limited GT variant with a sensational 5-speed manual transmission. With this manual tranny, you will be able to enjoy quick clutch take up, great shift quality, and short throw between gates.
McPherson coil struts with stabilizer bar up front and an independent Multi-link set-up at the rear are responsible for making the all-new Lancer EX handle the road well. Damping action has been refined further giving a tight reassuring feeling when pushed hard into corners but balanced enough to soak up the potholes despite the 18-inch wheels. Improved levels of torsional rigidity via the new design and use of higher quality metals in the frame also helps in making the ride smoother and quieter. The power assisted rack and pinion steering mechanism provides a well weighted feel and the smallest turning circle of its class at 5.0 meters.
A major leap in the Lancer EX’ safety feature is the inclusion of a driver’s knee airbag for the GT-A and the GT variants to the standard dual stage front airbags. The GT-A however will have a class-leading seven (7) SRS airbags as it will also be complemented with side and curtain airbags. The front seatbelts also come standard with force limiter and pre-tensioners. Another unique feature of this all-new Lancer EX is the Adaptive Front Lighting System or the AFS which throws a beam of light into the corner of the direction you are turning to. All variants feature High Intensity Discharge main lamps for better driving visibility at night. Accordingly, the GT-A model also features auto headlight and rain sensing wipers.
The body frame has been developed using the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) technology to reassure collision safety and survivability for occupants. Top of the line Lancer EX GT-A and GT will get 16-inch ventilated discs up front and 16-inch drum-in-discs at the rear aided by 4-channel ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
The all-new Lancer EX is available in the following colors: Carbon Black, Sapporo Silver, Amazon Red, Adobe Grey, White Solid, Deep Blue Mica (MX only), and Claysoil Beige (MX only). The Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for the Lancer GT-A is P1,125,000, P1,018,000for the GT, and P990,000 for the MX.
Vehicle warranty for the Lancer EX is 3-years or 100,000 kilometers whichever comes first.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is positioning the all new Lancer EX in the upper class of the compact sedan segment, while its current Lancer 1.6 models will continue to be its contender in the mainstream small and compact segments.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Media Release
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