Mitsubishi has added a new model to the 2012 Lancer lineup, the Lancer SE with All-Wheel Control (AWC), the Mitsubishi version of All Wheel Drive. The SE joins the DE, ES, GT and Ralliart trim levels in the Sedan body style, but it’s not offered as a Hatchback, which comes only in the ES and GT trims.
The AWC feature allows the new Lancer SE to deliver a sportier ride and better performance from the 2.4-liter 168 hp fourcylinder engine with MIVEC variable valve-timing technology.
The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that aids fuel efficiency and performance. Heated front seats and side mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and a chrome lower grille are standard equipment on the SE.
The Ralliart is at the top of the Mitsubishi Lancer compact sports sedan lineup, and it’s the most popular and most expensive version. It’s powered by a 2.0- liter, 237 hp turbocharged and intercooled MIVEC-equipped four-cylinder engine, and paired with a lightning-fast six-speed automatic manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST).
In addition to full-time all-wheel control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD), it comes with a front helical limited- slip differential, a rear limited-slip differential and Hill Start Assist (HSA), which allows the vehicle to remain in a stationary position on the slope.
Standard amenities on the 2012 Lancer Ralliart include premium sport fabric seating surfaces, an aluminum hood with heat extractor vent, chrome side lower door molding, and leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, shift knob and shift boot. Like the Lancer GT, the Lancer Ralliart has an optional Touring package that adds a backup camera system with display screen inside the rearview mirror for the 2012 model year.
At the lower end of the 2012 Lancer lineup is the GT model, which comes with the same four-cylinder engine as the SE, though mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) with INVEC-III (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control system) is optional. The CVT-equipped Lancer GT also includes Sportronic shifting via magnesium- alloy steering wheel paddle shifters.
Additional standard equipment on the Lancer GT includes newly designed 18- inch alloy wheels, new interior fabric and instrument panel trim, a sporty front fascia from the Lancer Ralliart model, a sporttuned suspension, six-speaker audio system, sport front bucket seats, automatic climate control, Mitsubishi’s FAST-key with panic feature and leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake. Pricing on the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ranges from $15,695 to $27,995.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
