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NEWS ROAD TESTS |
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NEWS ROAD TESTS |
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 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer LS - CH series |
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29th August, 2005 Mitsubishi’s popular Lancer sedan has been riding high in the sales stakes in the fiercely competitive 'Small Car' market segment, and is now set to increase its attractiveness to Australian motorists with the release of the ’06 model year upgrade that introduces a 2.4 litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi’s proprietory variable valve timing) engine to the range. Increasing power by 25% to 115 kW at 5,750 rpm, and torque by 27% to 220 Nm at 3,500 rpm, the 2.4 litre engine was initially introduced to Australia with the release of the Grandis people-mover in May 2004, and was also placed in the Outlander later the same year. It has proved to be a great engine in those applications, and is sure to provide dazzling performance in Lancer due to its much lighter weight. It is standard on LS and VR-X models, and optional on ES. It is Euro 3 compliant. The MIVEC system provides the engine with intake cams for a low-speed mode (in which the two intake valves of each cylinder have a different lift) and intake cams for a high-speed mode (in which both intake valves have equally high lift), and it selects the cams as necessary. When the engine speed is relatively low the valve-lift difference boosts in-cylinder flows, thereby stabilising combustion and giving low fuel consumption, low emissions and high torque. When the engine speed becomes relatively high, increases in the valve-open duration and valve lift give relatively large air intake volumes and increased output. In order to satisfy budget conscious consumers Mitsubishi is retaining its trusty 2.0 litre 16-valve SOHC fuel-injected four-cylinder engine in the ES entry model. This engine generates 92 kW of power at 5,500 rpm and 173 Nm of torque at 4,250 rpm. However, it is not only an engine story with the latest Lancer upgrade. The model line-up has been overhauled, and the top-of-the-line Exceed has been deleted. Other models now get additional features on top of their already extensive list. The ES gets a chrome rim on the grille on the outside, while a sporty black mono-tone interior trim treatment, driver vanity mirror with ticket holder and cruise control have been added as standard features. The 2.4 litre ES gets 15” wheels with ABS with EBD, full wheel covers, power windows (on all windows), white-faced instrument cluster and optional 4-speed automatic with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential shifting option as standard equipment. Mid-range LS also comes in for a freshen-up and gets the chrome rim on the grille, 15” alloy wheels and standard sized bumpers front and rear (the rear was formerly an extended bumper) for a sportier external appearance. Inside, a driver’s vanity mirror with ticket holder, black mono-tone trim treatment, 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear-shift knob and handbrake lever grip, cloth centre console lid, black woodprint instrument panel garnish and dark titanium-look centre panel have all been added for a more luxurious, integrated look. A 2-DIN premium AM/FM audio system with a 6-CD in-dash stacker and six speakers, automatic climate control air conditioning and an air pollen filter complete the interior package. The sporty VR-X models will now look even sportier with their Evo-influenced mesh grille and standard sized bumpers (the rear was formerly and extended bumper). Inside, a driver’s vanity mirror with ticket holder, black mono-tone interior trim, sporty front seats with see-through head rests, aluminium sports pedals, cloth centre console lid, and silver mesh instrument panel garnish have all been added. A 2-DIN premium AM/FM audio system with a 6-CD in-dash stacker with six speakers, automatic climate control air conditioning and an air pollen filter have also been added. When added to Lancer’s already impressive list of standard features – power steering, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, engine immobiliser, driver and passenger air bags, independent suspension, variable intermittent wipers, 3-point front ELR seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, adjustable front seat belt anchorage points, and 3-point ELR / ALR rear seat belts in all positions – it makes an impressive value for money story. The introduction of the 2.4 litre engine has also seen an upgrading of the braking package, with 276mm ventilated disc brakes fitted to the front, and 262mm solid discs fitted to the rear to ensure safe, consistent, straight-line braking in all situations. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is fitted as standard on all 2.4 litre models. The colour palette has been revised with two new colours added. It is now White Solid, Yellow Solid, Red Solid (new colour), Cool Silver Metallic, Effect Grey Mica (new colour), Dark Blue Mica, and Black Mica.
Mitsubishi Lancer has been a firm favourite of Australian motorists for three decades, commencing with the LA Lancer series in the early 1970s. This popularity has continued through the various generations of models, but particularly with the release of the CC/CE series due to the stylish two-door coupe variant. The release of the current bigger-bodies CG/CH series has seen the sedan variant continue to grow in popularity. Perhaps it is the rally heritage that the car boasts, as the superbly engineered street car takes its cue from Mitsubishi’s rally bred Lancer Evolution that has earned its reputation on the world circuit. The street Lancer embodies the same durability as the rally car. Or, perhaps it is the great value-for-money motoring and stylish good looks the cars offers. Whatever the reason for the car’s popularity, it will only improve with the release of the ’06 model year upgrade that includes a number of significant enhancements to an already attractive package. The small car market has enjoyed substantial growth, doubling in size in the last 10 years. This market has now passed the large car market as the largest single market segment, and represents the major factor in record passenger car markets in recent years.
The model line-up has been revised for the ’06 upgrade. The model line-up is now: ES
LS
VRX
Although one of the major enhancements to the ’06 Lancer upgrade is the introduction of the 2.4 litre MIVEC engine there have been many other enhancements to the model range. They are outlined below. ES
(NOTE: ABS with EBD, 4-wheel disc brakes, power windows, white-faced instrument cluster, ‘Sports Mode’ 4-speed automatic are all standard on the 2.4 litre model) LS
VR-X
The big news for the ’06 Lancer upgrade is the introduction of the 2.4 MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic Control) variable valve timing engine across the range. The entry model is still available with the trusty 2.0 litre 16-valve SOHC fuel-injected four-cylinder engine that develops 92kW of power at 5500rpm and 173Nm of torque at 4250rpm, and the 2.4 MIVEC engine is optional. The 2.4 litre MIVEC engine is optional on the ES, and standard on the LS and VR-X models. First introduced to Australia with the Grandis in May 2004, and then subsequently included in the ’04 Outlander, the 4G69 series 2.4 litre engine develops 25% more power, and 27% more torque than the 2.0 litre engine. Maximum power of 115 kW is generated at 5,750 rpm, and maximum torque of 220Nm is developed at 3,500 rpm. The MIVEC system provides the engine with intake cams for a low-speed mode (in which the two intake valves of each cylinder have a different lift) and intake cams for a high-speed mode (in which both intake valves have equally high lift), and it selects the cams as necessary. When the engine speed is relatively low the valve-lift difference boosts in-cylinder flows, thereby stabilising combustion and giving low fuel consumption, low emissions and high torque. When the engine speed becomes relatively high, increases in the valve-open duration and valve lift give relatively large air intake volumes and increased output. Switching of the cams occurs at 3,500 rpm. A five-speed all-syncromesh manual transmission is standard, while a ‘Smart Logic’ four-speed automatic is optional across all models. The automatic transmission is Mitsubishi’s acclaimed INVECS II automatic, and has ‘Sports Mode’ tiptronic-style sequential shifting on 2.4 litre engine models. The ratios for the five-speed manual are:
The gearshift paddles that were previously on the steering wheel of VR-X automatic models have been deleted in favour of cruise control. The front suspension is the tried-and-tested MacPherson strut with coil springs, gas-filled hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers, and stabiliser bar. The rear suspension is an independent trailing arm multi-link arrangement with coil springs, hydraulic cylindrical double-acting shock absorbers and stabiliser bar. VR-X models have a 15mm lowered sports suspension and a front strut tower brace fitted as standard. Brakes fitted to the 2.0 litre ES are 262mm ventilated discs with single pot calipers at the front, and 203mm drums at the rear. However, all models fitted with the 2.4 litre MIVEC engine receive a substantially upgraded braking package to match the increased dynamic performance of the car and ensure consistent, fade-free stopping. The front brakes are 276mm ventilated discs with single pot caliper, while the rear brakes are 262mm solid discs with single pot caliper. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard. Steel 14” rims with full-size wheel covers shod with 185/65R14 steel belted radials are fitted to the ES 2.0 litre model, and 15” steel rims with a new design full-size wheel cover is standard when the 2.4 litre engine is optioned. In this case 195/55R15 tyres are fitted. For the Lancer LS, 15” 6-spoke alloy rims are standard fitment and are shod with 195/55R15 steel belted radial tyres. VR-X models retain their 16” alloy wheels shod with 195/50R16 lower profile steel belted radials. Lancer’s basic body follows Mitsubishi’s RISE construction that allows the front of the car to absorb any impact while retaining a strong, intact cabin cell to protect all occupants. To assist the safety story Lancer has 3-point ELR seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters in the two front seating positions. The seat belt anchorages are adjustable. The remaining three rear seating positions have 3-point ELR/ALR seat belts. Child-proof door locks are also provided for the rear doors. ABS with EBD is standard on all 2.4 litre engined cars. Driver and passenger SRS air bags are standard across the range. Side and curtain airbags are optional on all models. Options:
Pricing
Specifications
Brakes
Steering - Power assisted rack and pinion Turning Circle - 9.8 metres Dimensions
Some previous Mitsubishi articles:
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