Opening The Door On Next-generation Lancer

The Age

Wednesday August 31, 2005

CAMERON McGAVIN

WHILE Mitsubishi has just released its updated version of the Lancer and performance sibling the EVO IX, the company's Concept Sportback show car seen here closely previews the look of the all-new Lancer range, expected in 2007.

Due to make its public debut next month, the Concept Sportback's gaping front airdam, all-glass roof, diffuser-style rear bumper, twin exhausts and mammoth wheels are pure show-car fantasy, but the basic five-door profile - not seen on a Lancer since the late 1990s - and core graphics are expected to make it to the production car.

The next-generation Lancer will take on the small-car establishment with a five-door hatch version, a variant that hasn't been available in the range since the early 1990s.

As to whether a five-door will complement or replace the sedan and wagon variants that make up the current-generation Lancer range, Mitsubishi isn't prepared to say. However, we believe the company will offer more than one Lancer body style in an attempt to match multi-bodied rivals such as Holden's Astra, Ford's Focus and Mazda's 3.

The next Lancer will be built using an all-new shared platform. With the current-generation Lancer recently picking up a bigger 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine to complement 2.0-litre models, there could be more than one engine option.

With the new Lancer not due overseas until 2007, and Mitsubishi Motors Australia keeping future model plans close to its chest, confirmation of its arrival here is some time away.

As one of MMA's four core products, we predict it will make it to Australia sooner rather than later after its debut. -- CAMERON McGAVIN